Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP draws on its deep tax bench to offer clients the full spectrum of corporate tax work. The team is particularly noted for covering asset management tax issues, including fund formations, management planning, seed funding stakes, and secondaries matters, for market-leading clients. In addition, capital market representations, M&A, spinoffs, joint ventures, and a variety of real estate matters all fall under the tax team’s ambit. Tax Chair David Shapiro, based in New York, is a standout in the fund formation space, regularly representing leading fund sponsors in fund formation, while also focusing on M&A and corporate transactions. Alan Kaden, based in Washington DC, advises leaders of public and private corporations as well as private equity clients on the full range of transactional tax issues. Michael Alter in DC focuses on complex transactions, particularly in structuring and negotiation. Michelle Gold, also in DC, advises on federal income taxation and partnership transactions involving investment fund sponsors. Shane Hoffmann, in DC, and Joseph Fox, in New York, are other key names.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This firm and its people are highly capable and focused on excellence - both in the law and in the way legal services are delivered.’
'In all interactions, the team epitomize everything that this firm stands for - exceptional levels of insight and client service, constructive and commercial advice, a practical approach to every obstacle, intellectual rigour and thought leadership.’
‘The Fried Frank US tax team is the best in the business for the breadth and depth of its expertise and its attention to clients and matters. The partners are leaders in their field and bring instant credibility and exceptional communication skills to all transactions. They provide excellent advice and prepare the client to make the best decisions. The Fried Frank team is also incredibly responsive and a great advocate for their clients. They translate complex issues clearly, leading to better decision-making.’
‘Alan Kaden is the king of the tax legal world. His expertise, ability to move a deal forward, and ability to break down complex legal concepts are unmatched—other excellent tax partners include Michelle Gold, Shane Hoffman, and Mike Alter. I wouldn't entrust company deals and structure to any other group of people.’
‘Strong technical expertise, ability to service clients with multiple live deals/ transactions at once, collaborates well with other advisers, advises us on a variety of matters.’
‘Shane Hoffmann - Many of our transactions involve multiple layers of complexity—across portfolio company, fund, and firm structuring—and Shane’s deep understanding of all these areas enables him to consistently deliver significant value. He delivers great client service, always responsive and commercial in his suggestions even when extremely complex matters are in the mix. He has built great relationships across the firm - in finance, tax, and the investment teams. He is very professional in all of his interactions with other advisers that we work with.’
Key clients
- Affinius Capital
- Ascential Group
- Bain Capital
- Bally’s Corporation
- BDT & MSD Partners
- BlackRock
- Blackstone
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Centerbridge Partners
- Cloud Capital Advisors
- Conversant Capital
- Crow Holdings
Work highlights
Advised Standard General in connection with its $4.6 billion acquisition of gaming company Bally's.
Advised HPS on its acquisition by BlackRock in a $12 billion transaction, combining HPS's $148 billion in client assets with BlackRock's $89 billion private debt platform.
Advised Blackstone Real Estate in acquiring a 46% stake in 1345 Avenue of the Americas at a full capitalization of US $1.4 billion, with the remaining 54% held in a joint venture with the exsiting Fisher Brothers owners.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
David Shapiro
Other key lawyers
Michael Alter; Michelle Gold; Joseph Fox; Andrew Penman; Colin Kelly; Libin Zhang; Shane Hoffmann; Michael Alter; Alan Kaden