Former Deputy International Tax Counsel Joins McDermott’s Tax Practice

McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that Brian Jenn, immediate past Deputy International Tax Counsel (“DITC”) at the US Department of the Treasury, has joined the Firm’s Tax Practice as a partner in its Chicago office. Brian has extensive experience in international tax regulations and related guidance, which will be helpful to clients seeking to navigate the international implications of US tax reform, as well as issues pertaining to the global digital economy, foreign currencies and transfer pricing.

“Brian speaks from a position of knowledge and authority about the policies and practical implications of tax reform, the new tax rules governing the evolving, digitalized economy, as well as a wide range of international tax issues,” said Jane Wells May, global head of McDermott’s Tax Practice. “He expands our capabilities as trusted advisor to some of the most sophisticated tax departments in the world, and enriches our ability to provide both insightful and pragmatic counsel to multinationals conducting business around the globe.”

During his tenure in public service, Brian had first-hand experience with many of the most significant tax developments that impact companies doing business both domestically and internationally. In particular, he helped manage the development of international tax regulations and guidance implementing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Brian was also co-chair of the OECD’s Task Force on the Digital Economy and U.S. delegate to the Committee on Fiscal Affairs. The OECD Task Force comprises delegates from over 80 countries and is charged by the G20 with developing a consensus-based solution to the tax challenges associated with the digitalization of the economy.

In addition, Brian served as US delegate to Working Party 6 on the Taxation of Multinational Enterprises during the entirety of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. He negotiated major changes to international transfer pricing standards, including changes to the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines chapters on intangibles, cost contributions arrangements, risk and recharacterization and low value added services. Finally, Brian was also one of the primary drafters of a recently issued set of foreign currency regulations.

With this background, Brian is positioned to offer multinational clients strategic tax counsel on various aspects of their cross-border operations.

“McDermott’s Tax Practice is unparalleled, and I’m thrilled to join some of the brightest minds in the field, who are committed to helping clients resolve complex challenges that significantly influence their business objectives,” Brian said. “The team at McDermott have been driving the conversation around many key issues coming out of tax reform. In addition, the Firm boasts the global platform and multifaceted knowledge that clients need in an increasingly complex economy.”

Brian received his BA and MA from Northwestern University and his JD from Yale Law School.

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