Amy E. Souchuns
Amy has over two decades of experience advising clients on complex land use and real estate matters across Connecticut. She represents prominent developers, property owners, retailers, and municipalities, taking a hands-on approach tailored to the unique challenges of each development, municipality, and client.
Amy represented a regional developer in obtaining land use approvals for a $200 million mixed-use development in Stamford that includes 650 residential units, ground-floor retail and the renovation of a 1920s-era post office building. She has represented national and regional developers in obtaining approvals on various property types, from gas stations and auto repair facilities to apartments and medical complexes. In addition, she obtained approvals on other significant developments, including the $800 million expansion of the Hospital of Saint Raphael campus in New Haven, the creation of a Smilow Cancer Center in Greenwich, and a new boatyard and apartment community in Stamford.
For potential acquisitions or redevelopment opportunities, Amy conducts zoning analyses, and collaborates with engineers and architects to provide coordinated guidance to their mutual clients.
Amy has extensive experience on affordable housing matters. She advises private developers, nonprofit agencies and municipalities on inclusionary zoning in Connecticut, including drafting regulations, preparing development applications, and managing the administration of affordable units.
When litigation arises, Amy is a zealous advocate with extensive experience handling administrative appeals and real estate disputes before the Connecticut appellate and trial courts. She has successfully defended land use approvals for individuals, international retailers and commercial users as well as represented clients in specific performance actions, and declaratory judgment actions.
Beyond her client work, Amy is actively engaged with municipal planning and zoning issues, frequently presenting seminars to commission members and land use staff on topics ranging from legislative changes to zoning enforcement ethics. Amy also volunteers as an alternate on her hometown’s economic development commission.
Recognition
- Chambers USA Band 1: Connecticut Real Estate: Land Use & Zoning, 2023 – 2025
- Best Lawyers: Land Use & Zoning, 2026 Lawyer of the Year, New Haven
- Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Connecticut Super Lawyers: Land Use & Zoning
Professional Associations
- Connecticut Bar Association, Planning & Zoning Section Executive Committee
- Connecticut Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, Member
- CBA Planning & Zoning Section, COVID-19 Taskforce
- International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
Classes/Seminars Presented
- Connecticut Bar Association Seminar, Legislative Update – February 2025
- Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards and Commissions – Winter 2025, 2023, 2021, 2019
- Connecticut Chapter of the American Planners Association – Annual Legislative Update, June 2025
- Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers, Ethics Training, May 2024 & 2025
- Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers, Zoning Issues on Cannabis Uses – August 2024
- Connecticut Bar Association Seminar, Permit Validity – Spring 2020
Community
- Alternate Member, Wallingford Economic Development Commission
