The Fitzgerald Law Group was established on November 21, 1987, with the sole intent of providing the highest quality legal representation in matters relating to property taxation. This remains our top priority today as we continue to meet the challenges our clients are confronted with.
AV Rated
Fitzgerald Law Group is rated AV Preeminent by the Martindale – Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards. The above described designations are not a requirement to practice law in the states of Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin.
Our Methodology
We focus on the client’s exact tax issue and represent them vigorously with the objective of obtaining a predictable, fair and equitable tax assessment. We do this in an ethical manner and are considerate of our clients’ public image at all times.
Our Technology
In our constant quest for greater efficiency, Fitzgerald LG is committed to developing and employing the most up-to-date technology for research, document management and presentation. Our network system is equipped with advanced firewall and filtering software. The current version of PropertyTax.com, Version VII, has been built on a platform that is compatible with Internet 2 and is specially formatted for display on mobile devices.
In addition to our website, our proprietary property tax database known as Tax Track System, is considered by some as the most advanced in the property tax industry. In fact, many of our competitors have emulated it. Tax Track System is specifically designed to function in the jurisdictions where our client’s portfolios are located. The Tax Track System is a centrally located, multi-user software application and secure database of highly detailed and up to date property and parcel information, all accessible via a web browser.
Use of the Tax Track System is available to our clients with multiple properties. The system provides our clients with secure internet access to their property information 24/7, as well as a sophisticated reporting tool that provides the client with the capability of generating customized reports that can be downloaded in a variety of formats, whenever necessary.
Positive Results
This law practice has been built solely by referrals from satisfied clients. We meet each new client face to face and personally view each property. We establish a relationship with each client on day one. After that initial meeting, each client knows that they can pick up the phone and call us whenever they have a question.
Communications
Good and consistent communication between an attorney and client is essential for success. Our clients are kept apprised of all important developments in every case via written correspondence and/or secure e-mail. All employees of this firm are accessible via telephone and e-mail regardless of whether they are in or out of the office. All of our clients are always encouraged to call with any questions or comments. We value your feedback.
Fees
We charge a reasonable fee based upon the services rendered. Our fees are flexible; either hourly for time incurred or contingent upon results obtained.
Newsletter
Our clients receive a newsletter twice a years, detailing legal, economic, procedural and political developments which may impact the bottom line of their tax bill.
Pro Bono
Access to legal counsel is a fundamental right of every citizen in a democratic society. Fitzgerald Law Group is committed to helping ensure that universal access to legal assistance is a reality. Since our founding, we have dedicated many attorney hours to pro bono representation of property owners in need. Like all clients of this firm, they get sophisticated, responsive, and tenacious legal assistance.
Our Pro Bono efforts represent a sincere attempt to give back to those less fortunate. We provide such services to families who’s houses have been destroyed by a calamity and activated members of the US military. Those interested in such services should contact John P. Fitzgerald, via telephone @ 312-346-3000.
Client’s Responsibilities
We expect our clients to communicate, be organized and straightforward and fair in their dealings with us and any experts we may have to engage. Absent good cause, we require that our clients pay both us and their property taxes on time. Finally, when a client has a question or concern, we want them to pick up the phone and call us.
Privacy
We protect our clients’ data and other relevant information zealously. The information we collect is used only for the purpose of representing our clients’ legal interests. We only submit such data to the assessing officials when their rules require such submission.
Our Competition
In reality, there are only seven law firms that routinely try cases before the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. Fitzgerald Law Group is one of those firms. Please consider that. The odds are good that the lawyer you selected to fight your tax burden doesn’t like to fight or doesn’t know how to put on a case. Maybe that’s why you are paying so much tax. If you are wondering about this, ask your lawyer point blank. When was the last time they tried a case in PTAB? What was the name of the case? What was the case number? What was the outcome. While you’re at it, ask yourself when is the last time your lawyer toured your property and ask your lawyer how can they possibly present a winning case without viewing the property.
Until very recently, it seemed like just about everybody was doing property tax appeals. There were the tax consultants operating in the shadow of the law, the general practitioners who thought they just had to file some paperwork and the dinosaurs — many of whom have refused to change with the times and invest in their practices (a few of them still don’t know how to send an email). Most of these “practitioners” are in the process of realizing they are in over their heads and are “retiring”. If you have entrusted your property tax issues to one of these people, your legal interest are not be well-served.
Our Guarantee
I guarantee an all-out, professional, effort to minimize your property tax liability. If you call with a question or concern, it will be addressed promptly. When the case is concluded, you will be satisfied knowing that we have done everything possible to help your cause.
Sincerely,
John P. Fitzgerald
Attorney at Law
March 2023