Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Town Attorney

The Town has contracted Legal Services from the firm of Government Law Group, PLLC. They provide expertise in municipal law to Council & Staff as needed throughout the work week and at Town Council Meetings.

Residents who need to contact an Attorney regarding matters with their neighbors, homeowner’s associations or Town matters (already discussed with the Town Staff or Council) must contact their own, private attorney. The Town Attorneys only provide legal advice to the Town Council & Staff as per the Town Charter and their contract with the Town.

Keith Poliakoff,
Town Attorney

Contact:
Town Staff & Council may contact the Town Attorney at the law offices of Government Law Group, PLLC as needed.

Areas of Emphasis:
Municipal Law
Land Use & Zoning

Personal Experience

Mr. Keith Poliakoff is Managing Partner of Government Law Group, PLLC. As a well-known and respected attorney in Broward County, he has considerable experience with all aspects of Florida governmental entities.

Mr. Poliakoff brings with him his substantial knowledge of representing local governments along with his extensive experience in representing parties before local governments throughout the entire state, including all aspects of developer representation relating to land use, zoning, development agreements, and all other entitlements. Mr. Poliakoff is also well known for representing communities opposed to neighboring developments. His representation includes numerous community and homeowner associations, and he has been highly successful in fostering neighborhood compatibility. Furthermore, Mr. Poliakoff serves as counsel to numerous banks, corporations, and even individuals seeking guidance relating to code enforcement violations and municipal liens.

As Town Attorney to the Town of Southwest Ranches, Mr. Poliakoff has substantial knowledge and experience in issues unique to Florida governmental entities, such as annexation, municipal liability, RLUIPA, Bert Harris Act, conflict resolution, the Public Records Act, Government in Sunshine, and laws pertaining to ethics and elections. He has worked on virtually all matters affecting a municipal government, including the creation of comprehensive plans, developing zoning codes, code enforcement, drafting ordinances and resolutions, and he has presided over countless meetings and quasi-judicial matters. Further, Mr. Poliakoff has defended the town in numerous litigation matters, including a lawsuit challenging the municipality’s incorporation. He has counseled numerous elected officials on all aspects of ethics laws, election laws, disclosure requirements, and conflicts of interest, and he has authored numerous opinions on these subject matters.

In addition to his representation of municipalities, Mr. Poliakoff represents owners of multifamily residential and commercial properties on issues relating to land use and zoning, and he has substantial experience in obtaining entitlements. He works closely with local public officials and provides guidance to his many business clients on the complex governmental processes, for example, public sector procurements, affordable housing, developer agreements, and legislative initiatives. Mr. Poliakoff’s annexation legislation, still serves as the model in the Broward County Local Bill Manual for the legislative process. He also has considerable experience with community redevelopment agencies and has been involved in numerous redevelopment efforts throughout Broward County.

In 2005, Mr. Poliakoff was appointed to the Broward County Land Preservation Board by the Broward County Commission. This board was responsible for reviewing all land acquisitions in Broward County, specifically overseeing the $400 million bond issue that was approved to preserve and reclaim over 1,400 acres of open space in Broward County and repair and enhance the county’s recreational parks.

Professional Activities and Achievements

Mr. Poliakoff is AV rated (the highest level attainable) by Martindale-Hubbell®. He participates in many charitable organizations and community events. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Poliakoff was awarded an Alexander Fellowship where he clerked for Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Maryanne Trump Barry. Mr. Poliakoff also gained valuable experience as a freelance producer for NBC News and as an assistant producer at CNN in New York. Additionally, he also serves on the Ambassadors Board of Nova Southeastern University.

Honors

  • 2009, 2010, 2011 Best Lawyers in America (Government Relations Law)
  • 2009 South Florida’s Best Lawyers
  • 2008 Florida Trends Legal Elite
  • 2006 Florida Trends Legal Elite
  • 2002 Leadership Hollywood 26

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Mr. Poliakoff routinely speaks on all matters of municipal government including The Florida Bar accredited course on Government in the Sunshine, Ethics, Procurement, and Honest Services Fraud. Mr. Poliakoff most recently served as a guest lecturer to Florida Atlantic University.

Education

Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (J.D., cum laude, Order of the Coif)
Syracuse University (B.S., magna cum laude)

Bar Admissions

State of Florida
State of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida