Wilkes Artis Celebrates 100 Years of Real Estate Law Leadership
BISWIRE/March 16, 2026 — Wilkes Artis, Chartered, the oldest real estate law firm in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of leadership and innovation in real estate law. To commemorate this milestone, the firm announced it will donate $100,000 to charitable organizations throughout the region as a reflection of its longstanding commitment to the community it has served.
Founded in 1926 by James C. Wilkes and James E. Artis, the firm initially focused on zoning, land use, and condemnation law. In 1940, Joseph McGarraghy joined the firm, adding his name to Wilkes, Artis & McGarraghy. In the 1970s, under the leadership of President Norman Glasgow, Sr., the firm strengthened its reputation as a leading authority in real estate law during a transformative period of development in Washington, D.C. The firm was heavily involved in zoning and condemnation matters tied to landmark projects such as the Metro system and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
To meet the surge in condemnation work, the firm recruited Stanley (Stan) Fineman from the U.S. Department of Justice. As condemnation matters slowed, Fineman and Jack Baumgartner leveraged their valuation litigation experience to lay the foundation for a property tax appeals practice. Over the late 1970s and 1980s, Fineman and Charles (Chris) Camalier, III built the practice into a cornerstone of Wilkes Artis’ services.
The firm’s tax appeal practice continued to grow in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the addition of attorneys including Ilene Boorman, Eric Kassoff, David Fuss, and Stuart Turow. Boorman and Kassoff were instrumental in expanding the firm’s tax appeal work into Virginia and Maryland. By the late 1990s, Wilkes Artis had become the preeminent firm for real estate law in the region, employing more than 70 full-time attorneys across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
In 1994, Wilkes Artis joined with several firms nationwide to found the American Property Tax Counsel (APTC), helping grow the organization to 30 member firms and more than 100 skilled property tax attorneys across the United States and Canada, ensuring clients receive exceptional representation across jurisdictions.
In 2001, Wilkes Artis, Chartered, underwent a strategic shift to narrow the firm’s focus exclusively to real property tax appeals and condemnation litigation. Retaining its storied name, seven property tax attorneys built the specialized practice that defines the firm today. The firm has since grown to a team of fourteen attorneys and six real estate analysts, all dedicated to delivering industry-leading representation and results.
“While the real estate markets and assessment regimes have evolved over the past century, our commitment to exceptional client service and results has remained constant. As we celebrate 100 years, we are honored to give back to the communities that have supported us through $100,000 in charitable contributions and to look ahead to the next century of service,” said Eric Kassoff, President.
