An Overview of Current Property Tax Issues

Greg was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and grew up at the Jersey Shore. Greg attended Florida State University for his undergraduate studies where he graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating from FSU, Greg attended UCLA School of Law where he was awarded a Dean’s Merit Scholarship.

Greg began his practice at Latham & Watkins LLP. Greg joined Ajalat, Polley, Ayoob, Matarese & Broege in 2009 where he specializes solely in California State & Local Tax matters. Greg became a partner in 2016.

Super Lawyers Magazine has consistently recognized Greg as a Super Lawyer and Greg was recognized early in his career as a rising star by the California State Board of Equalization.  Greg was also awarded the New Member Achievement Award by the Institute for Professionals in Taxation.  Greg has served as chair of the State and Local Tax Committee of the Taxation Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, as chair of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation’s Property Tax Symposium Planning Committee, and as chair of the property tax committee of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation’s Annual Conference.

Greg is a frequent speaker/commenter on state and local tax issues. Greg has spoken at various events for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, at the California State Bar Annual Conference, and at various California CPA Society events. Greg also teaches a quarterly continuing education class on California State & Local Taxes at Cal State University – Los Angeles. Additionally, Greg has authored numerous articles that have been published in the Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine, by the USC Tax Institute, and by the California State Bar Tax Procedure and Litigation Committee.

Greg is admitted to practice in all California state courts as well as before the U.S. District Court, Central District of California and the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 9^th Circuit.

Elizabeth Dryden is a Partner in the Real Estate Department of Ervin Cohen & Jessup, LLP. 

Elizabeth’s practice covers a broad range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, office, retail and other commercial leasing, financings, and joint venture and syndication formations. Her practice experience includes extensive representation of institutional and non-institutional lenders, property owners and developers, private equity investors and high-net worth individuals across all asset classes. With a strong background in finance, Elizabeth specializes in structuring and negotiating real estate finance transactions, including first mortgage loans, mezzanine and other subordinate loans, preferred equity and joint venture structures, syndicated credit facilities, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loans, bridge loans and construction loans. Prior to joining Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Elizabeth worked at the Am Law 100 firms Paul Hastings LLP and Morrison & Foerster LLP. 

Elizabeth is a creative problem solver. She focuses on practical and workable solutions for her clients, collaborating with them to comprehensively understand their business and operations. She successfully navigates complex legal matters while balancing big picture issues with deal specific details. Adapting to meet each client’s unique legal needs, Elizabeth prioritizes her clients’ concerns without losing sight of her role as an advisor and ardent advocate. 

While in law school, Elizabeth was a volunteer for Sanctuary for Families, advocating for abused spouses seeking divorces. As an undergrad, she volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician on the university ambulance corps, serving as a Crew Chief and as a member of the Medical Board.