Joint Ventures
United States
11 February 2025
Holland & Knight LLP’s broad international tax practice covers aspects of foreign tax planning, structuring, compliance, audits and litigation, across a vast range of industries including energy, software, and technology. William Sherman, Stewart Kasner, William Sharp, and Kevin Packman all jointly lead the team out of Florida, with Sharp also sitting in Georgia and California. Sherman focuses his practice on tax planning for mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, joint ventures, as well as investments for clients in diverse industries, including hospitality, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals Kasner focuses on high-net-worth foreign and domestic clients who require assistance with cross-border investments. Sharp regularly acts as lead counsel in offshore compliance matters and tax litigation and he also represents financial institutions on international tax enforcement and compliance initiatives. Packman’s practice includes advising high-net-worth private clients with tax, trusts and estates. Mark Melton, who is based in Dallas, represents a diverse range of clients in mergers and acquisitions, as well as inbound and outbound cross-border investments. Following the firm’s merger with Karlin & Peebles, the team in Los Angeles has expanded to include Michael Karlin, Cynthia Brittain and Maria-Soledad Otero. Karlin advises high-net-worth US and foreign individuals and families from on tax aspects of investment and moving abroad or to the US, whilst Brittain assists multinational families with matters concerning cross-border income and estate tax planning strategies. Otero advises individuals and families with cross-border businesses and investments as well as with corporate clients seeking to optimize their tax efficiency on repatriation of earnings to the US and transfer pricing analyses.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They provide best in class international tax advice but also have national coverage where needed.’
‘Kevin Packman is knowledgeable and experienced on international tax controversy and a great strategic mind. Stewart Kasner is incredibly technical and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the foreign trust rules.’
- Maria Soledad Otero is an outstanding lawyer. She has significant experience in international tax and estate planning matters, with in-depth knowledge of legal and tax issues for private clients in a US-France context.’
- ‘Michael Karlin is extremely knowledgeable on cross border tax issues - especially between Canada and the US. Maria-Soledad Otero is also a very knowledgeable lawyer.'
- ‘Karlin Peebles stands out due to its distinctive combination of expert legal knowledge, personalized client service, and forward-thinking approach to law practice. It prioritizes clients’ needs, building close, long-lasting relationships based on trust.’
- ‘Michael Karlin and Maria Otero are standout figures. Their combination of deep legal expertise, client-first mentality, and unique personal qualities sets them apart from competitors.'
- 'Michael stands out for his unwavering commitment to understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client. He does not just offer legal advice; he immerses himself in the client’s business and goals, enabling him to provide tailored solutions. His personalized service creates deep, lasting relationships that inspire confidence and trust, making clients feel genuinely supported.'
- 'What sets Maria apart from many other attorneys is her ability to connect with clients on a personal level. She understands her clients’ concerns, and advocates fiercely for their needs. Her empathetic approach makes clients feel heard and supported, particularly in challenging or emotional situations, like family matters. ’
- ‘As mentioned, Michael Karlin, Cindy Brittain and Maria Otero are fabulous, thoughtful, insightful practitioners.’
Key clients
- ExxonMobil Corp.
- National Foreign Trade Council
- Software company
- GE Vernova
Work highlights
Won refunds for ExxonMobil Corp. in trial over Qatar partnership.
Negotiated joint venture agreement for GE Vernova.
Designed tax-free restructuring for a software company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
William Sherman; William Sharp; Stewart Kasner; Kevin Packman
Other key lawyers
Mark Melton; Michael Karlin; Cynthia Brittain; Maria-Soledad Otero