Jeanine Marie Herzeg has built an accomplished career in the field of real estate tax representation. As a senior property tax analyst and administrator at Sarnoff & Baccash, a law firm specializing in property taxation, she has played an integral role in various aspects of the firm’s work since 1986. Her work includes managing property tax projections, analyzing appeals at the administrative level, and assisting with real estate tax matters for proposed client purchases. Ms. Herzeg’s expertise in writing and analysis has contributed to her pivotal role in preparing materials for attorney approval, often for submission to the Cook County Board of Review Properties and in administrative and court appeals throughout Illinois and beyond.
Ms. Herzeg’s academic journey has provided her with a strong foundation. She graduated with honors from Mundelein College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in philosophy and music in 1985. She later pursued a Master of Arts in liberal studies from Loyola University Chicago, completing her degree in 1996. During her time in graduate school, Ms. Herzeg realized her passion for law and began coursework toward a Juris Doctor degree at Chicago-Kent College of Law, though she eventually did not complete the program due to family and work pressures. Despite this, her decision to stay at Sarnoff & Baccash proved to be the right one, as her writing skills were highly valued by the firm, and she quickly became an integral part of their operations.
Ms. Herzeg was initially drawn to philosophy and music, she had envisioned a future in music, but she realized that a sustainable career in this field was unlikely. She then decided to pursue law, influenced by the paths of other philosophy students who transitioned into the legal profession. In her first year of law school, Ms. Herzeg sought practical experience and began working at Sarnoff & Baccash, a property tax law firm. The firm was looking for law students to assist in editing reports, and Ms. Herzeg’s writing expertise stood out. She was entrusted with the task of editing eight briefs, and her work impressed the firm’s founders. As a result, she was offered a position to work part-time while continuing her studies.
Though Ms. Herzeg did not complete her law degree, the decision to stay at Sarnoff & Baccash allowed her to fully develop her skills in property tax law. Over the years, Ms. Herzeg became deeply involved in every facet of the firm’s operations. She contributed to drafting and analyzing property tax appeals, managing tax projections for potential real estate purchases, and preparing information for attorney approval. She also contributed to publications for the American Bar Association, specifically editions of property tax books that the firm has been working on since its inception.
One of Ms. Herzeg’s career highlights came when she worked with the founding principal of Sarnoff & Baccash on an industrial incentive for real estate that redefined industrial properties for Cook County. The application for this incentive, which encompassed manufacturing, research, and development, was groundbreaking and remains one of her most significant accomplishments. Ms. Herzeg’s role in this landmark case underscored her ability to work collaboratively on high-profile projects that have a lasting impact on the field.
Ms. Herzeg’s work reflects her ability to navigate multiple domains. Her background in electronics, due to her father’s work as an electronics engineer, provided her with a technical mindset. Ms. Herzeg also worked at an electronics company and in retail at Crate and Barrel during college, where she gained valuable experience in bookkeeping and customer service. These early jobs helped her develop a unique skill set that complemented her later career in property tax law. Ms. Herzeg’s credits her liberal arts education for providing a strong foundation, as it emphasized the importance of well-rounded knowledge. She continues to pursue learning opportunities through courses, such as those offered by the Building Owners and Managers Association and the Institute for Professionals in Taxation and has even contributed to writing for these organizations.
Ms. Herzeg believes that strong foundational skills—particularly in math, analytical thinking, and writing—are critical to success. She emphasizes that even in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the ability to critically evaluate information and communicate effectively remains invaluable. Her advice for others is to develop these essential skills, as they form the basis for a successful career. Ms. Herzeg has earned recognition for her accomplishments. She has been listed in Who’s Who of American High School Students and Who’s Who of American College and University Students, acknowledging her dedication and excellence. She is also an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Women’s Property Tax Association, and the Illinois Bar Association.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Herzeg is involved with St. Clare of Assisi Church, where she actively participates in community and civic activities. Her deep commitment to both her work and her community continues to drive her success, and she remains dedicated to contributing her expertise to the field of real estate tax law. Looking to the future, Ms. Herzeg plans to write more independently for external publications, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience to inform others and share insights on real estate tax law.
Ms. Herzeg’s nearly four decades of experience in the property tax field have made her an expert in her field. She remains committed to providing support for clients throughout various stages of their projects, always striving to achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether the property acquisition moves forward or not, Ms. Herzeg continues to monitor the process closely, offering valuable assistance and insight. Her ability to navigate complex issues, coupled with her analytical and creative writing skills, has solidified her place as a respected professional in the property tax industry