William F. Kerr

William F. Kerr

Partner and Real Estate Attorney at High Swartz LLP
  • Business Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law
  • Pennsylvania
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Biography

William F. Kerr, Jr. has a breadth of experience in the area of real estate law, focusing on land use, land development and zoning; real estate taxation; real estate transactions; real estate title issues; eminent domain; real estate valuation; and real estate code compliance. He was previously a partner in the Philadelphia office of Blank Rome LLP.

Mr. Kerr represents developers, property managers and property owners of single and multi-family residential, hotel, shopping center, commercial, industrial, golf course, day-care, prison, utility, cell tower and airport properties. He has successfully represented these clients, in Philadelphia and throughout eastern Pennsylvania, in a variety of real estate matters and transactions. He also has assisted clients in obtaining various development, subdivision, zoning, and related approvals. Mr. Kerr also has extensive experience in successfully pursuing real estate tax assessment appeals, nonprofit real estate tax exemptions, Act 319 Agricultural Assessments and real estate tax abatements in various counties throughout eastern Pennsylvania. He has significant expertise in real estate tax assessment issues for affordable housing properties, and was part of the affordable housing industry group that successfully pursued an amendment to Pennsylvania’s assessment law as it affects affordable housing.

Additionally, Mr. Kerr has represented property owners in a variety of eminent domain matters, as well as with easement, restrictive covenant, real estate title, green building, and storm water issues. He also has significant experience in the area of real estate valuation.

Mr. Kerr has also served as special zoning and development counsel to a number of southeastern Pennsylvania municipalities.

Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law
JD
Honors: Cum Laude
Temple University Beasley School of Law Logo
Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway
MS | City and Regional Planning
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Delaware Valley College
BS
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Professional Experience
Partner
Blank Rome LLP
Current
Partner
High Swartz LLP
Current
Publications
Articles & Publications
Effect of Financial Crisis on Zoning, Land Use, and Building Entitlements/Permits
The Legal Intelligencer
Pennsylvania Municipal Ordinances Target Discrimination in Housing, Commercial Property, Public Accommodation and Employment
Pennsylvania Law Weekly
Pennsylvania Tax-Assessment Appeals
Affordable Housing and Community Development Update
Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Tax Structure Presents Ongoing Dilemma for Municipal Officials
Pennsylvania Law Weekly
Philadelphia Raises Tax Assessments for 70 Percent of City Properties
Real Estate Update
Are Your Pennsylvania Electric Generating Facilities Properly Assessed
Energy Update
Awards
Top Attorney
Main Line Today
Best Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Professional Associations
Pennsylvania Developers Council
Member
- Current
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Pennsylvania Housing Alliance Sponsorship Committee
Member
- Current
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American Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Philadelphia Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Montgomery County Bar Association
Real Estate Law Committee Member
- Current
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Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Pennsylvania
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Practice Areas
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Tax Law
Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning
Additional Practice Areas
  • Affordable Housing
  • Eminent Domain
  • Municipal and Government Law
  • Zoning and Land Development
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Websites & Blogs
Website
High Swartz Law Firm website
Blog
High Swartz Legal Blog
Contact & Map
High Swartz LLP
40 East Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Telephone: (610) 275-0700
Fax: (610) 275-5290