1. How do you define your practice and areas of experience?
I am a transactional business attorney with a strong focus on federal, state and international taxation, tax credits, real estate, private equity, wealth transfer planning and business succession planning. My clients include high-net worth individuals and families, start-ups, corporations, financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations and private equity firms.
2. Tell us about your legal career journey. How did you get here?
I thought that I would go into medicine, the family business, but I didn’t particularly enjoy the pre-med curriculum. At Boston University, where I did my undergrad, I had a professor, T. Barton Carter. He was a well-known FCC attorney and he inspired me to pursue law. I went on to receive my J.D. from Tulane University School of Law, and an LL.M in Taxation from Georgetown University Law School. I did a judicial clerkship at the U.S. Tax Court and have practiced in Washington, D.C., Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chicago.
So… are you afraid of needles?
HA HA HA HA! No, I am not. I am afraid of organic chemistry, higher level calculus, physics….
3. What about the Practus model serves you as a legal professional, and as a person?
First, my colleagues! Practus connects me with many outstanding practitioners – innovative firm leaders with a variety of experience located in major geographic areas. I also appreciate the technology and administrative support that gives me the independence, flexibility, and freedom to operate my practice in the manner and location of my choosing.
4. What is your definition of professional success, and what’s your secret sauce?
For me, success is doing impactful work, forging strong relationships, and having satisfied clients. I always like to be learning and developing skills; staying updated on the latest tax laws or other legal developments. And I am passionate about sharing knowledge and helping my clients understand complex concepts. I think this is in large part my secret sauce. I don’t just consider myself my client’s lawyer. I’m a trusted advisor who works constantly to exceed their expectations.
5. Which lawyer depicted by Hollywood do you most relate to? Atticus Finch? Elle Woods? Harvey Specter? Who is your Hollywood alter ego?
In my mind I’m Jackie Chiles from Seinfeld (“That’s outrageous, egregious, and preposterous!”). But in reality, I’m more like the nice guy/tax lawyer Stuart Markowitz from L.A. Law.
6. What would people be most surprised to know about you?
That I raced sailboats in high school with Teddy Turner (yep, his dad was Ted Turner and won the 1977 America’s Cup.) I also played on a 2-time National Interscholastic Championship Tennis Team (#1 in U.S.) in high school. And finally, I would love to be a restaurant critic focusing mostly on New Orleans and Chicago restaurants.
