Douglas J. Shiell

Douglas J. Shiell is Senior Counsel at Smith Gendler, P.A. in Minneapolis and has decades of experience with property tax appeals. He represents owners of investment and owner-occupied commercial properties, including office buildings, retail centers, industrial buildings, clinics, corporate headquarters, data centers, and distribution centers. His work focuses on property valuation disputes, tax appeals, litigation, exemption issues, and related real estate tax matters.

Doug earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1981 and a B.S. from North Dakota State University in 1977. After law school, he worked at a general practice firm in business, litigation, and tax appeals before helping establish the firm that became Smith Gendler. His background supports detailed analysis of valuation evidence, statutory issues, and the business consequences of property tax assessments.

Doug has handled tax court litigation involving large suburban office buildings, a downtown hotel, apartment properties, and other commercial assets. His experience also includes constitutional assessment-sales ratio questions, apartment classification issues, standing to appeal, and retroactive application of statutes. He has used both court-based and private mediation in disputes involving exemptions, contaminated property, and specialized industrial property, helping owners seek appropriate valuation adjustments.

Douglas J. Shiell has also contributed to the property tax field through speaking and writing. He has lectured for real estate, bar, continuing legal education, and property management organizations and has written on property tax issues for the Minnesota Real Estate Journal. His long practice combines litigation experience, valuation knowledge, and practical familiarity with the industries and property types affected by Minnesota property tax assessments.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Smith Gendler, P.A.
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude

Awards & Badges