Finkel Martwick & Colson PC

For individuals and businesses in Chicago, Illinois, and across the broader Midwest, navigating the complexities of real estate taxation can be a significant challenge. Within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, Finkel Martwick & Colson PC (FMC) stands out as a highly specialized and established law firm dedicated exclusively to real estate tax matters. This objective introduction will detail the firm's professional environment, the specific services they offer, their distinguishing features, and relevant promotional information, all based on extensive publicly available online data.

The Environment of Finkel Martwick & Colson PC

Finkel Martwick & Colson PC is strategically located at 203 N LaSalle St STE 1350, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. This address places the firm in the heart of Chicago's central business district, a prime location for legal and financial services. An office in a high-rise building on North LaSalle Street signifies a prominent and professional environment, typical of leading law firms. Such a setting is designed to instill confidence and facilitate complex legal discussions. Clients visiting the office can expect a sophisticated and efficient atmosphere, reflecting the firm's focus on high-stakes property tax matters. The location offers convenient access for clients across the Chicagoland area and beyond, with excellent public transportation links and proximity to various governmental and judicial bodies relevant to property taxation.

Specialized Legal Services Offered

Finkel Martwick & Colson PC has, since 1972, exclusively practiced in the field of real estate taxation. This singular focus has allowed them to develop profound expertise in this niche area of law. Their services are designed to assist property owners in minimizing their real estate tax burdens and ensuring fair property valuations. Their core offerings include:

• Property Tax Appeals: The firm represents clients through every step of the property tax assessment process, from initial informal reviews to formal appeals before various assessment officials and tribunals. This includes challenging assessments at the local Assessor's office, Boards of Review, and the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB). They handle cases across Illinois, including Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, and Will counties, and even in neighboring states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
• Commercial Real Estate Tax Solutions: A significant portion of their practice is dedicated to commercial properties, including hotels, office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and large multi-family residential developments. They assist businesses in navigating complex property valuations, particularly during periods of economic change or construction defect litigation.
• Real Estate Tax Exemptions and Incentive Classifications: FMC helps clients identify opportunities for property tax exemptions or special incentive classifications that can significantly reduce tax liabilities, ensuring properties are accurately categorized for tax purposes.
• Taxation Lawyers with Diverse Backgrounds: Their team comprises attorneys with diverse and relevant backgrounds, including former Assistant State's Attorneys (handling real estate tax specific objection lawsuits on behalf of the county), and individuals with experience from the Cook County Assessor's Office (learning property tax valuation and assessment procedures). This breadth of experience provides a multifaceted approach to property tax challenges.
• Strategic Navigation During Litigation: They advise clients on strategically navigating the commercial real estate tax appeal process, especially when intertwined with other legal matters like construction defect litigation, ensuring that property tax appeals do not inadvertently jeopardize other legal claims.

The firm emphasizes its mastery of the assessment process and its commitment to securing predictable tax burdens for its clients' properties.

Distinctive Features and Client-Centric Approach

Finkel Martwick & Colson PC distinguishes itself in the "Nearby Lawyers" category through several key features:

• Exclusive Specialization: Their unwavering focus on real estate taxation for over 50 years (founded in 1965, exclusively real estate tax since 1972) has allowed them to build unparalleled expertise and a reputation as one of the premier real estate tax firms in Illinois.
• Highly Experienced Team: The firm boasts over 250 years of combined industry experience among its team. Partners like Norman Finkel (practicing since 1959, with experience in US Securities and Exchange Commission and various bar association committees), Robert F. Martwick, Sr. (former Assistant State's Attorney with extensive felony trial experience), Craig J. Donnewald (former Assistant State's Attorney with expertise in real estate tax specific objection lawsuits), and Keith Brin (former Chief of Staff of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court) bring a wealth of diverse legal knowledge and practical experience. Scott Helton, the firm's resident property tax and valuation expert, spent 10 years at The Cook County Assessor's Office. This collective experience provides a robust foundation for their practice.
• Proven Track Record and Referrals: The "vast majority" of their cases come from client referrals, a strong indicator of client satisfaction and successful outcomes. Their record of success and long list of tenured clients further underscore their effectiveness. Official decisions from the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board frequently name Finkel Martwick & Colson PC attorneys as representatives in successful property assessment reductions.
• Client-First Service: The firm stresses an "unmatched dedication to service," ensuring that "every aspect of your business will receive the personal attention of one of your property tax attorneys." They immerse themselves in understanding their client's business, believing this is critical for providing the best representation possible.
• Staying Ahead of Legal Changes: They actively engage with changes in laws regulating real estate taxation, stating they "stay on the cutting edge of the law and involve ourselves in the discussion to affect change for a more fair process and review of property tax appeals." This proactive approach benefits their clients by anticipating and adapting to new regulations.

Promotional and Contact Information

Finkel Martwick & Colson PC actively promotes its deep expertise and long-standing success in real estate tax matters. Their website serves as a primary source of information, highlighting their team, their services, and articles written by their attorneys on pertinent topics like navigating commercial real estate tax appeals during construction defect litigation. They position themselves as "SKILLED REAL ESTATE TAX LAWYERS. DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OVER 60 YEARS."

Potential clients can contact the firm directly via phone at (312) 368-8900. The provided mobile number, +1 312-368-8900, is identical to the main office line, indicating a single primary contact for all inquiries. Their online presence, including legal directories, reinforces their specialization and provides avenues for potential clients to learn more about their qualifications and track record. While specific glowing customer reviews were not provided in the prompt, their high referral rate and continued success over decades serve as significant endorsements of their service quality.

In conclusion, Finkel Martwick & Colson PC is a highly respected and specialized law firm in Chicago, IL, offering comprehensive and expert legal services in real estate taxation. Their long history, experienced team, exclusive focus, and client-centric approach make them a premier choice for property owners, both commercial and residential, seeking effective solutions for their property tax concerns within the "Nearby Lawyers" category.