Smith Hemmesch Burke: Chicago Real Estate Tax Assessment Attorneys

Smith Hemmesch Burke Introduce

For property owners in Chicago and across Illinois, real estate taxes are often one of the largest and most complex financial obligations. Navigating the tax assessment process, understanding intricate tax laws, and challenging unfair valuations can be a daunting task. For over 70 years, the law firm of Smith Hemmesch Burke, along with its full name Smith, Hemmesch, Burke & Kaczynski (SHBK), has been a trusted leader in this specialized field. The firm is dedicated to representing commercial, industrial, and multi-residential property owners in their quest for fair and equitable real estate assessments. They have a long-standing history of success, having helped clients save millions of dollars in property taxes. This article provides a detailed overview of Smith Hemmesch Burke, highlighting their exceptional expertise, their central Chicago location, and the key reasons why they are a premier choice for legal counsel on real estate taxation issues in the Illinois region.

The firm's long history and impressive track record are a testament to their deep knowledge and skill in property tax law. Founded in 1995, with roots tracing back to the 1940s, SHBK has grown to become one of the most respected law firms in Illinois, with a focus that is singularly dedicated to real estate taxation. The attorneys at the firm have extensive litigation and property tax credentials, allowing them to effectively advocate for clients in any forum, from administrative hearings to circuit courts and even higher appellate courts. Their general knowledge of real estate, combined with a particular understanding of property valuation, enhances their analytical skills and strategies for tax assessment protests. They have represented a diverse range of clients, from local home and business owners to prominent Fortune 500 companies, including major entities like AT&T and Exxon Mobil. These relationships with high-profile clients underscore the firm’s credibility and effectiveness. As one attorney at the firm noted, they assist in challenging taxes on thousands of parcels and their knowledge of the specific nuances and statutes affecting valuations is an indispensable asset to their clients. Their long-standing reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of experience, expertise, and a commitment to providing exceptional results.

Smith Hemmesch Burke is located at a prominent address in the heart of downtown Chicago, at 10 S LaSalle St # 2660, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. This central location offers unparalleled convenience for clients from across the city and the surrounding suburbs. Situated within a major commercial building, the office provides a professional and secure environment for consultations. The firm’s location is easily accessible via Chicago’s extensive public transportation network, including multiple 'L' train lines and bus routes that serve the Loop. For those who prefer to drive, there are numerous parking garages nearby, ensuring that a visit to the office is as straightforward as possible. The prominence of the address and the professional setting of the office building reflect the high caliber of legal services provided. The accessibility of the location is a significant advantage, reducing logistical hurdles and allowing clients to focus on their important legal matters.

The firm is also committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all. The office building features a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for individuals with mobility challenges to enter and navigate the premises. Additionally, the building includes a wheelchair accessible restroom, further demonstrating a thoughtful and inclusive approach to client service. These features show that the firm is dedicated to accommodating all clients who seek their legal expertise. To provide the best possible service, Smith Hemmesch Burke highly recommends scheduling appointments. This practice is crucial for a law office that handles such specialized and complex cases, as it allows for a thorough and unhurried discussion of the legal matter. This streamlined approach to client meetings is a testament to the firm's efficiency and dedication to providing the highest level of service. It eliminates the potential for long waits and ensures that you receive the full attention you deserve from an attorney of this caliber. The presence of a clean and convenient restroom also adds to the comfort of the client experience. These factors collectively make the firm a welcoming and practical choice for anyone in need of legal services in the Chicago area.

The legal services offered by Smith Hemmesch Burke are highly specialized, focusing almost exclusively on real estate taxation and related matters. This focused expertise is a significant benefit for clients, as it ensures they are working with attorneys who have a deep and comprehensive understanding of this niche area of law. The firm's services are designed to help property owners reduce their tax liabilities and ensure they are paying a fair and equitable amount. Their work involves in-depth legal analysis and meticulous case preparation, whether for an administrative appeal or a full-blown trial. They are particularly adept at navigating the complex rules and procedures of the various tax review boards and court systems in Illinois. Their attorneys are skilled at building compelling cases by analyzing property values, comparing them to similar properties, and identifying any errors or inconsistencies in the assessment process. This expertise is applicable to a wide variety of properties, including commercial, industrial, and residential properties. The firm has a long track record of successfully obtaining significant tax reductions and refunds for their clients. Their specialized services are crucial for property owners who believe their tax assessments are unfairly high and are seeking professional guidance to challenge them.

Services Offered:

Real Estate Assessments: Providing expert analysis and strategy to challenge the assessed valuation of a property for tax purposes.
Real Estate Taxation Issues: Handling a wide range of legal issues related to real estate taxes, including exemptions and tax proration agreements.
Tax Assessment: Representing clients in the process of appealing their property tax assessment at various levels of the government and court system.
Tax Services: Offering comprehensive legal services related to property tax, from initial consultation to litigation and appeals.
Eviction Litigation: While not a primary focus, some of their attorneys may handle other real estate-related legal services.

Smith Hemmesch Burke is distinguished by several key features that make it a standout choice for real estate tax law in Illinois. The most significant highlight is their extensive history and experience, with a practice spanning over 70 years. This long-standing presence in the field demonstrates a deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record of success. Their specialization in real estate taxation is another key feature, as it ensures that clients are receiving advice from true experts rather than generalists. The firm’s long list of high-profile clients and the substantial tax savings they have achieved for them are powerful endorsements of their capabilities. The firm’s attorneys are no strangers to the courtroom and routinely litigate full trials, which signals their readiness and ability to take cases as far as necessary to achieve a favorable outcome. For example, one of their attorneys successfully reduced a client's annual property taxes from $3,000,000 to $250,000, a stunning testament to their effectiveness. The firm's collaborative environment and ability to work with experts in the field further enhances their ability to build strong, compelling cases. These features collectively contribute to the firm's reputation as a highly capable and reliable legal partner for property owners throughout Illinois.

Features / Highlights:

Over 70 Years of Experience: A long history of successfully representing clients in real estate taxation matters.
Specialized Focus: The firm is dedicated almost exclusively to property tax law, providing clients with deep, specialized knowledge.
Proven Track Record: A history of securing substantial tax reductions and refunds for a wide range of clients.
Experienced Litigators: The attorneys are prepared and experienced in litigating cases in a variety of forums, from administrative hearings to appeals.
Professional Recognition: The firm is respected in the legal community and has a strong reputation with its clients, including major corporations.

To connect with Smith Hemmesch Burke, you can use the following contact information. The office is located at 10 S LaSalle St # 2660, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. The primary phone number is (312) 939-0100. Calling this number is the most direct way to speak with the office and schedule a consultation. Given the specialized and detailed nature of their work, it is essential to arrange a time to meet to ensure they can give your case the full and undivided attention it requires. The firm's commitment to professional and organized service begins with this first point of contact, as they are ready to assist you in taking the initial steps toward resolving your real estate tax issues. This simple step can put you on the path to securing highly skilled and experienced legal representation for your property tax concerns.

What makes Smith Hemmesch Burke worth choosing for your legal needs in Illinois? The answer lies in their unique combination of unparalleled experience and a singular focus on a highly specific area of law. For property owners, their tax assessment can be a major financial burden, and having a firm that specializes in this very issue is a powerful advantage. Their long and successful history, combined with their ability to secure significant tax savings for clients of all sizes, makes them a reliable and effective partner. The fact that they have been trusted by major corporations for decades speaks volumes about their credibility and skill. While the provided information does not include client reviews from individual property owners, the endorsements from corporate clients and the proven results they have achieved serve as strong testimonials to their excellence. For anyone in the Chicago area who believes they are paying more than their fair share in real estate taxes, choosing Smith Hemmesch Burke means entrusting your financial well-being to a team of dedicated experts who have a long-standing history of fighting for fair and equitable assessments. Their reputation for excellence and their deep knowledge of the law make them an outstanding choice for property tax legal services in Illinois.