I enjoy working with clients and their other advisors to achieve clients’ objectives.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
I work with a wide range of clients, including contractors, developers, manufacturers, individuals, and others on tax and business law matters in both transactions and controversies. My transactional practice covers entity selection and formation, mergers and acquisitions, real property development, and the formation and operation of tax-exempt entities. I serve as outside general counsel for businesses, both for-profit and nonprofit.
On the controversy side, I represent clients in tax collection and dispute matters at both the federal level and in Oregon and Washington, litigating cases before the United States Tax Court and the Oregon Tax Court.
In addition to my legal practice, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at Lewis & Clark Law School and an Adjunct Instructor in the Masters of Taxation Program at the Portland State University School of Business Administration.
Experience
- Successfully implemented a qualified small business stock (Section 1202) strategy that resulted in substantial tax savings
- Formed multiple opportunity zone funds and qualified opportunity zone businesses, and advised on legal issues regarding same
- Assisted multiple clients in acquiring, selling, or merging businesses
- Led and constructed various transactions involving the reorganization of businesses, including divisive reorganizations and F reorganizations involving S corporations
- Assisted numerous clients with succession planning at the entity and/or owner levels
Education
- University of Washington, School of Law, LL.M., Taxation (2008)
- University of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics (1992)
- Lewis & Clark, Law School, Juris Doctor degree, cum laude (2004)
- Portland State University, Master of Science degree in Financial Analysis (2001)
Admissions
- Oregon State Courts
- Washington State Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court - District of Oregon
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court - Western District of Washington
- U.S. Tax Courts
- U.S. Supreme Court
Memberships
- FEI Portland, Member (2023-present)
- American College of Tax Counsel, Fellow
- Oregon State Bar Taxation Section, Past Chair
- American Bar Association, Taxation Section, Member
Awards
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, Tax Law (2026)
- JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author: Tax (2021)
- Oregon State Bar Taxation Section Pro Bono Award, Inaugural Recipient (2018)
- Selected to Super Lawyers, Tax, Oregon (2016 – 2025)
- Selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Tax, Oregon (2009-2010, 201 2014)
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Andrea Swanner Redding Outstanding Mentor Award
- Oregon State Bar Taxation Section, New Tax Lawyer Committee, Mentor of the Year (2012)
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Cornelius Honor Society
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship
Additional Events
Oregon State Bar Taxation Section
Federal Tax Update: Broadbrush Taxation CLE
September 26, 2025
Services
Community Activities
- Portland Tax Forum, Board Member and Former Chair
- Oregon State Bar, Taxation Section, Laws Committee, Former Chair
- Lewis and Clark Law School, Joyce Ann Harpole Award Committee, Member
- Lewis & Clark Law School Alumni Board, Former Member and Former President
- Oregon, Southwest Washington, Idaho, and Montana Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Former Board Member and Former Chair
- Portland State University Graduate Alumni Ambassador Council, Former Council Member
- Oregon State Bar, Taxation Section, Portland Luncheon CLE Series, Former Co-Host
- Lake Oswego School District Foundation, Former Board Member
- Lewis & Clark Law School, PILP Stipend Committee, Former Member
Outside Interests
Cycling, photography and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
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