Fall River attorney Nick Bernier primed for his new role on Appellate Tax Board

BOSTON — Local attorney Nick Bernier got approval last week by the Governor’s Council for a seat on the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, the last stop for taxpayers in the commonwealth seeking tax relief.

Bernier, 37, a tax attorney based in Fall River who has represented dozens of clients seeking tax appeals before the board, said he looks forward to working with other ATB commissioners on continuing the efforts to modernize the quasi-judicial body.

“My goal would be to make it easier for the taxpayers to appeal without the assistance of a lawyer and helping that process,” said Bernier. “They have a process already, but I want to continue to make it easier for taxpayers.”

Established in 1929 to lift the burden of tax appeal cases on the Superior Court system, the ATB hears appeals from taxpayers who have been denied tax relief from local and state assessments for property and personal taxes. In addition, the five-member board hears appeals on motor vehicle excise taxes, income, estate and sales taxes.

Bernier was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker for the position before the Governor’s Council’s hearing last Wednesday where they approved Bernier in a unanimous vote in a brief hearing.

Governor Council questions Bernier’s recent bid for elected office

Bernier is no stranger to public service, having worked as an assistant district attorney in Bristol County.

He is also no stranger to seeking political office, most recently losing his bid in the Democratic primary election for the Bristol County sheriff seat. The winner of the primary, Paul Heroux, beat out long-time serving Sheriff Tom Hodgson.

In 2012, Bernier ran for Governor’s Council and was defeated by a handful of votes. The following year he sought a seat on the Fall River City Council, dropping out of the race to concentrate on family matters.

Governor’s Council member Marilyn Petitto Devaney questioned the timing of Bernier’s application for a seat on the ATB so close to running for office.

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“How does that make you a better member on the Appellate Tax Board,” said Devaney on Bernier’s political aspirations.

Bernie noted his record of public service, like working on the volunteer charter review commission in Swansea when he was 19 years old.

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Councilor Robert Jubinville said he believed running for office “is a training ground to get along with people.”

“I think it’s a great learning experience,” said Jubinville. “I think you have all the qualifications for the Appellate Tax Board.”

Jasiel Correia trial'The lie was easier to believe at the time': Prime witness Nick Bernier on Jasiel Correia

Veiled reference to Jasiel Correia

Likely Bernier’s most public notoriety was his testimony against former business partner, turned-Fall River mayor, turned-federal inmate, Jasiel Correia II.

Bernier was one of the prime witnesses for the U.S. Attorney in the month-long trial in May 2021 against Correia regarding the portion of the case involving the investor fraud charges for his app company Sno-Owl.

On the stand for a grueling four hours, Bernier laid out how Correia had not just conned investors, but his business partners and staff as well.

Devaney, while not naming Correia directly, complimented his role as witness in the case against the former mayor, although she mistakenly identified the two as law partners.

Bernier’s term as commissioner on the ATB is for six years when he will have to go back to the Governor’s Council for re-appointment.

Bernier, who was a law partner in the Rampart Law Group on South Main Street, said that he's divested his interest in the practice which specializes in tax law since his appointment to the ATB.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River attorney Nick Bernier appointed to tax appeal board