About Sarah Warren
Sarah Warren is an entrepreneur based in Tallahassee, Florida. Sarah previously practiced law for over 10 years, specializing in public finance and legal representation for local government clients, advising on complex bond financing transactions and serving as counsel for various special taxing districts. Sarah was known for her practical legal solutions and sound business acumen. Although no longer practicing law, Sarah is now pursuing independent business ventures alongside her husband, Gabe, utilizing the knowledge and experience she gained during her legal career.
Early Life and Education
Sarah Warren was born and raised in Aspen, Colorado, attending Aspen High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Upon graduating high school in 2002, Sarah attended Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communications, graduating cum laude in 2006. Sarah was an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, serving in numerous leadership roles, including being elected president.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Sarah pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating in May 2010. While at VULS, Sarah served as an Associate Editor for the university’s Environmental Journal and participated in the International Law Practice Clinic, gaining indispensable experience that prepared her for a career in public finance and legal advisory roles.
Sarah’s Career
Following her graduation from law school, Sarah elected to accept a position with American Express in 2011, handling corporate account business development. During her tenure with American Express, Sarah was a top-ranked rookie as well as a top-ranked tenured business development manager.
In 2013, Sarah returned to pursuing a career in the legal profession, first working for the Office of the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, focusing primarily on the areas of community planning and strategic business development. This role allowed her to become familiar with government agencies as well as government regulations and policies, providing the foundation to build her eventual expertise in special districts and public finance.
In 2014, Sarah joined Hopping Green & Sams, P.A, a law firm where she became a shareholder and worked for several years in the Special District practice group. At Hopping Green & Sams, Sarah represented many clients, including numerous real estate developers, community development districts, and other special districts. Her practice focused primarily on community development and infrastructure projects as well as public financing transactions across the state of Florida.
Sarah’s specialization in public finance grew during her time at Hopping Green & Sams P.A. Her representation of community development and stewardship districts included acting as Issuer’s Counsel for such districts in connection with various types of financings. These different types of financings primarily provided for the acquisition and construction of public infrastructure improvements, such as roadways, utilities, and stormwater management facilities, to support new residential and mixed-use real estate development projects throughout Florida.
Transition to Bryant Miller Olive P.A.
In January 2022, Sarah joined Bryant Miller Olive P.A. (BMO), a law firm specializing in public finance law. Sarah represented BMO’s local government clients, continuing her work on public finance transactions. She worked closely with industry leaders and collaborated with various professionals to ensure successful financial outcomes for her clients.
A Focus on Public Finance
Sarah Warren’s legal career was marked by her expertise in public finance and infrastructure development. Some of the key areas where she made an impact included:
- Public Finance– Sarah advised on bond issuance for state and local governments. She worked with underwriters, trustees, and bondholders to ensure the successful financing of public projects.
- Special Districts– Sarah served as one of the leading legal counsels for community development districts and stewardship districts throughout the state of Florida. She assisted with the establishment of these special districts and also served as general counsel to numerous districts, which are special-purpose governmental entities.
- Tax-Exempt Bonds– Sarah advised local government entities and special district clients in complex public finance transactions to provide for the completion of master infrastructure necessary to support community development, including but not limited to the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
- Underwriter’s Counsel– As part of her public finance practice, Sarah also provided counsel to underwriters of tax-exempt bonds, including the preparation of offering documents and compliance with disclosure and reporting requirements under federal securities laws.
- Infrastructure Development– Sarah provided counsel on the public bidding and construction of public infrastructure projects, such as roadways, utilities, and other community facilities, to support the growth of new developments in Florida.
Professional and Community Involvement
Sarah’s professional involvement includes being an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). As part of ULI, she has participated in ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, served as a member of the Young Leaders Group, and volunteered for ULI’s Urban Plan educational program. Sarah also frequently participated in continuing education programs and enjoyed sharing her knowledge and acting as a mentor for others.
Favorite Pastimes
Sarah is an avid equestrian and continues to enjoy spending time in the saddle. She first began riding at six years old and eventually went on to compete on the national horse show circuit. While at Rollins College, Sarah helped establish the Rollins College Equestrian Team and then served as the organization’s president during her Sophomore and Junior years.
Sarah also enjoys several other outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. Sarah has an interest in reading and creative writing, which stems from her background in English. She has participated in several professional writing and research projects over the course of her educational and professional careers.