John Giokaris
John Giokaris is an Senior Tax Counsel at Rock Fusco & Connelly and concentrates his practice in Real Estate Taxation, Real Estate Tax Incentives, and Real Estate Tax Exemptions. Prior to joining the firm, John was a tax attorney and PTAB counsel at the Cook County Board of Review where he performed exceptionally in all property tax-related and administrative duties; including in all methods of real estate valuation, property tax exemption qualification for churches, charities, non-for-profit schools, and government-owned properties, and in Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)-related litigation. While at the Board, John also worked on a comprehensive community outreach program to educate taxpayers about the Board’s property assessment and appeal process as well as helped develop a multi-faceted media strategy utilizing digital media to increase visibility of the Board among taxpayers (link: https://adobe.ly/31vYVY7). A lifelong Chicago resident, John possesses a diverse background in law, business, tax, public policy, governmental affairs, and strategic communications.
In addition to his professional experience, John holds an LL.M. in Tax Law from The John Marshall Law School, as well as a CIAO (Certified Illinois Assessing Officer) from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute and Illinois Department of Revenue. At The John Marshall Law School, John earned two CALI Awards in State & Local Taxes as well as Illinois Constitutional Law. John was a judicial extern for the Hon. Joseph E. Birkett on the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court and was then admitted to the Illinois bar for the practice of law in November of 2016. John earned his Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago with a double major in Journalism and Political Science. Before going to law school, John spent five years working in journalism – including as a reporter for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – and two years working for non-profit organizations to improve the Illinois jobs climate, education system, tax policy, fiscal solvency, and government transparency.
Position
- Senior Tax Counsel
Area of Practice
- Real Estate Taxation
- Real Estate Tax Incentives
- Real Estate Tax Exemptions
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2016
- U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois, 2020
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, 2020
- U.S. Tax Court, 2020
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2022
Education
- The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, LL.M. in Tax Law, magna cum laude, 2017
- The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, J.D., cum laude, 2016
- Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, B.A. in Journalism and Political Science, 2006
Legal Affiliations
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois
- The Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies