About Gertner & Gertner, Ltd. – Attorneys at Law
Attorneys
Caren H. Gertner – President & Managing Partner of Gertner & Gertner, Ltd., is a proud graduate of Purdue University, and a cum laude graduate of DePaul University College of Law. Caren has worked in the Cook County real estate tax appeal field since 2004. Prior to working full-time in the property tax world, Caren spent time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), dedicated to the best interests of abused and neglected children. Caren is a committed attorney and compassionate individual who is dedicated to both her clients and the communities in which they live.
Michael D. Gertner – Founding partner of Gertner & Gertner, Ltd., passed away in May of 2021, with over 48 years of experience in the real estate tax field. Michael was a graduate of IIT-Kent College of Law, and prior to opening his own practice in the early 1970’s, he was employed by the Cook County Assessor’s Office and Tax Payer’s Assistance Division. During his career, Michael reveled in an outstanding record of successes in reducing property tax assessments for a wide range of property types before various administrative bodies, circuit court, and maintained a 40+ year membership with the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).
Our Team
Flo Lawnicki – Senior Paralegal / Tax consultant Flo@gertnerandgertnerltd.com
Flo has been with Gertner & Gertner, Ltd. since 2003 and specializes in industrial, commercial, multi-unit residential (e.g. condominium and apartment buildings), vacant land and demolition/rehabs. As a senior paralegal, Flo is an expert in preparing property tax assessment appeals and is best known for the extraordinary assistance that she provides our attorneys before the Cook County Assessor’s Office, Cook County Board of Review, State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and Circuit Court. Flo is well known for her abilities both in the property tax appeal field and in maintaining strong relationships with the firm’s clients.
Chrissy Carter – Paralegal / Tax Consultant Chrissy@gertnerandgertnerltd.com
Chrissy has worked at Gertner & Gertner, Ltd. since 2005 and has extensive experience in real estate tax assessment matters for a wide variety of property types. While Chrissy particularly specializes in the residential field, she also works with senior paralegal, Flo, preparing and overseeing the representation of our clients’ Commercial, Industrial, Condominium, Vacant and Multi-Unit properties. Chrissy is often admired by the firm, and its’ clients, for her patience and ability to solve property tax appeal dilemmas.
Ada Zhao – Paralegal Assistant Ada@gertnerandgertnerltd.com
Ada recently joined Gertner & Gertner, Ltd. in the beginning of 2023 and works closely with the firm’s paralegals aiding in the firm’s client growth, file management, and appeal document compilation. Ada is a highly skilled professional who demonstrates exceptional abilities in detailed oriented tasks and effectively directing clients’ concerns and questions related to the appeal process to the appropriate tax appeal expert. Ada is currently attending University of Illinois Chicago pursuing her bachelor’s degree in fine arts.
Taylor Gertner –Paralegal Assistant
Taylor joined Gertner & Gertner, Ltd. in the spring of 2022. Overall, Taylor’s role as a part-time employee involves aiding in file management and appeal document compilation, ensuring clients have access to accurate and relevant information. Her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law at Ball State University further enhances her expertise in the field. Taylor’s dedication to her work and education makes her a valuable asset to the firm.