Baker Botts L.L.P. advises clients in the energy, technology, and financial services sectors on complex federal and state tax controversies. The team handles a range of disputes, including estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax matters before the IRS, particularly those involving sophisticated transfer planning structures and valuation issues. Dallas-based Stephen Marcus is a key member of the group. John Porter represents high-net-worth individuals and businesses in federal tax controversies. Keri Brown focuses on estate, gift, and income tax litigation in Texas. In San Francisco, Jon Feldhammer advises on procedural tax matters, while Houston-based Renn Neilson handles state and local tax disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They have one of the top-tier estate and gift tax litigation teams in the country.’
- ‘Keri Brown is practical and manages clients exceptionally well — she inspires confidence.’
- ‘Baker Botts is widely recognized as a leader in tax litigation and regularly handles significant and novel cases in the field. From John Porter to Keri Brown to Tyler Murray, the firm has outstanding attorneys at every level.’
- ‘I work most closely with Keri Brown and Tyler Murray. Keri has a strong ability to grasp nuance and subtlety without losing sight of the broader strategic picture. She is attentive to both major issues and fine details.’
Key clients
- Archrock Partners Operating, LLC
- Cheniere Energy, Inc.
- Chesapeake Energy Corporation
- Domino’s Pizza Distribution, LLC
- ENGIE North, America, Inc.
- EOG Resources, Inc.
- Kinder Morgan Production Company, LLC
- Kodiak Gas Services, LLC
- NextLevel Association Solutions, Inc.
- QEP Energy Company
- Solaris Oilfield Site Services Operating
- Sunnova Energy Corporation
- Texas Instruments Incorporated
- USA Compression Partners LP
Work highlights
Representing Corpus Christi Liquefaction in three Texas sales tax audits concerning its LNG processing plant. The team reduced an eight-figure assessment by half in the first audit and is preparing district court litigation on the balance, while addressing similar issues in subsequent audits.
Representing ENGIE North America in a dispute with the Texas Comptroller over withdrawal of a tax-incentive certificate tied to a $520m solar project. The case concerns agency authority following expiration of the statutory program and is pending before the Texas 15th Court of Appeals.
Representing Kodiak Gas Services in Texas sales and property tax disputes, including assessments related to natural gas compression services and leased equipment inventory. The team secured favourable settlements through administrative proceedings and litigation, reducing overall tax exposure.
Practice head
Stephen Marcus
Other key lawyers
John Porter; Keri Brown; Jon Feldhammer; Renn Neilson