Prime Tuvel & Miceli is proud to celebrate Sara R. Werner’s invaluable dedication and contribution on her 10th anniversary with the firm! In honor of this milestone, we sat down with Sara and asked her to share some insight on building a successful career in Land Use Law over the past decade.
Pivoting into Land Use Law: A Serendipitous Path
When Sara first joined PTM, she was new to the field of Land Use Law. “Truth be told, property was not my strongest subject in law school, so I didn’t take any electives related to it and, as a result, had no idea there was a whole realm of lawyers helping to strategically plan and build the world I lived in” Sara reflected. Her entry into the field was quite serendipitous, leaping into a role that she now deeply appreciates.
For attorneys considering a pivot into Land Use, Sara offers a unique perspective:
“Take a closer look at your surroundings because I believe that’s the key to understanding Land Use.”
She continued, “Prior to working here, I never considered how much effort went into developing a single building, let alone entire neighborhoods. It is all very strategic, very involved and, more than anything, very important. Once you can appreciate that, you can approach the work from an informed and invested perspective.”
Staying Ahead: The Dynamic Nature of Land Use Law
Staying current with new developments and regulations is crucial in any legal field. Sara explained that in Land Use, this often happens organically: “One of the unique things about practicing land use is you don’t often have to seek out information in order to remain current. Depending on who your clients are, you tend to be living in the center of it all.” The nature of Sara’s client work, often involving real estate developers, keeps her privy to upcoming trends and developments long before they become public.
Furthermore, changes in Land Use law and regulations, particularly at the State level, are often driven by the Land Use community itself. For local regulations, Sara shared that her first step on any new project is to thoroughly familiarize herself with the municipality-specific rules. She also mentioned that her Continuing Legal Education requirements provide her with additional tools, and she uses these courses to stay updated on evolving legal landscapes.
Land Use and Collaborative Victories
When asked what makes working as an attorney in Land Use different from other areas of law, Sara emphasized the collective effort in every success. “One of the most unique aspects of this job – of this type of work – at least I think, is that you’re never doing it alone.” She further explained:
“I, as the attorney, am just one piece of the puzzle. There’s the client, engineers, planners, architects, etc. It is all very collaborative and coordinated.”
This participative aspect is a unique characteristic of Land Use law, highlighting how a strong team mentality is crucial for a successful attorney in this field.
Strategies for Sustainable Work-Life Balance
Managing the demanding nature of a Land Use attorney’s role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a challenge that Sara addresses with clear strategies. “Scheduling and boundaries are key.” She acknowledged the blurring lines between work and home life in today’s world, but values the flexibility to work from home and take time to attend family events.
Sara and her husband share two young children and structure is vital to her. “For me, that means showing up in the office Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 and getting as much done and being as proactive as possible during that time; only deviating from this schedule when it’s a necessity.” Conversely, when she’s home with her family, she shared that they receive her dedicated attention.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Contribution
Forecasting her career path for the next ten years, Sara admits to a sense of open-ended possibility. “I honestly am not sure what to expect from my career in ten years simply because, had you asked me ten years ago where I would be today, my answer certainly would not have been in line with where I am.” She recounts the firm’s remarkable growth, from five full-time individuals in one office to over a dozen attorneys, a half-dozen paralegals, and robust support staff across three New Jersey offices today. “It’s been amazing to witness and be a part of that evolution.”
Sara reflected on her own professional development alongside PTM’s expansion. “In many ways, I’ve grown up with PTM. I started as a novice associate, shadowing partners at hearings and meetings in order to learn anything and everything I could.” Over time, she gained her footing, by managing her own files, building client relationships, and has developed strong professional judgment. Her contribution at PTM, she believes, lies not only in handling matters but in being “adaptable, consistent, and committed during times of change and growth.”
Looking forward, Sara aims to “keep the momentum going.” She anticipates opportunities to take on more complex work, mentor newer attorneys, and contribute to PTM’s continued development, whether through refining internal practices, taking on leadership roles, or simply being a steady, reliable presence. “I may not have a rigid ten-year plan, but I know I want to keep doing meaningful work, keep learning, and remain a part of something that continues to challenge and inspire me.”
Prime Tuvel & Miceli looks forward to being a part of Sara R. Werner’s continued journey and future contributions.
To learn more about Sara R. Werner, Esq., visit: https://primelaw.com/our-professionals/sara/