Mr. Bruin practices primarily in the areas of real estate, finance, corporate, Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, and real estate tax appeals. He represents developers and investors in connection with all phases of the acquisition, ownership, operation, development, and disposition of real property, including title-related matters, surveys, environmental reports, zoning matters, preparation of easements, restrictions and covenants for planned residential and commercial developments, tax-free exchanges, ground leases, tax matters, leasing matters, and real estate tax appeals. Through his banking and finance practice, Mr. Bruin assists lenders and borrowers in navigating all facets of lending and borrowing transactions, including acquisitions, construction, letters of credit, lines of credit, operating loans, workouts, and foreclosures. Among his vast experience successfully representing, counseling, and negotiating on behalf of real estate developers, Mr. Bruin represented each of the owners of the Northwest Plaza and Crestwood Court Shopping Centers with respect to multi-million dollar reductions to their 2007-2009 real estate tax assessments. He has served as counsel for hundreds of commercial, residential, and agricultural real estate tax appeals and exemptions before the local Board of Equalization and the Missouri State Tax Commission. Additionally, Mr. Bruinwas counsel for numerous real estate closings for several levee districts in St. Louis County, including the acquisition of real estate necessary for flood protection and various infrastructure improvements. While a member of Husch Blackwell LLP, Mr. Bruin assumed responsibility for numerous like-kind exchange tax transactions under sections 1031 and 1033 IRC.From 1984 to 1989, Mr. Bruin represented the State of Missouri with respect to the buyout of 915 separate parcels of real estate formerly located within the disincorporated City of Times Beach, Missouri with respect to the State's buyout of the dioxin-contaminated City of Times Beach.
