Philip S. Bousquet

Philip Bousquet is one of the founding members of Bousquet Holstein PLLC and focuses his practice on a broad range of business and taxation matters.

Brownfields & Tax Controversies

Phil helps clients understand how New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) affects development projects across the state. Over the years, he has guided dozens of developers through this complex legislation. In addition, he has lectured on the tax aspects of the BCP for many groups, such as the New York State Bar Association, the Business Council of New York State, and New Partners for Community Revitalization. He has also spoken for the Brownfield Coalition of the Northeast, the American Waste Management Association, and several local governments and professional associations.

Phil advises a wide range of brownfield stakeholders. These include developers, municipalities, brokers, financial institutions, and consultants. He helps them understand and claim BCP tax credits, as well as other economic development incentives. Furthermore, Phil and his team have supported some of the largest brownfield redevelopment projects in New York State. Their work spans Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Yonkers, White Plains, Long Island, the Catskills, and the upper Hudson Valley. They also work on projects in upstate communities such as Syracuse, Utica, Buffalo, Ithaca, Binghamton, and northern New York. Altogether, these projects represent over $5 billion in construction value and are expected to generate more than $750 million in BCP tax credits.

Phil and his team also assist clients with the paperwork needed to claim these credits. They work closely with accountants to prepare the required forms and supporting documentation. Moreover, they guide clients through audits conducted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). When clients disagree with audit results, Phil represents them before the Division of Tax Appeals, the Tax Appeals Tribunal, and the New York courts.

In addition to his BCP work, Phil handles many other business matters. He assists with the purchase and sale of closely held businesses and professional practices. He also helps form new business entities, drafts LLC operating agreements, and prepares shareholder or buy-sell agreements. Finally, he advises clients on a variety of day-to-day commercial law issues.

Experience

  • Advising developers regarding Brownfield Cleanup Program tax matters for pending and completed projects with an aggregate value of more than $3 billion.
  • Representing taxpayers with respect to NYS Department of Taxation & Finance “desk audits” of Brownfield Cleanup Program and Empire Zone tax credits, and appeals to the NYS Division of Tax Appeals and the Tax Appeals Tribunal.
  • Negotiation and closing of acquisitions and sales of closely-held businesses and professional practices.
  • Negotiation and preparation of LLC operating agreements and shareholders’ (buy-sell) agreements for owners of closely-held businesses.

Affiliations

  • New York State Bar Association
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • New York City Brownfield Partnership
  • New Partners for Community Revitalization
  • New York State Brownfield Coalition
  • Served on the Bousquet Holstein Board of Managers 2009-2014; 2019-2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America® – 2026

Community Involvement

  • Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), President, Board of Trustees & Finance Committee member
  • Helping Offer Primary Education for Sudan, Inc. (HOPE for Sudan), Board of Directors (Treasurer)

Education

Syracuse University College of Law – Syracuse, NY
Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 1989
Syracuse University Martin J. Whitman School of Management – Syracuse, NY
Master of Science in Accounting, magna cum laude, May 1989
Kenyon College – Gambier, OH
Bachelor of Arts, May 1980

Admissions

New York