Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Susan Ryba to its Tax Practice Group as a partner based in Chicago. A highly sought-after tax controversy litigator, Susan represents high-profile technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical clients at all stages of the federal tax controversy life cycle. She joins from Baker McKenzie, where she served as chair of its Chicago Tax Practice Group.
“Companies and high-net-worth individuals are facing increased scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other taxing authorities, prompting complex investigations, audits, administrative appeals and litigation involving a range of tax issues,” said Timothy Shuman, global head of McDermott’s Tax Practice Group. “Best-in-class tax controversy services are an increasingly critical part of a comprehensive tax offering, and Susan’s first chair experience will tremendously benefit clients and the Firm in these times.”
Susan advises clients on a broad range of domestic and international tax issues, including transfer pricing, effectively connected income, Subpart F, Section 965, the IRS economic substance and other related doctrines, worthless stock and debt deductions, withholding tax, foreign tax credits, summons enforcement and penalties.
Some of Susan’s most notable work includes:
- Representing a commonly used media platform in a multibillion-dollar tax dispute, the largest US transfer pricing trial to date
- Providing federal tax controversy defense and tax litigation to several of the largest publicly traded technology companies in the world
- Providing federal tax controversy planning and assessment of privilege issues to a large public pharmaceutical and medical technologies corporation
“McDermott’s reputation, commitment to the growth of its tax practice and expansive group of top talent make it an attractive place for both me and my clients,” said Susan. “McDermott is incredibly collaborative in nature, and I can’t wait to dig in.”
Susan is the most recent addition to McDermott’s federal tax controversy practice, following the fall 2023 arrivals of Shawn O’Brien in Houston and Frank Jackson in New York.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
