Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius has been protecting property owners from excessive tax assessments for over three decades. Our dedicated property tax team combines legal expertise with deep market knowledge to deliver results that matter to your bottom line. We understand that property taxes can significantly impact your investment returns and operating costs. Our Palo Alto office serves as a hub for property tax services throughout Northern California. We've successfully challenged assessments on everything from single-family homes to major commercial developments, saving clients millions in cumulative tax reductions. Our approach emphasizes thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and clear communication throughout the appeals process.

We offer comprehensive property tax services designed to minimize your tax burden while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. Our assessment challenge services include detailed property valuations, comparable sales analysis, and identification of assessment errors or inappropriate methodologies. We handle all aspects of the formal appeals process, including preparation and filing of applications, evidence gathering, and representation at hearings. Our team also provides proactive assessment monitoring, reviewing annual notices and identifying opportunities for appeals before deadlines pass. For commercial properties, we coordinate with certified appraisers and industry experts to build strong cases based on income, cost, and market approaches. We also assist with assessment appeals for properties affected by environmental issues, zoning changes, or economic obsolescence. Additionally, we provide strategic consultation on property acquisitions and transfers to minimize future assessment exposure. Our services extend to Proposition 13 compliance and base year value determinations for ownership changes.

We start with a detailed consultation to understand your property and assessment history. Our team conducts thorough research including market analysis, property inspection, and review of assessor records. We then develop a comprehensive appeal strategy, preparing all necessary documentation and expert reports. Throughout the process, we keep you informed with regular updates and strategic recommendations. If needed, we pursue appeals through multiple levels, including assessment appeals boards and potentially court proceedings for exceptional cases.

Our Palo Alto team serves property owners across the San Francisco Bay Area, with primary focus on Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. We have particular expertise in the unique assessment practices of Silicon Valley jurisdictions including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and San Jose. We also handle select matters in San Francisco and throughout Northern California.