Gary Hancock

Gary Hancock is a distinguished Senior Counsel specializing in State and Local Law with over 15 years of experience. She holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where she graduated with honors, and a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University. Currently, she leads the Municipal Ordinances and Regulatory Compliance division at Sterling & Finch LLP, advising numerous city and county governments across the Southwest on intricate legal frameworks. Her expertise lies particularly in navigating complex zoning disputes, environmental impact assessments, and public-private partnerships at the local level. Gary's professional philosophy centers on providing clear, actionable legal guidance that empowers local entities to serve their communities effectively while adhering to state mandates. She is widely recognized for her seminal publication, 'The Interplay of State Preemption and Local Autonomy in Land Use Planning,' featured in the Journal of Municipal Law. Readers can expect her articles to offer in-depth analysis, practical strategies, and insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of state and local governance