Melissa Tapanes Llahues is an associate with Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A. and represents land owners, institutional clients, and developers concerning a broad range of growth management, land use, zoning, environmental, permitting, historical preservation, archaelogical and aviation matters.

Melissa graduated from the University of Miami School of Law (Juris Doctor, Cum laude, 2003) and the Florida International University Honors College (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Geography, Magna cum laude, 2000). During her studies, she clerked for the Honorable Scott J. Silverman in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida and the law firm of Black, Srebnick, Kornspan, & Stumpf, P.A.

Prior to her practice of law, Melissa was a grant writer for a variety of South Florida municipalities, non-profit organizations, and businesses for projects involving environmental restoration and preservation, parks and recreation, water and sewer, transportation, and community and economic development. In addition, Melissa spearheaded the successful student initiative for the approval and funding of a public law school as a professional lobbyist for her alma mater, Florida International University. In 1999, Melissa was appointed to the State of Florida Board of Education Postsecondary Education Planning Commission (PEPC) by Governor "Jeb" Bush, where she recommended legislation, funding, and policy initiatives to the Governor, Legislature, and Board of Education for both public and private higher education institutions.

AFFILIATIONS: 

The Florida Bar, Section of Environmental and Land Use Law, Liaison to the FIU College of Law

The Florida Bar, Section of City, County and Local Government Law, Member

Cuban American Bar Association, Mentor Program Committee, Member

Dade County Bar Association, Schools Committee, Member; Environmental Land Use Law Committee, Member

Florida International University President's Council, Ambassador for Advocacy

Florida International University Alumni Association, Lifetime Member

Florida International University Women's Center, Friend

Latin Builders Association, Junior Director

Historical Museum of South Florida, 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society, Member

Doral Business Council, Member