 Email: kearwood@harpethlaw.com
Kristi D. Earwood’s specialization in land use law
provides Harpeth Law Group’s clients with strategic
counsel in what has become a highly regulated and intensely
political arena. While this field has endured unprecedented
change over the past decade, Kristi has maintained a close
watch on the legislative and regulatory developments of
state and local governments. Her knowledge of Land
Use Law; Planning/Zoning Law; Local Government
Law; Environment Law; and Eminent Domain Law is
respected by private landowners and sought after by governing
bodies charged with administering federal, state and local
laws. Many of her clients are responsible for establishing
land policies managed within the realm of the public trust.
Kristi’s keen understanding of the complexities
of land use law stems from several years serving as counsel
to key areas of Williamson County government. This county,
one of Tennessee’s fastest growing communities, is
currently retaining her to represent the public’s
interest on multiple planning and zoning issues.
The following public boards, commissions, and departments
rely on her counsel: Williamson County Regional Planning
Commission; Williamson County Department of Planning; Williamson
County Storm Water Appeals Board; Williamson County Department
of Engineering; Williamson County Water and Wastewater
Authority; Williamson County Board of Health; and Williamson
County Department of Sewage Disposal Management.
In 2000, her professional skills were utilized by one
of Tennessee’s most relied upon institutions in government.
The County Technical Assistance Service, also known as
CTAS, called upon Kristi to provide legal support to its
member counties. CTAS was established by the University
of Tennessee to provide vital training and support for
county officials. Kristi’s ability to offer
sound guidance to county officials as well as her peers
in the 95 jurisdictions of Tennessee’s county government
system cemented her reputation as a trusted advisor in
this field of law.
While her legal practice has focused closely on the public
sector, she has a track record of advising the private
sector as well. Business professionals seeking to acquire,
develop, and market land strictly for commercial use have
tapped into her expertise. Kristi’s thorough understanding
of the state and local laws surrounding land use provides
large and small companies with the insight needed to properly
execute their business plan.
The proliferation of residential development has brought
about a rise in the number of private homeowners’ associations.
Kristi brings a unique perspective to these volunteer organizations.
When a group of residential landowners needs technical
and legal advice, Kristi offers the depth of knowledge
community leaders need to effectively collaborate with
a specific constituency.
Without a doubt, one of the most uncontrollable variables
in the private and public sector today is the impact of
environmental law. Outside of the health care industry,
this area of law is certainly one of the most challenging
to follow. The number of legal conditions placed on individuals,
governments, and corporations are almost outpacing the
ability to administer the law. Kristi stays abreast of
vital federal, state, and local legislative initiatives
important to her clients’ day-to-day decision making.
She studies the technical details and offers clear counsel
in a highly charged and often misunderstood arena.
Kristi’s professional character is paramount to
her skill as an attorney. A member of the Williamson County,
Tennessee and American Bar Associations, she is respected
by her peers. She is also a member of the Tennessee County
Attorneys Association and the American Planning Association. In
addition to her professional affiliations she has had an
impressive educational experience.
In 1997, Kristi received her doctorate of jurisprudence
from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, University of
Memphis, attaining the academic standing of cum laude.
Shortly thereafter she was admitted to practice law before
the United States District Court, Middle Tennessee District
of Tennessee, and the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth
Circuit.
During law school, Kristi received the Dean’s Award
for Academic Excellence in Land Use and Environmental Law.
She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Middle Tennessee
State University in 1994, also graduating cum laude. While
attending law school she served on the editorial board
of the University of Memphis Law Review and was also a
member of the Moot Court Board.
As a young lawyer Kristi was shepherded by longtime Williamson
County attorneys Rick Buerger and Jim Petersen in the principals
of municipal and land use law. Her clients benefit
greatly from the mentoring these two men provided her early
in her legal career.
Kristi, a native of Tennessee, currently resides in Franklin,
where she and her husband Chris raise their two young children.
She and her family are active members of Franklin’s
First United Methodist Church. In addition to her
work and family commitments, Kristi was asked to participate
in Leadership Franklin. She is also a member of Franklin
Tomorrow. |
