Rosenberg & Estis Creates Property Tax Department

NEW YORK CITY—Rosenberg & Estis is establishing a new department focusing on property tax and has recruited Benjamin M. Williams to lead the practice group. Williams joined the real estate law firm as a member, coming from Podell, Schwartz, Schecter & Banfield, LLP, where he was an associate attorney.

His experience includes representing thousands of clients in property tax appeals and at New York City tax commission hearings. He has extensively worked in real estate tax projections for development, acquisition, leasing, financing and budgeting. Williams also has handled assignments involving the Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP), 421-a and not-for-profit exemption applications and projections.

“The creation of a department focused on property tax issues helps us to further service our clients as the firm continues to grow,” says Luise A. Barrack, managing member at Rosenberg & Estis. “Williams’ deep experience on tax-related issues expands our scope and advances our mission to provide our clients a full suite of services. Real estate tax certiorari is a natural fit for the firm, and clients will benefit from the synergies with our other practice areas.”

The firm anticipates the property tax group will work closely with its recently established construction department and co-op/condominium department.

“Clients are asking how they can prepare for their 2019 property tax protests, which start in only two months and run from January 15 to March 1,” says Williams. “We expect that within a week, the City Council will vote on the final 2018/19 tax rates, and the department of finance will mail the third quarter tax bills.”

Williams graduated from Rutgers University School of Engineering with a BS degree and received his JD from Rutgers University School of Law.