The Real Estate Lawyer You Can Rely On

We Deliver Comprehensive Legal Representation With Competitive Pricing Structures

Aerial still image of the Center City skyline from over East Parkside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a cloudy evening in Fall.

The Real Estate Lawyer You Can Rely On

We Deliver Comprehensive Legal Representation With Competitive Pricing Structures

Areas of Law

Municipal Law

In a city as large as Philadelphia, it can be overwhelming knowing where to go when you need relief; it is vital you have an attorney who knows the ins and outs of each city agency. For three years Mr. Dean represented the City in real estate tax matters, including in the Court of Common Pleas, appellate courts, and the City’s Tax Review Board. Additionally, he represented the city in enforcing business tax and license and inspection judgments. He takes that knowledge and experience to ensure his clients are protected and maximize their relief.

The Board of Revision of Taxes

The “BRT,” as it is commonly referred to, consists of two boards: the Appeals Board and the Board of View. 1) The Appeals Board hears appeals on and renders decisions for real property assessment appeals, nunc pro tunc petitions, and unique non-profit applications. All appeals are considered late if not filed by the first Monday in October for the preceding year; however, just because you missed the deadline does not mean all hope is lost. A nunc pro tunc petition, if granted for cause, allows you to file untimely appeals for a given year. 2) The Board of View hears and renders decisions for condemnation, otherwise known as eminent domain appeals.

The Tax Review Board

Commonly referred to as the “TRB,” the Board hears appeals for various City bills. One of the more common petitions is to waive interest and penalties on all city taxes, including real estate tax, refuse (trash) taxes, wage taxes, business income and receipts taxes, net profits tax, and school income tax. Additionally, the Board hears appeals for inaccurate water bills and denials of refund petitions.

License and Inspection

Also known as “L&I,” it accepts applications for 1) appeals of various violations, 2) refusals and revocations, and 3) denials to the following boards: Board of Building Standards, Licenses and Inspections (L&I) Review Board, and the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

As a former prosecutor, Mr. Dean is not afraid to vigorously fight on behalf of his clients. Whether it is fighting a tax increase before the Board of Revision of Taxes, defending a tax foreclosure in the Court of Common Pleas, or appealing unjust violations from Licenses and Inspections, Mr. Dean has the experience and gusto to protect you.

Real Estate

Prior to representing the City in real estate tax foreclosure matters, Mr. Dean represented clients in a small firm where he prosecuted and defended numerous ejectments, quiet titles, evictions, and lis pendens for nearly three years. In his experience representing the city, he successfully defended challenges to the city's foreclosure processes on countless occasions. Whether you need to close on your home, eject squatters who are trespassing on your property, fight for your house back after someone recorded a fraudulent deed, or defend a wrongful foreclosure, Mr. Dean has the vast experience required to make sure you're protected.

The Philadelphia skyline before sunrise from Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.

Civil Litigation

As a former prosecutor, the courtroom is no stranger to Mr. Dean. He has the knowledge and experience to take your case from beginning to end. He has litigated hundreds of cases in multiple counties, both civil and criminal, since 2010. Litigation can be intimidating: from filing or responding to a complaint, knowing what defenses may exist, going through discovery, negotiating during settlement conferences, and ultimately preparing for trial, Mr. Dean is prepared to hold his client's hand during the entire process, no matter how long or complex.

Expungements

Expunge your record! Stop getting the door slammed in your face because of a dropped charge or old conviction. Recently, Governor Wolf signed the Clean Slate Bill to ensure that for people across Pennsylvania, "a minor criminal record won't represent a lifetime sentence to poverty". As a former prosecutor, Mr. Dean learned the ins and outs of expungement law and takes that knowledge in helping his clients get back to being the most productive members of society they can be.

Wills and Estates

Whether you are a young couple who wants to protect your family in the future and need a will drafted, or you just discovered you are an heir to a property where everyone is deceased, Mr. Dean can help you navigate the complexities of Orphans Court.

Brewery Law

Ready to brew? We help breweries of all sizes secure the proper licensing, from Pennsylvania startup brewers to established brands navigating the PLCB, ensuring full compliance every step of the way.

About Us

Law You Can Understand
We know that legal action can sometimes be overwhelming. We are dedicated to providing you help in language that you can understand. If you don't feel like you understand your options, just ask, and we will work to find an explanation that works for you.

Get Started Today
Don't wait! Contact us for a free phone consultation. Let us help you figure out what your best next steps are. Real estate issues, especially in Philadelphia, can be hard to navigate. The sooner you have a plan of action, the better your chances of taking the correct steps to get the results you want.

Justice statue symbolizing fairness and balance

What Customers Say About Us

Handle my variance for zoning and very knowledgeable and communication was very clear and direct. well informed about information. Zoning was approved thank you.

-Tim

Chris was hired during the beginning of Covid. The case went on for about 2.5 years but the outcome was definitely worth the wait. He kept us up to date with what was going on throughout the entire time. During the actual day of the hearing...He had the facts together. His research paid off. The other attorney, not so much. We won the case. And we thank him for ALL his hard work.

- Hedy R.

Very good, He gave me some free advice that is helping me through a current situation and possibly avoid going through the same stuff I went through. I'll definitely be in contact with him, if I need to pursue going after the apartment building I just moved from. But he took the time out to call me and answered all my questions and even still followed up with me. I recommend Chris! Responded very fast too!

- John B.

Christopher was referred to me by a friend and I am so grateful he was. He's honest, efficient and very responsive. He explained everything really well and did a great job at taking some anxiety out of a nerve-wracking situation. I would highly recommend him!

- Kristin K.

I used Chris for an issue I had with my landlord regarding a commercial lease. He was easy to reach, very productive and was very knowledgeable. He provided not only great service but also comfort in the process. I will definitely use him again in any other issues I have in the future!

- Matt D.

Great Lawyer.. Very nice and has given me good advice. I would recommend to hire him if you need help.

-Jack J.

What Customers Say About Us

Handle my variance for zoning and very knowledgeable and communication was very clear and direct. well informed about information. Zoning was approved thank you.