Tax: Illinois

THE FIRM This large-scale, multinational firm houses a tax team in its Chicago office that focuses on domestic and foreign tax planning as well as contested tax matters challenged by the IRS and other foreign or state authorities. In a recent highlight, it handled Constellation Energy Group’s merger with Exelon. 

Sources say: "They are in a class of their own."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Sheffield is an "impressive and incredibly responsive" tax attorney, known for his business planning practice in M&A and venture capital investing. Sources describe him as "a tremendous lawyer and an absolute star." 

Clients claim that Donald Rocap is "the best tax lawyer for partnership issues, period." He is well equipped to handle a broad spectrum of tax issues related to sophisticated business transactions.

William Welke is an "extraordinary, creative mind," whose recent work includes the representation of Apax Partners, Madison Dearborn and TA Associates in its sale of a $7 billion interest in Wind Telecom (formerly Weather Investments). Clients praise his "unbelievable wealth of knowledge."  

Todd Maynes focuses his work around tax litigation, specifically in the areas of bankruptcy and restructuring. His recent representation of Tronox involved an environmental settlement reputed to be one of the largest in bankruptcy history.

Natalie Keller's practice centers around the handling of IRS audits and appeals, as well as other tax controversy work for a range of large, multinational clients.  

THE FIRM The Chicago office of this international giant comes particularly recommended for its work on both controversy and transactional sides. It has an excellent track record acting on behalf of big-name clients such as Nestlé, which it has recently handled a number of acquisitions for. Other standout work has seen the group represent Boston Scientific in its cardiovascular implantation tax litigation.

Sources say: "Fabulous! The client service is excellent." "Very responsive and knowledgeable. They've got depth!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "exceptionally smart" Timothy Sherck practices in the corporate tax arena and is acknowledged by peers as "one of the best tax planning lawyers in Chicago." 

Go-to attorney James Barry represents high-profile corporations in cross-border finance and M&A matters, as one of the firm's tax transaction group leaders. Recent work has seen him act on Caterpillar's $8.6 billion purchase of manufacturer Bucyrus International.

The "clearly outstanding" Joel Williamson enjoys a reputation that places him at the top of the tax litigation and controversy market. Clients particularly applaud his broad range of experience, as well as his dedication and negotiation skills.

George Craven is an eminently experienced expert in the international tax field, particularly in the representation of insurance companies.

THE FIRM McDermott Will & Emery remains a dominant name in the market through its long-held client relationships with Fortune 500 companies. The Chicago group’s corporate tax practice centers on complex M&A deals, corporate restructuring and estate planning. A recent matter has seen it assist McGraw-Hill with the reorganization of its global business operations, which includes advising on the tax aspects of the creation of a non-US holding company.

Sources say: "An excellent tax practice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers have enormous respect for Lowell Yoder, who heads up the firm's US and international tax practice. He concentrates on corporate tax planning and structuring and draws particular praise from clients for his work in tax credit matters.

Thomas Borders's distinguished tax controversy and litigation practice is held in high regard by peers and clients. He has a wealth of experience in the tax arena, having previously worked for the IRS, and enjoys a fine track record handling federal tax audits and administrative appeals.

Andrea Kramer operates on the financial side of tax advising, with particular involvement in securities and derivatives. Her services have been recently engaged in energy sector transactions.

Jane Wells May is head of the firm's state and local tax practice and has extensive experience in controversy litigation on a national scale.

Roger Jones recently joined the firm from Latham & Watkins. He is a well-regarded tax litigator who is acknowledged for his representation of Fortune 500 companies in domestic and international tax controversies. 

THE FIRM This firm is known in the Illinois tax market for its premier cross-jurisdictional tax practice. A particular feature of the practice is its team of subgroups, which covers all manner of tax-related issues, including controversy work, planning for private clients in cases of restructuring and spinoffs, and domestic transactional matters. 

Sources say: "The firm has a real global structure." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Lipton is the head of the firm's tax planning group and is widely acknowledged for his brilliance in partnership law and matters relating to the taxation of real estate. 

"Multifaceted international tax lawyer" Gregg Lemein focuses on pricing policies, reorganizations and foreign tax credit issues for cross-jurisdictional companies.  

John McDonald concentrates on international tax matters, and has specific strength in post-acquisition company restructuring. Clients reserve specific praise for his transactional advising expertise.

THE FIRM Latham & Watkins is recognized within the Chicago tax market as a major player in the representation of renewable energy developers and investors, practicing in the areas of controversy and transactional tax. Clients include high-profile corporations such as Hyatt Hotels, Navistar and Bausch & Lomb.

Sources say: "They are fantastic!" 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Van Dyke enjoys a fine international practice, representing US investors in partnership configurations, and is particularly sought after for his expertise in fund formation.

The "smart and very thoughtful" Diana Doyle chairs the Chicago office's tax department and is admired by peers as "a leading force in the community regarding women's issues in law." Her practice focuses on M&A and tax planning for multinational companies.

Stephen Bowen is a veteran of the Chicago tax market and is considered by peers to be "one of the top attorneys in the city." While operating in a national managerial position for the firm, his federal income taxation practice remains highly visible. 

THE FIRM Sidley Austin represents big-name clients such as eBay, Western Union and Tyson Foods in domestic and cross-border M&A, insurance, securitization and bankruptcy work. With diverse breadth, the Chicago office also includes tax crossover groups in hedge funds/private equity and low-income housing.

Sources say: "They're really very good and are doing a great job!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Suresh Advani maintains a practice centered around M&A, bankruptcy and securitization matters for clients such as GE Healthcare, Penhall and Station Casinos. Peers described him as "a very smart tax planner" and "a pleasure to work with."

Sharp Sorensen co-coordinates the firm's national tax practice and heads the Chicago tax group. He focuses on M&A, joint venture and capital market transactions and recently handled the tax matters concerning Western Union's $976 million purchase of the global business payments division of Travelex Holdings.

Jay Zimbler devotes most of his time to controversy and international tax planning. He continues to act in tax court litigation for Tyson Foods, which has seen him handle several separate matters, the most recent pertaining to a claim made by the company regarding a research credit, which concerns particular R&D efforts.

Lee Christie works exclusively in insurance tax matters and is highly sought after by investment banks and insurance companies.

Tracy Williams has a broad tax insurance practice, which encompasses controversy and cross-border fund work. She draws specific praise from sources for her "extensive knowledge of tax statutory language." 

THE FIRM This practice comes particularly recommended for its expertise on the transactional side, with recent highlights seeing it act on behalf of Exelon in its $7.9 billion merger with Constellation Energy Group and for Chevron in its $4.3 billion purchase of Atlas Energy. The group is also recognized for its strengths in REITs, regulated investment companies (RICs), private equity and international tax matters, and has an impressive client base that includes UBS, Genesis Healthcare and Aircastle.

Sources say: "I hold them in the highest regard; all excellent tax attorneys." "I've always found them to be of a high caliber." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Louis Freeman remains a leading light in the Chicago tax community and specializes in federal tax planning. He enjoys a national reputation for his work in acquisitions, spinoffs, restructuring and financing, with recent highlights seeing him play a significant role in the aforementioned matters for Exelon and Chevron.

David Polster is the head of the Chicago tax group and has a strong reputation in partnership transactions, REITs, RICs and restructuring. Clients describe both him and colleague John Rayis as "superbly creative tax attorneys" and praise their abilities in "designing tax-efficient structures that work." Rayis is a leading REIT specialist with Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act expertise, and recent work has seen him act on behalf of Capital Shopping Centres in a REIT joint venture with Equity One, which is valued at approximately $600 million.

Rising star David Levy is developing a reputation as a "brilliant tax attorney," and is representing the likes of American Capital Agency and Capital Trust. 

THE FIRM This group has a core of four attorneys providing advice on both federal and local transactional and controversy matters to clients drawn from a diverse array of sectors, including aerospace, defense, manufacturing, hospitality and financial services. The team’s recent work includes GM’s $23.1 billion bankruptcy restructuring and acting as counsel to Hertz Global Holdings with regard to a diverse range of strategic corporate matters.

Sources say: "Jenner is a solid corporate law firm with broad-based knowledge." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Kimball's practice has shifted in recent years toward tax controversy and M&A work, with a subspecialization of knowledge in tax shelters. Sources single out his knowledgeable, experienced and thoughtful approach to matters.

Geoffrey Davis is recognized within the Chicago market for his high-stakes tax controversy work, as well as for his expertise in securities and investment fund work. Clients appreciate his responsiveness and practicality as well as his ability to inspire confidence.

THE FIRM This team is acknowledged as a robust middle-market tax practice, with work centered on M&A and private equity matters, as well as spinoffs, REITs and advising foreign clients in US tax matters. The team has recently represented PECO Pallet in its sale to Pritzker Group, and Sterling Capital Partners in the reorganization of Ameritox.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sheldon Banoff is sought after for his expertise in federal income taxation, with a focus on corporate and real estate partnership tax. He draws much praise from peers for his intelligent and "very thoughtful" approach.

Practice chair Saul Rudo specializes in the tax and corporate planning arena and represents a fine choice for issuers, investors, bankers and trustees seeking representation. He led the team in the aforementioned matter for PECO Pallet. 

THE FIRM Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg's midsize tax practice is particularly known for its strength in both domestic and international tax and business planning. Its strong client base comprises large public and private corporations, hedge funds, investment partnerships and tax-exempt organizations.

Sources say: "They are able to give advice comparable to the largest international firms; these are clever and hard-working attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Bedore concentrates on the representation of corporations as well as individuals in federal tax controversy matters. Clients praise his "outstanding aptitude for advocacy," and "strong communication skills." 

John Biek represents large corporations in transactional tax matters as well as controversy and multistate planning. Most notably, he has been active in the recently emerging field of state unclaimed property laws.

Andrea Despotes continues to be sought after by Fortune 500 companies to handle tax-free reorganizations and spinoff transactions.

Kenneth Harris is a good choice for clients seeking advice on federal income tax aspects of corporate acquisitions and partnership transactions.

THE FIRM This practice offers a broad range of expertise, covering controversy, planning and transactional matters, as well as tax policy for large domestic and foreign businesses. The team's recent work has included acting on behalf of Yum! Brands in a series of controversy matters and Motorola in the $1.2 billion sale of its global wireless phone systems to Nokia Siemens Networks.

Sources say: "An extremely professional, well-run, high-energy and motivated team."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Lynch practices tax law with a corporate focus. Peers describe him as "very smart, very energetic," while clients single out his "experience and high standards." He chairs the practice alongside Louis Weber. Weber elicits much praise from clients for being "extremely responsive, strategic and articulate" and is also commended for his practical, creative and results-oriented approach to tax matters. He concentrates on transactional and controversy matters for clients such as Waste Management and The Jordan Company.