Ms. Lenihan joined the Firm after 14 years of practicing in Highlands and Martin counties. She has extensive experience in all areas of local government law; including, real estate transactions, leases, utilities, airport, special districts, code enforcement, special assessments, public records, sunshine, ethics, and annexation. Ms. Lenihan has drafted numerous ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, interlocal agreements, and other legal documents. She has also represented local governments in foreclosure, bankruptcy, garnishment, probate, code enforcement, and in litigation regarding special assessments, tax certificates, quiet title, and right-of-way matters. Ms. Lenihan has negotiated and drafted contracts; including, software, real estate transactions, public works, engineering, communications, artwork, and disaster related services.
Ms. Lenihan has worked closely with local government departments and with numerous advisory boards in the areas of Community Redevelopment, Historic Preservation, Parks and Recreation, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Public Art, Affordable Housing, Indigent Health Care, Library, and Land Use and Zoning. She has provided advice as to sunshine, public records, and ethics laws to elected and appointed officials as well as to departments. She has also revised policies and procedures, drafted documents, and advised clients on public records retention, destruction, responses to requests, and transfer of records to another entity.
Ms. Lenihan is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in the area of City, County, & Local Government Law. Ms. Lenihan was appointed as a member of the Florida Bar’s City, County, and Local Government Certification Review Committee, serving as Vice-Chair in 2024-2025.
Ms. Lenihan’s selected accomplishments include:
Revamping local government policies and procedures related to public records;
Updating contracts and solicitation documents to maximize potential for FEMA reimbursement;
Handling foreclosure of code enforcement liens on behalf of local government;
Drafting and negotiating hundreds of local government contracts;
Drafting and negotiating agreements regarding transfer of public works, responsibilities, and records to a newly formed municipality.
Education and Background
Ms. Lenihan earned her law degree and her graduate degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Biomechanics, from the University of Florida and her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Stetson University.
Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Lenihan served as an associate to contract counsel for Highlands County and as an Assistant County Attorney for Martin County.
Elizabeth V. Lenihan V-Card |