Raymond Gray has been immersed in Texas Property Tax since serving as Law Clerk to the Texas House Committee on Ways and Means during the initial revisions to the Texas Property Tax Code in 1981.
Representing all types of properties as a property tax attorney and property tax consultant, Raymond’s caseload includes a wide array of tax protests and appeals. Among his complex industrial cases are windfarms, power plants, chemical manufacturing, and commercial real estate. His commercial real estate appeals include hotels, large and small office, medical office, multi-family, and retail. His retail property appeals run the gamut: from one of the largest drugstore chains in the country, to regional malls, strip centers, big boxes and convenience stores. Among his more unusual cases have been one of the country’s largest confectioners, automotive inventory fulfilling a multi-billion dollar recall, several interstate commerce appeals, a municipal water park, and exemption issues for Texas A&M University Systems.
Prior to co-founding Michel Gray, Raymond was a driving force in one of the country’s largest property tax law firms. Even earlier, Raymond spent 15 years representing appraisal districts and taxing units. Raymond’s understanding of the pressures and constraints under which appraisal districts operate, and the interplay between local appraisal efforts and tax revenue, continues to pay dividends for his clients.
Recognized by his peers as one of the top attorneys in Texas property tax, Raymond is AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. Raymond is a Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, an invitation-only organization consisting of the top 1/3rd of 1% of lawyers in Texas. Raymond’s standing among property tax lawyers has led to him being retained as an expert witness by several county assessor’s, and by several cities and taxing jurisdictions challenging the actions of appraisal districts. Known for his integrity, professionalism and expertise, Raymond receives referrals from big four accounting firms, property tax consultants, and lawyers in firms big and small. Raymond’s reputation has led property tax attorneys on both sides of the bar, competitors and opposing counsel alike, to refer him cases.
Scouting plays a large role in Raymond’s life. Mr. Gray serves as Vice President, Safe Scouting for Territory 7 (Texas) of the Boy Scouts of America. Raymond was President of the Capitol Area Council, BSA in 2013 & 2014, and for 10 years was the primary volunteer fundraiser for the Capitol Area Council. Of course, none of those positions were as fun or rewarding as serving as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for many years. As a top council volunteer, BSA recognized Raymond with the Silver Beaver Award in 2010. BSA also honored Raymond with the Vale la Pena Award, for his passion delivering Scouting to at-risk youth in the Hispanic Community; and, with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award, for his tireless efforts providing Scouting to urban youth, particularly those in the African-American community.
Raymond and his wife of 30+ years live on a horse ranch outside of Austin, living the Texas dream.