Mark E. Matthews has joined Caplin & Drysdale as a Washington-based member in the Tax Controversies and Tax Litigation practices. Mr. Matthews was previously a partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP where he worked on tax controversy and litigation matters.

Mr. Matthews held several high-level government positions. Most recently, he served as IRS Deputy Commissioner from October 2003 through December 2006, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth in enforcement activity. He was responsible for the IRS’s four civil operating divisions, the Criminal Investigation Division, and the Office of Professional Responsibility, which regulates tax practitioner ethics.

“Mark’s recognized international experience in tax controversy matters brings additional strength to our firm’s extensive practice in this area, ” said Scott D. Michel, President of Caplin & Drysdale. “His government experience and business acumen will enhance our ability to provide unparalleled service to our clients around the world.” 

Mr. Matthews was also Chief of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the agency’s investigative and law enforcement arm, renowned for its experience in investigating financial crime, including tax, money laundering, narcotics, and terrorism-related matters.

Other government positions Mr. Matthews has held include Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division (1994-1998), where he led the Department’s criminal tax enforcement program, Senior Advisor to the Treasury Department’s Assistant Secretary for Enforcement (1993-1994), and Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York.

Prior to working for an international law firm, Mr. Matthews was global co-head of anti-money laundering at Deutsche Bank, where he oversaw the implementation of the Patriot Act.