New York/Melville/Tarrytown, New York (January 1, 2020) – We are excited to announce that the Wilkes Law Group has merged with Herman Katz Cangemi & Clyne, LLP (HKCC), with the goal of providing the most effective and targeted response to the property tax needs of our ever-growing client base.  The new firm is Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP (HKCWC), and will maintain offices in midtown Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester to service its clients throughout New York State.

Jay M. Herman and Bob Katz founded the forerunner to the current HKCC firm in 2005, with the single thought of providing unparalleled property tax related services to their clients. Soon after, long-time colleague Andy Cangemi merged his substantial client base into the firm. Kevin M. Clyne joined the firm in 2006, and Jennifer Hower in 2013, adding to the firm’s experience and depth. The firm is unique in its expertise in New York City and Long Island, as well as the northern suburbs.

David C. Wilkes opened his private practice in 2000 in partnership with Jean Huff, after years serving as property tax Special Counsel to several large New York municipalities. Ever since, he has worked tirelessly on behalf of many of the largest commercial owners in Westchester County, as well providing leadership in the appraisal profession as former Chair of The Appraisal Foundation. Wilkes Law Group is now a leader in property tax in the region.

“This merger creates one of the strongest property tax firms in the region and offers clients comprehensive real estate services with the leading attorneys in the field,” said senior partner Jay M. Herman.  Reflective of that regional leadership is the fact that Bob is currently the President of the New York City Real Estate Tax Review Bar Association, Jay is co-chair of the Tax Certiorari and Condemnation Committee in Suffolk County, and David holds the same title in Westchester County.  Jay and Andy have held the same posts in Nassau County, as well.  Kevin was the past chair of the national Property Tax Symposium for the Institute of Professionals in Taxation (IPT), and the former President of the New York Condemnation Conference.

David is also president of the National Association of Property Tax Attorneys (NAPTA), an association he cofounded, which provides real estate tax advisory services to clients throughout the country. This dovetails with HKCC’s oversight of national portfolios for several of its clients.

“We have worked with David for the mutual benefit of common clients for years.  Joining forces with a firm of the stature and reputation of the Wilkes Law Group meshes perfectly with our vision for continued success”, said senior partner Bob Katz.

“This move is a great fit,” said Wilkes. “The firms share a commitment to being able to service the clients’ property tax needs at the highest levels and in every context.  We are not just appeal attorneys.  We assist our clients from the moment they consider becoming involved with a property.  The real estate tax burden in New York goes directly to the viability of the project.”

“We have each consistently delivered for our clients.”  Clyne added.  “I am excited to enhance that service through our shared and collective talents.”