Brian spends the majority of his practice representing for-profit and non-profit owners, developers, investors, lenders and community development entities in a wide range of development transactions utilizing new markets tax credits, historic tax credits, renewable energy tax credits, low income housing tax credits, tax exempt bond financing and many other forms of development finance incentives.
In addition to development finance, Brian’s practice involves assisting clients in all forms of commercial real estate transactions, including sale and purchase, leasing, section 1031 tax deferred exchanges and real estate work-outs.
Brian’s tax expertise involves a wide range of federal and state income tax planning and transaction structuring, with a specialization in partnership taxation. Brian’s tax planning focuses on understanding his clients’ business goals and providing creative solutions to achieve the most advantageous tax treatment for his clients.
Brian also has significant experience in representing all types of charitable organizations in corporate and tax planning at various stages of their life cycle.
Representative Experience
At last count, Brian has represented clients in NMTC transaction involving over $300 million of allocations; and has represented clients in HTC transactions with construction costs of over $750 million in the aggregate. Brian has represented clients in the following types of transactions:
$100 million HUD financed, NMTC and HTC mixed use development
$160 million NMTC, HTC and TIF financed mixed use development
$30 million mixed income housing development utilizing LIHTC, HUD and public housing authority financing
$45 million HTC hotel rehabilitation
$15 million first mortgage loan refinancing for hotel
$3 million Fannie Mae Small Loan Program closing
$5 million LIHTC and RD Section 515 Loan Program affordable housing development
State HTC transactions in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and other States for multiple investors
Formation and obtaining tax exempt status recognition from the IRS for multiple charitable organizations
Corporate reorganization for charitable organization with over $4 million in annual gross receipts and over $1 million in assets
Community Involvement
ULI St. Louis, UrbanPlan volunteer facilitator, 2018 – present
KHVT, active pro-bono general counsel, 2009 – 2018; advisor 2018 – present
Skateistan, pro-bono general counsel, 2009 – 2012; advisor 2013- present
Rise Community Development, YP Board Member – 2014 – 2017
Honors, Distinctions & Ratings
Best Lawyers in America (2019 – present)
Association of America’s Top Lawyers (2019)
Introduction to NMTC, Panelist Speaker, Risk Management Association (2015)
Bloomberg BNA – Daily Tax Reporter, Expert Commentator re IRS HTC Safe Harbor (2014)
Missouri Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Award Honoree (2013)
Law School Honors:
Order of the Coif (2009)
Breckinridge Award for second highest annual GPA in law school class (2009)
Breckinridge Award for second highest annual GPA in law school class (2008)
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Licensed in Missouri and United States Tax Court
American Bar Association
Missouri Bar Association
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
ABA Forum Committee on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law
Practice Areas
Charitable Organizations
HUD/FHA Financing
Real Estate
Tax Credit Financing
Tax & Estate Planning
Education
LL.M., Washington University School of Law, 2013
J.D., Washington University School of Law, Summa Cum Laude, 2009
B.A., Dominican University, Summa Cum Laude, 2006
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 2009