School’s Back in Session—but the Fun Continues at the IPAI Legal Symposium on Property Assessment!

Join us on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Northern Illinois University–Naperville for a full day of timely legal updates, practical valuation insights, and an introduction to the WPTA’s Valuation Game. Register now so you do not miss out on the fun!

This year, attendees will follow the clues in a Market Value Property Tax Murder Mystery with Jennifer Wadland, Partner at Verros Berkshire, and Gina Matthiesen, Senior Legal Counsel at the Cook County Assessor’s Office. They will investigate different types of transactions, examine the evidence surrounding each sale, and determine whether the purchase price represents fair cash value.

The 2026 symposium features a refreshing variety of topics:

• Exempt Property Update: Recent Illinois Decisions and Practical Guidance for Assessors, presented by Jake Leahy, Attorney, Airdo Werwas, LLC
• FOIA and OMA for Property Tax Assessment Professionals, presented by Tony Senagore, Partner, Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP
• New Law on Tax Sales, presented by Ali ElSaffar, Oak Park Township Assessor and Attorney
• Construction in Progress: Valuation of Improvements Under Construction in Illinois, presented by Jerry Brown, Attorney, Worsek & Vihon LLP; Christina Lynch, Director of Legal, Cook County Assessor’s Office; Jessica Muellner, Chief County Assessment Officer, Boone County; and Kory Atkinson, Bloomingdale Township Assessor
• Value Impact Studies: Evaluating the Real Estate Effects of Development and Land-Use Decisions, presented by Anthony Mule, MAI, CCIM, ASA; Sam Louise, MAI, ASA; and Gary DeClark, MAI, CRE, FRICS, R/W-AC, of Standard Valuation Services
• Economic Development Incentives, presented by distinguished attorneys Ares Dalianis and Mary Kate Fitzgerald

IPAI’s perspective panel, Making the Leap: Public-Private, Private-Public, will be led by Gina Matthiesen and feature property tax professionals who have worked both sides and have survived to tell their tales. By sharing their experiences, the panelists will offer insight into the professional responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities presented by each perspective.

During lunch, PTAB Administrative Law Judges Kristina Mucinskas and Brendan Stark will take us on a Procedural Tour of PTAB’s landscape through a presentation on Location, Location, Location: Why It Matters, along with practical tips and insights that are sure to include important takeaways for all attendees.

Venture into the Wild West of ECHBU—the Ever-Changing Highest and Best Use Frontier. Robert D. “Bob” Becker, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, ASA, and attorney Ellen Berkshire will explore a changing valuation landscape where shifting markets, obsolete improvements, vacancy, and redevelopment pressures force the sheriff to question whether established valuation methodologies still reflect a use that is legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible, and maximally productive.

Of course, no legal symposium in 2026 would dare ignore the increasingly notorious outlaw known as AI—or its trusty sidekick, the Data Center. In The Data Story: Using AI and PTAB Analytics Justin McClelland, Founder of Appeal Zoo, will demonstrate how AI-assisted analytics can be used to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and strengthen property tax appeal strategies—while recognizing the continuing importance of professional judgment.

The educational sessions close with From Server Racks to Assessment Rolls: A Practical Guide to Data Centers for Illinois Assessing Officials, featuring Brittany Flaherty Theis, Partner, Robbins Schwartz; Scott L. Ginsburg, Partner, Robbins Schwartz; Ryan M. O’Malley, Attorney, Robbins Schwartz; and Timothy A. Jorczak, CAE, AAS, CIAO, McLean County Supervisor of Assessments.

Finally, put the day’s lessons—and your valuation instincts—to the test during WPTA’s after-hours “Valuation Game.” This dice-rolling, token-filled adventure will challenge players to navigate the internal and external market forces that move capitalization rates and property values. Luck may help, but sound valuation judgment will carry the day.

Continuing Education

• Attorneys: Seven total CLE credits anticipated
• CIAO designation holders: 7.5 continuing education hours

Mark your calendar, gather your team, and join us for a symposium where serious property tax education meets mystery, adventure, and play.

View the breakout sessions and register through IPAI