Gary H. Smith, the principal in Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, P.C., is a long-time champion for the accuracy, transparency and fairness in the property tax assessment process.

Over the past 20 years, he has represented virtually thousands of property owners on matters related to property tax assessments and tax appeals for all types of residential, commercial and industrial properties. Gary has saved his clients literally tens of millions of dollars in tax savings through successful appeals.

A zealous advocate on behalf of property owners, Gary served on the City of Chicago’s Property Tax Advisory Council in 2008. In 2006, he was a consultant on a study for the University of Illinois, Institute of Government and Public Affairs on the economic effects of the 7 percent assessment cap in Cook County. He has helped draft numerous pieces of legislation that would benefit property taxpayers.

Gary is a vice president of the Illinois Property Tax Lawyers Association (IPTLA). A past chairperson of the Real Estate Taxation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), he also served as the CBA’s legislative liaison. He is an appointee-designate of the Illinois State Bar Association's State & Local Taxation Section Council for the 2009-10 fiscal year, and a board member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, Chicago Alumni Chapter. He is a former member of the Chicago Local School Council and served as secretary of the Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association.

Gary has spoken to numerous professional, community and business groups on matters related to property tax appeals. He takes a particular interest in helping these groups revitalize their business districts and neighborhoods.

Education

J.D., Washington University, 1980

B.S., Political Science, University of North Carolina, 1975

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Illinois and Georgia, 1980

E-mail address: gary@garyhsmith.com