Brenda L. Patten is a founding member of the law firm of Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, with offices in Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Bonita Springs, Florida. Ms. Patten specializes in Land Use Law, Government Law, Administrative Law and real estate development law. She is a professional urban planner and attorney representing developers of major projects, including hotels, resorts, condominiums, shopping centers, new communities and other major developments. Ms. Patten received her JD with Honors from the University of Florida and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Patten was a professional urban planner in New York and Florida. She served as legal counsel to the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission from 1989 to 1997. Ms. Patten is rated AV (Highest Preeminent Rating for Attorneys) by Martindale-Hubbell and was board certified by the Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law 1998-2003.