Chris Pierce is committed to providing thoughtful, collaborative and client-focused legal counsel. He said, “I strive to deliver timely and intelligent advice that helps clients achieve their goals in tax credit transactions while ensuring compliance with the law. I approach each matter with empathy and a collaborative spirit, working closely to find the best possible solutions that meet legal requirements and consider the interests of all parties involved. I aim to be a trusted partner who guides clients through complex transactions with clarity and care.”

As a partner in Lathrop GPM’s Tax Credit Finance practice group, Chris Pierce is deeply committed to guiding clients through the intricate landscape of real estate and finance, focusing on projects that leverage tax credits and other incentives. With a strong emphasis on fully understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client, Chris has become a trusted advisor for both nonprofit and for-profit real estate developers, investors, syndicators and lenders and handles matters in the following areas:

  • Development and incentives
  • Land use
  • Real estate and development
  • Sales, exchanges and leases
  • Tax credit finance

Clients turn to Chris for insightful and practical guidance on transactions involving low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits and new markets tax credits. His ability to navigate the complexities of tax regulations ensures that projects comply with legal requirements while achieving optimal financial outcomes. Whether clients are acquiring, disposing of, financing or leasing office, retail, industrial or multi-family residential properties, Chris provides tailored solutions that align with their business objectives.

In addition to real estate transactions, Chris works closely with lenders to document and close commercial real estate and asset-based loans. His hands-on approach and thorough understanding of the regulatory environment enable clients to move forward confidently, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered.

Chris represents all participants in tax credit transactions, from large institutional investors to community development entities and real estate developers. His ability to see the big picture while addressing specific concerns makes him an invaluable partner in bringing complex projects to fruition. Clients value his dedication, strategic insight and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have a trusted ally.

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became an attorney to help clients navigate the complexities of highly structured tax transactions, and it has been a tremendous honor to contribute to the economic revitalization of communities where investment capital is hard to come by. My practice is enriching because it involves bringing much-needed capital to low-income neighborhoods. I appreciate that the participants in these transactions typically share a collaborative spirit, which aligns perfectly with my approach.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I love playing and coaching ultimate frisbee. My wife and I have been coaching our local high school’s club team for the past five years, and we also enjoy playing in local leagues and on club teams. When not on the field, I volunteer at my church and cherish spending quality time with my family.

Areas of Focus

Experience

  • Advised a large institutional New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Investor on its $16 million NMTC investments in affiliates of the investor and another Community Development Entity. These investments funded "qualified low-income community investments" for Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jefferson County, Washington, Tacoma, Washington and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, supporting the development of at least 92 single-family homes for low-income individuals.
  • Assisted a nonprofit developer with a $10 million project to rehabilitate a historic YMCA building into a performing arts center in Dallas, Texas, utilizing 10 percent federal historic tax credits and a $7.5 million NMTC allocation through a master lease structure.

  • Assisted a Community Development Entity with deploying its NMTC allocation and related loans to a borrower, which funded the leasing, construction, equipping and operation of a Fargo, North Dakota manufacturing facility.
  • Counseled non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of veterans and its affiliated Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business on NMTC loans totaling $13,660,000 for the financing, construction, development and leasing of a 27,000-square-foot recovery center for men in Kansas City, including sleeping accommodations, learning spaces and supportive services.
  • Guided bridge lenders through state low-income tax credit bridge loans provided to equity investors in developers rehabilitating low-income housing in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Represented a for-profit developer's Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business in securing $6,208,000 in NMTC loans to rehabilitate a historic building in St. Paul, Minnesota, to be repurposed for office and commercial use.
  • Supported an equity investor with two federal QEIs and one Missouri QEI totaling approximately $7.9 million to construct an addition to a school in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Credentials

Education

  • Washington University School of Law (J.D., 2006)
    • CALI Award for Excellence, Law & Politics Seminar
    • Journal of Law and Policy, Associate Editor
  • Carleton College (B.A., magna cum laude, 2001)

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Missouri

Recognitions

  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America®, 2019-2025

Presentations

  • Co-presenter, "NMTC and Housing: A Curious Marriage," Novogradac 2023 Fall New Markets Tax Credit Conference, September 26, 2023
  • Speaker, NMTCs for Nonprofit Organizations, Novogradac 2017 New Markets Tax Credit Fall Conference, Chicago, Illinois, October 2017
  • Targeted Populations, Novogradac New Markets Tax Credit Conference, San Diego, California, January 2017.

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association
  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Community Involvement

  • Local High School Ultimate Frisbee, Coach
  • Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood, MO, Endowment Committee Trustee Member