Elizabeth L. White

Counsel

P: (804) 783-7258

F: (804) 783-7291

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Experience

Practices

Industries

About

Biography

Liz White joined Sands Anderson in 2017, bringing decades of experience and expertise assisting developers, landowners, investors, financial institutions, local governments and common interest communities. Referred to as a “city attorney for private cities,” Liz helps master planned communities and condominiums develop, operate and thrive. When representing communities, she works closely with management and board members to understand the unique values and goals specific to each community.

By collaborating with other attorneys across the Sands Anderson community, Liz ensures each client gets the legal coverage they need. Whether seeking consultative guidance on employment issues, environmental regulations, or land use and zoning, Liz’s multi-disciplinary support ensures each client receives proactive and intelligent care. She advises her clients in a variety of land use matters including:

  • Real estate acquisitions
  • Financing
  • Zoning and land use
  • Property management
  • Corporate guidance
  • Community development authorities (CDA’s)
  • Condominium conversions
  • Formation of corporate entities
  • Housing for Older Persons (HOPA)
  • Compliance with state and federal Fair Housing Laws
  • Commercial leases
  • Easements, covenants, and restrictions
  • Real Estate title disputes
  • Registration of residential condominiums
  • Commercial and mixed-use condominiums
  • Timeshare associations
  • Licensure with the Common Interest Community Board (CIC Board) of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Her breadth of knowledge and experience across the spectrum of development, zoning, operations, management, and insurance, enables Liz to deftly move and negotiate within a variety of legal frameworks and environments. A teacher at heart, she breaks down complex laws and regulations and assists clients in developing pragmatic strategies to overcome and avoid legal obstacles. Her ability to effectively communicate and work between developers, community associations, club owners, lenders, managers, insurance companies, local governments and boards facilitates efficient problem solving and enhances her clients’ relationships within these diverse frameworks.

Prior to joining Sands Anderson, Liz served at the following legal firms:

  • LeClairRyan, Williamsburg, Virginia, March 2007 – August 2017
  • Kaufman & Canoles, Williamsburg, Virginia, December 1992 – March 2007
  • McGuireWoods, Richmond, Virginia, September 1987 – November 1992
  • Law Clerk to Managing Partner, Vernon M. Geddy, Jr., McGuire, Woods, Battle, & Boothe, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1985 – 1987

Liz has been instrumental in the development of a number of successful master planned communities including:

  • The Governor’s Land
  • HarborView
  • Kingsmill on the James
  • Magnolia Green
  • NewTown
  • Stonehouse Preservation
  • Villages of Kiln Creek
  • Warrington Hall

When not in the office, Liz enjoys all things yoga and yoga philosophy.


Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America® in Litigation - Real Estate, 2013 - 2024
  • Virginia Lawyers Weekly - Go To Commercial Real Estate Lawyer, 2023
  • "Legal Elite”, Virginia Business magazine, Real Estate/Land Use 2018-2023
  • Appointed to the Public Housing Advisory Committee of the Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority by the Williamsburg City Council
    2013
  • Admitted to College of Community Association Lawyers of the Community Associations Institute
  • Inside Business’s “Top 40 Under 40”
  • Honored by special resolution of the City of Williamsburg’s City Council for distinguished service and leadership while serving as a member and Chair of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals
    2008
  • Outstanding Service Award by the Board of Supervisors of James City County
    Recognition of her efforts and commitment to educating citizens about community associations, 2002
  • Speaker of the Year Award from Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Community Associations Institute
    2002
  • “Above and Beyond” Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
    Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, 2000
  • Commencement Speaker and Graduate
    Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula, Class of 1996
  • “Influential Women of Virginia”
    by Virginia Lawyers Media
  • "Top Lawyer" by Coastal Virginia Magazine and CoVaBiz Magazine,
    2018, 2021

Favorite Book

  • Autobiography of a Yogi
    by Paramhansa Yogananda

Background

Education

  • College of William & Mary
    B.A.
  • College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law
    J.D., 1987

Admissions

  • Virginia

Involvement

Speaking Engagements

  • HOAleader.com
    Speaker for various presentations/webinars over the course of several years

Professional Affiliations

  • Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg
    Vice President, Board of Directors
  • Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
    Board of Directors
  • Studio South Foundation
    Board of Directors
  • Breathing Space, Inc.
    Board of Directors
  • City of Williamsburg Board of Zoning Appeals
    Former Member and Former Chair
  • Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate
    Member
  • Community Associations Institute, Southeastern Chapter
    Member
  • Virginia Bar Association
    Member
  • Virginia State Bar Community Service Program
    Charter Member, 2004-present
  • College of Community Association Lawyers
    Member, 2010 - Present
  • Virginia State Bar, Local Government Law Section
    Member
  • Williamsburg Bar Association
    Member
  • City of Williamsburg Public Housing Advisory Committee
    Former Member
  • Hampton Roads Jaycees
    Former Member and Vice President
  • Model Judiciary Program, 9th Judicial Circuit of Virginia Bar Association
    Former Director
  • Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference
    Former Member, Board of Governors
  • Greater Peninsula Women’s Bar Association
    Past President and Secretary
  • Legal Studies Advisory Board, Christopher Newport University
    Former Member
  • Child Caring Connections
    Former Director

Publications

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