Like many attorneys, Avani Patel didn’t begin law school with a clear vision of her chosen practice area. She imagined a career that blended elements of real estate, litigation, and tax, and initially gained experience working in landlord-tenant and collections within the real estate space.
“I didn’t even know about property tax appeals at first,” she says. “But it turned out to be the perfect combination of everything I was looking for. A lot of people think taxes are boring, but once you understand how it works and how much impact it has, it’s actually fascinating.”
Finding the Right Fit in Property Tax Law
When Avani joined Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C., it was the culmination of a journey that had begun years earlier, before she had even fully discovered her niche within the legal field. While in law school, she had reached out to David Wolfe, Co-Managing Partner at the firm, in the hopes of learning more about the field.
“I actually reached out back then,” recalls Avani. “So coming here now feels like everything came full circle.”
The Art Behind the Numbers
While property tax law is often perceived as numbers-driven, Avani has quickly learned that success in the field requires much more than calculations. From determining valuation methods to navigating differences in how assessors approach cases, each matter requires a tailored strategy.
“It’s about understanding how different approaches apply to different properties, and even understanding the people involved,” she says. “It’s something that really comes with experience, learning how things are perceived, and how to position a case in the best way for your client.”
She credits the firm’s collaborative environment with helping her navigate that learning curve and emphasizes the enthusiastic support she gets from the whole team.
“We’re very excited to have Avani on board,” says David Wolfe, Co-Managing Partner. “Her skills, curiosity, and thoughtful approach to the practice really stands out. She is already proving herself to be a great addition to the team.”
From Teaching Dreams to Legal Practice
Before pursuing a legal career, Avani was certain she wanted to become a teacher. She even started her own tutoring business, working with younger students. But during college, her interests began to shift.
“The legal field seemed really interesting,” she says. “It was a little intimidating because no one in my family is a lawyer, but I decided to take that path, and now my family loves it,” she adds with a laugh. “They come to me with all their legal questions.”
Life Outside the Office
Outside of work, Avani focuses on slowing down and finding balance. Recently, she’s been exploring hobbies that help her unwind and stay centered: knitting, gardening, and spending time with family.
A Rewarding Impact
For Avani, the most fulfilling part of her work is the tangible impact it has on clients. She takes pride in helping clients navigate complexities with clarity and care. She’s also quick to point out a common misconception about property tax appeals, that they remain static. In reality, valuations, market conditions, and ratios can shift from year to year, creating new opportunities even when none existed before. That constant evolution keeps the work engaging and reinforces the importance of staying proactive.
“It may seem like a small thing, but property taxes can have a huge impact. When you know you’ve done your due diligence and helped a client achieve a good outcome, that’s really rewarding.”
Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. has extensive experience in property tax law, with a Tax Department that has litigated the value of virtually every type of commercial, industrial, and multi-family property. The firm also advises clients on property tax exemptions, long-term abatements, and PILOT programs. Its client base includes developers, management companies, financial institutions, REITs, hospitals, universities, religious organizations, private equity firms, and insurance companies.
