Greenberg Traurig advises on tax planning and controversy matters spanning domestic and cross-border transactions, transfer pricing, and global structuring. The team represents clients in disputes before the Internal Revenue Service and state and local taxing authorities. Michelle Ferreira leads the practice in San Francisco, and counsels individuals, partnerships, estates, and corporations in federal and state tax controversies. In New York, Barbara Kaplan advises domestic and foreign clients in examinations and related litigation, and Scott Fink focuses on civil and criminal federal and state tax disputes. San Francisco-based Bradley Marsh handles a broad spectrum of state and local tax controversies, including sales, documentary transfer, transient occupancy, income, gift, and estate taxes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are extremely knowledgeable in the practice area and zealous in protecting their clients’ interests. The team is diligent in pursuing every viable avenue of the law to their clients’ advantage, supported by a deep bench of professionals with extensive experience in both private practice and government roles.’
- ‘Scott Fink is one of the finest attorneys I have worked with. He is highly strategic and consistently able to outmanoeuvre his opponents.’
- ‘David Barger is an exceptional trial attorney who rises to the occasion in every legal battle. He argues persuasively and passionately on behalf of his clients’ interests.’
- ‘The team demonstrates significant depth of specialisation. Although I have primarily worked with Ms Kaplan, the broader bench is impressive.’
- ‘Barbara Kaplan successfully resolved a long-standing IRS penalty matter where negotiations had stalled, securing full removal of the fine within a relatively short period.’
- ‘The firm offers full-time expertise in property tax and is regarded as a thought leader in the field.’
Work highlights
Representing the estate of the deceased Carl Hans Gottwald regarding a split dollar life insurance transaction that was structured before death.
Represented Olympic and Georgia Partners, LLC (a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group) in a major property tax dispute against the County of Los Angeles.
Represented KHP Capital/HTLV SF LLC in a lawsuit against the City and County of San Francisco seeking a refund for over-assessment of both property taxes and documentary transfer taxes.
Practice head
Michelle Ferreira; Barbara Kaplan
Other key lawyers
Eric Nelson; William Siegel; Thomas van der Vliet; Barbara Kaplan; Scott Fink; Bradley Marsh; Colin Fraser; Cris O'Neill