Joseph Bright

Joseph C. Bright concentrates in state and local taxation, regularly assisting business and individual taxpayers regarding corporate, financial institution, sales and use, income, real estate, transfer, and all other state and local taxes.

A former chief counsel of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, he has since represented hundreds of taxpayers — including businesses, individuals, and nonprofit entities — in state and local tax planning, administrative, legislative, and litigation matters.

Joe is the author of “Taxation,” a two-volume treatise on Pennsylvania state and local taxation published by West Group as part of Summary of Pennsylvania Jurisprudence 2d, which has been cited in multiple decisions by both the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

He also has written many articles on state and local tax topics. A book review of Taxation in State Tax Notesdescribed the first edition as the leading treatise on Pennsylvania state taxation and Joe as one of the leading state practitioners in the nation.

Joe was nominated by the leadership of the House of Representatives to the 2004 Pennsylvania Business Tax Reform Commission. He is a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, is listed in Who’s Who in America and was ranked as a Band 1 tax lawyer by Chambers & Partners USA.

Clients described Joe as “a true state and local [tax] legend,” “well versed in complex tax planning matters,” and having “litigation prowess,” and peers have referred to him as a leading commentator on property assessment appeals, particularly with respect to uniformity issues.

Joe serves on Villanova University’s School of Law Graduate Advisory Board. He also serves as vice president of the board of directors of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Inc. He served as a board member of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, vice chair of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, president of the board of trustees of St. Peter’s School in Philadelphia, president of the Society Hill Civic Association, and a trustee of the Philadelphia General Hospital Research Fund.

Joe earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Harvard University and his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where was the managing editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. From 1965-67, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and received a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.

EDUCATION :

• University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1970
• Harvard University, B.A., cum laude, 1964

BAR ADMISSIONS : Pennsylvania

AFFILIATIONS :

• American Bar Association
• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Pennsylvania Economy League
• Philadelphia Bar Association