Strengthening its tax litigation capabilities in California and across the United States, Morgan Lewis has added prominent tax litigator Wendy Abkin to its team in San Francisco. Ms. Abkin, a former trial lawyer with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), joins Morgan Lewis from her own San Francisco tax firm.
Ms. Abkin has an extensive background in handling federal civil tax matters and high-profile criminal tax cases. She represents clients before the IRS, the California Franchise Tax Board, other California state agencies, including the State Board of Equalization and the Employment Development Department, and local tax agencies. In addition to litigation, her work includes voluntary disclosures, audits, and appeals.
“Wendy has a well-deserved reputation as a national leader in tax litigation and controversy,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Her experience within the IRS and in private practice offers our clients across the United States the insights they need when dealing with tax authorities at all levels.”
While with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in San Francisco, Ms. Abkin litigated cases before the United States Tax Court. She also served as a law clerk for a US Tax Court judge.
She is a past chair of the Taxation Law Section of the California State Bar and she has been active in pro bono tax representations, including leading a program for the state bar’s taxation committee that provides free advice to unrepresented taxpayers appearing in the US Tax Court. Ms. Abkin frequently speaks on tax controversy and procedure before legal and accounting professional organizations. She has served as an adjunct professor in both the School of Law and Masters in Taxation program at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
“As a seasoned litigator who has devoted her entire career to resolving tax controversies and legal disputes, Wendy will be a tremendous asset to our tax team and our clients,” said Barton Bassett, head of the firm’s tax practice. “She is a natural-born leader whose strong background in substantive tax areas makes her highly sought out for her insights, and we are fortunate she is joining our team.”
Source: www.morganlewis.com
