Attorney Hubert Brandt has been molding the legal landscape in Manhattan for over 50 years. Partner at Brandt, Steinberg & Lewis LLP, Brandt concentrates in both property tax appeals and condemnation, where he has honorably followed in his father's footsteps since 1954.
The firm has survived the Great Depression, several recessions, and 13 presidencies, with Brandt being a staple in the ever-changing landscape. As a graduate of Columbia University (1950), and the University of Michigan Law School (1953), Brandt was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1953 and has actively practiced law ever since.
Over the years, Brandt has been active in several professional associations and memberships, including but not limited to: the New York State Temporary Commission on the Real Property Tax, from 1978 - 1989; the Real Estate Tax Review Bar Association, where he served as president from 1987 - 1988; The New York City Bar Association; the Westchester County Bar Association; the Nassau County State Bar Association; the New York State Bar Association; and the New York County Lawyers Association.
In the nearly 80 years since Peter Brandt founded the firm in 1932—the firm has represented thousands of properties of every size and description throughout New York City, and nearly every municipality in the state, as well as the surrounding states. Concentrating on real estate tax appeals, exemptions, abatements, and condemnation, the firm's client base includes developers, publicly traded corporations, privately held corporations, entrepreneurs, property owners and tenants interested in assistance with real estate tax appeals and related legal issues.
Uniquely utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the firm utilizes multiple vendors to help maintain physical and economic profiles of nearly every property throughout New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding communities. This technology helps the firm to maximize cost-effectiveness and efficiency as they combat over-assessments and resolve related client issues.
Breathing life into the firm's mantra of providing efficient and effective resolutions of real estate tax appeals, Brandt has been actively involved in all facets of the firm, specifically property tax appeals and condemnation. After decades of working on cases of every size and description, he considers the greatest success of his tenure to be the latest.
"You need to treat the case at hand as the most important—the most important success anyone can have is their most recent," Brandt said. "Even at 82 years of age, I still believe the best win is the most recent win, and I always look anxiously for the next one."
For the past 57 years, Brandt has helped lead and develop the firm's team that now stands with over 170 years of combined experience. Recently, the firm promoted Peter Blond to the position of partner. As partner, he will now be the firm's primary attorney responsible for handling real estate property tax cases occurring in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
"In the past 80 years, our firm has only had five partners," said Brandt, "In such a small organization, each of our attorneys must fill the role of rainmaker and client advocate while still being able to interact seamlessly with the other partners and office staff. Peter exemplifies these qualities and much more. We are happy to welcome him as a member of our family."
From the firm's inception in 1932, Brandt, Steinberg & Lewis stands as one of New York's most trusted firms comprised of six experienced and reputable attorneys. What makes the firm and Brandt truly unique, however, is that they've successfully represented thousands of cases, and continue to attract new and larger clients than ever before—all through the most basic form of marketing: reputation.
Despite his practicing law for several decades, you won't find Brandt on a billboards, making YouTube videos, or Tweeting. Instead, you'll find Brandt sitting as his desk, servicing his clients. His expertise and notable record is what keeps the phones ringing and the firm busy.
Brandt's carpe diem approach, and years of expertise and modesty radiating from his voice, it comes as no surprise that he has no inclination toward retirement. With a wife, children, and ten grandchildren, if Brandt isn't spending time with his family, he's working to improve the lives of his clients and the legal landscape in which he thrives.
Building upon generations of legacy, Brandt also extends his services to those up and coming in the field. Considered both an expert and a resource to young professionals who are seeking advice while navigating their own career path, Brandt embraces the future generations entering the realm of property tax appeals.
"My advice to professionals just entering the field, is to do the best you can with the work in front of you—the case at hand is the case that's on the desk, neither revel in the past, nor speculate on the future."
Not many Manhattan attorneys can compare notes from 50 years ago. However, Brandt rarely focuses on where he's been, only where he's going. His legacy lies in his good-natured demeanor, leaving imprints on every individual and case he touches. A father, a husband, and one of New York City's most respected attorneys, Brandt strives to continue seizing the day and providing unmatchable services for many years to come. Tags: