O'Keefe Lyons & Hynes LLC

Chicago (May 1, 2018) - O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC and McCracken, Walsh, Carlisle & de LaVan have merged, bringing together two prominent property tax law firms in Chicago under the name O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC.

O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC was established in 1937. In reflecting on the firm’s 80-year history, Kevin O’Keefe observed, “Our attorneys have continually been involved in drafting legislation, litigating precedent-setting cases and crafting cutting edge strategies on behalf of our clients. We are eager to take on the most complex and challenging matters.”

McCracken Walsh, Carlisle & de LaVan was established in 1958. Its current principal, Whitney Carlisle, brings more than 22 years of experience representing Chicago area businesses in complex property taxation issues. He previously spent 11 years in the taxation division of the office of the Cook County State’s Attorney. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Illinois State Bar Association’s State and Local Taxation Section Council and a co-chair of the Property Tax Committee of The Civic Federation. The merger also brings attorney Margaret Graham and several administrative staff to the O’Keefe firm.

The merged firm will consist of 11 attorneys and a staff of 24. The attorneys at the O’Keefe firm include three former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorneys, a former chief legal counsel to the Assessor and first deputy commissioner of the Board of Review. Attorneys of the firm have served in the offices of the Illinois Attorney General, United States Department of Justice and the White House staff of President William Clinton.

“Joining with the O’Keefe firm creates great opportunities for our business, our staff and, most importantly, our clients,” Carlisle said. “We are excited to continue the excellent work we’ve been known for, and to create a truly collaborative platform for the benefit of our clients.”

In announcing the merger, Mark Davis noted, “Integrating Whitney and his team will add depth and diverse skills to our firm. This merger will allow us to offer an expanded level of services to all of our clients.”