Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom

Skadden Arps brings global legal expertise to complex property tax matters for institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals. Their tax practice includes sophisticated property tax planning and appeals for some of the world's largest real estate portfolios and most valuable individual properties. The firm's property tax team combines deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking, handling cases that require extensive resources and specialized expertise. They work with clients who own significant commercial real estate portfolios, unique properties, or face complex assessment challenges that smaller firms can't adequately address. Their approach focuses on achieving maximum tax efficiency while ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Skadden provides comprehensive property tax services including strategic planning for large real estate acquisitions, portfolio-wide assessment reviews, and complex appeals involving multiple jurisdictions. They handle high-stakes tax certiorari proceedings for institutional clients owning premier office buildings, retail centers, and mixed-use developments. The firm also provides sophisticated tax planning services for real estate investment trusts, pension funds, and private equity firms with substantial property holdings. They advise on the tax implications of property transactions, including like-kind exchanges and complex ownership structures. For individual clients, they handle appeals for luxury residential properties, estates with multiple properties, and unique assets like historic mansions or properties with significant development potential. Their resources include access to top appraisal experts, economists, and other specialists needed for complex cases.

Engagements typically begin with a comprehensive portfolio review to identify properties with appeal potential and overall tax optimization opportunities. Their team conducts detailed financial and legal analysis, often involving multiple specialists and expert consultants. For individual appeals, they develop comprehensive case strategies that may include challenging assessment methodologies, presenting alternative valuation approaches, or addressing unique property characteristics that assessors may have overlooked. They handle all aspects of formal litigation when cases proceed to court, including extensive discovery, expert witness preparation, and complex legal briefing. Throughout the process, they provide strategic counsel on related tax planning opportunities and coordinate with clients' other advisors.

Skadden serves clients globally, with particular strength in New York, California, Illinois, and other major commercial real estate markets. Their New York office handles cases throughout the tri-state area, including all five NYC boroughs and surrounding counties. The firm's resources allow them to take cases in any jurisdiction where significant tax savings potential exists. They regularly coordinate with local counsel when specialized regional knowledge is required while maintaining overall case strategy and management.