Former Tax Appeals Tribunal Commissioner Joins New York Office
NEW YORK (February 2, 2008) — McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that Robert J. McDermott, former Commissioner for the New York State Tax Appeals Tribunal, has become Of Counsel to the Firm's New York office as a member of the Tax Department specializing in state and local tax matters. Mr. McDermott joins more than 100 internationally ranked tax lawyers practicing throughout the Firm's 15 offices.
"McDermott Will & Emery's rich history in the tax arena and talented team were extremely influential in my decision to join McDermott. It is an exciting time to return to private practice and I look forward to serving the Firm's clients in the new year," said Mr. McDermott.
"Bob joins our tax practice with extraordinary experience, especially in New York specific tax matters from his work on the New York Tax Appeals Tribunal, as well as an extensive background providing tax advice to clients on various planning and transactional matters," commented Michael Fayhee, Firmwide head of McDermott Will & Emery's Tax Department.
Thomas Giegerich, head of the Firm's tax practice in the New York office, added, "Bob is a highly-respected practitioner who has garnered praise and admiration for his work as a Commissioner on the Tax Appeals Tribunal and no doubt will make important contributions to our tax practice."
"The addition of Bob to our nationwide state and local tax practice group is truly an exciting development. This growth in the practice group, similar to last year's significant addition in California, shows the Firm's continued commitment to the state and local tax practice," noted Arthur Rosen, national chair of the State and Local Tax Practice Group.
While serving as Commissioner of the three-person New York State Tax Appeals Tribunal, Mr. McDermott heard appeals of Administrative Law Judge determinations of New York State tax matters, principally involving corporate, personal income and sales and use taxes. While in private practice Mr. McDermott focused on both state and local and federal tax matters, representing clients before both the New York State Division of Tax Appeals and the Internal Revenue Service and advising on the tax aspects of corporate transactions, capital markets offerings, charitable foundations and tax-exempt bond financings.
Mr. McDermott earned his LL.M. in Taxation and his J.D., cum laude, from New York University School of Law and his A.B. from Georgetown University. Mr. McDermott is a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Taxation and a Life Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation. From 1989 through 1991 Mr. McDermott served as President of New York University's Law Alumni Association.
In 1934, E.H. McDermott opened a law practice that focused exclusively on taxes. Today, McDermott Will & Emery has one of the largest and most comprehensive law firm tax practices in the world, advising our clients on all tax-related areas, including corporate, employee benefits, private clients, state and local taxation, and international matters. Our depth of experience and sophisticated resources enable us to serve every tax need of our clients. We provide our clients with innovative ideas and sound judgement.
