Kirkland & Ellis LLP is pleased to announce that R. David Wheat will join the Firm’s Houston office as a partner in the Tax Practice Group.
“David is one of the finest tax lawyers in the country,” said Jeffrey C. Hammes, Chairman of Kirkland’s Global Management Executive Committee. “His significant experience advising corporations and partnerships of all types, including energy companies, will bolster our ability to serve clients in every industry.”
A former principal in KPMG’s Washington National Tax Group, Mr. Wheat focuses his practice on corporate tax and financing transactions, particularly in the energy sector. He advises clients regarding partnerships, limited liability companies, and Sub C and Sub K entities. Mr. Wheat also has experience advising on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds and workouts, as well as tax controversies.
“Many of us have gotten to know and work with David during the last few years, and are thrilled to welcome him to the Houston office,” said Andrew Calder, a partner in Kirkland’s Houston office and a member of the Firm’s Global Management Executive Committee. “His comprehensive knowledge of tax law relative to energy transactions will be a great asset to clients, and his skill in mentoring and developing other lawyers will elevate the entire team.”
Mr. Wheat is a council director for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation and vice-chairman of the Texas Federal Tax Institute. He has also served as chair of the ABA Section of Taxation’s Corporate Tax Committee. Mr. Wheat has been selected by Texas Monthly as a Top 100 “Texas Super Lawyer,” and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Who’s Who Legal for his corporate tax work.
He regularly presents and participates in tax conferences nationwide. Mr. Wheat holds an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law and a J.D. and B.S. from Louisiana State University. Prior to KPMG, he spent about 25 years at Thompson & Knight.
“I’m very excited to return to the private practice of law, especially to a Firm of this caliber,” Mr. Wheat said. “I have gotten to know many Kirkland lawyers through transactions I’ve worked on, and I look forward to working with them now on a daily basis.”
