Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher's Property Tax Practice represents major corporations and high-net-worth individuals in complex property tax matters throughout New York. Their team combines deep tax law expertise with sophisticated real estate knowledge to handle the most challenging assessment appeals and valuation disputes. The firm's property tax attorneys work exclusively on large-scale matters, focusing on commercial properties valued above $10 million and residential properties in Manhattan's luxury market. They've successfully reduced assessments on iconic office buildings, retail complexes, and luxury residential developments, saving clients millions in property taxes annually. Their approach emphasizes thorough economic analysis and strategic negotiation to achieve optimal outcomes.

The practice provides comprehensive property tax services for institutional and high-net-worth clients. Their commercial services include assessment appeals for office towers, retail centers, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. They handle complex valuation challenges involving income capitalization, cost approaches, and sales comparison methodologies. For luxury residential clients, they manage assessment appeals for cooperative apartments, condominiums, and single-family residences in Manhattan's most exclusive neighborhoods. The team provides ongoing assessment monitoring, ensuring clients receive advance notice of potential valuation increases. They also handle property tax aspects of major real estate transactions, including due diligence reviews and post-closing assessment challenges. Additional services include representation in RPIE filing disputes, special assessments, and tax increment financing matters affecting large developments.

Engagement begins with a comprehensive property and assessment analysis, including review of current valuations, recent market transactions, and property-specific factors affecting value. Their team conducts detailed financial modeling and engages certified appraisers when necessary. They develop comprehensive appeal strategies tailored to each property's unique circumstances, preparing extensive documentation and expert reports. The firm represents clients at all hearing levels, from informal conferences with assessors through formal proceedings before review boards and courts. They maintain detailed case tracking and provide regular strategy updates throughout the multi-year process that complex appeals often require.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher serves clients throughout New York State, with primary focus on Manhattan commercial and luxury residential properties. Their property tax practice extends to major commercial properties in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx when client needs require. The firm also handles property tax matters in other states for clients with national real estate portfolios.