Commitment to Clients and Communities

I became a tax attorney in order to use tax credits as a tool for community development. Although I truly enjoy finding solutions to technical tax issues, I always approach problems with this big picture in mind. I love the variety and impact of my work, having represented community development entities, developers, investors, and syndicators in real estate transactions all over the country including affordable housing, offices, schools, health centers, and shelters and service facilities. Beyond that, the people and organizations behind these projects are truly inspirational. Attending a ribbon-cutting and spending time with clients and community members touched by a project fills me with energy and pride. When I’m not working, I can usually be found around my own community in Logan Square, with my wife, Alison and our two cats Digby and Winston.

Career Overview

Current Focus: I am tax counsel on projects with a focus on new markets tax credits (NMTC) and low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). I also work with renewable energy, historic, and certain state tax credits. I am proud to specialize in representing community lenders (CDEs), and in assisting nonprofit organizations in connection with their formation, application for tax-exempt status, and participation in tax credit transactions.

Highlights: A few projects that I felt privileged to work on recently include serving as tax credit counsel on financing to build a new trauma center at The University of Chicago Medical Center in Hyde Park, grow the Lawndale Medical Corridor in Chicago with an urgent care, senior adult day care services and a food-producing urban greenhouse, and develop an early childhood education center in Flint, Michigan designed to help address the impacts of the water crisis. I also enjoy speaking and writing, and the work I point my clients to most is Pushing the Limits: Nonprofit Guarantees in LIHTC Joint Ventures, 22 Journal of Affordable Housing & Community Development Law 79 (2013). I landed my dream job at Applegate in 2012 out of law school, after working at an affordable housing legal clinic, two affordable housing firms in DC, and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest in Chicago. I haven’t looked back.

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

• Member, Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law
• Member, Section on Taxation

Member, New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

Member, Novogradac New Markets Tax Credit Working Group

Vice President, VGA Foundation d/b/a VGA Gallery