Megan Brackney, Caroline Ciraolo, and Bryan Skarlatos Also Named Leading Lawyers
NEW YORK (July 25, 2023) — Kostelanetz LLP and three attorneys have been recognized by Chambers and Partners as a top-tier U.S. law firm in its 2023 High Net Worth (HNW) Guide under the category of Tax: Private Client.
In addition to the firm’s recognition, Megan L. Brackney, Bryan C. Skarlatos, and Caroline D. Ciraolo were recognized as leading lawyers for High Net Worth clients in the category of Tax: Private Client.
In choosing the firm for this distinction, Chambers notes that “Kostelanetz is widely admired as a leading firm for contentious tax matters. The firm also handles significant tax planning, compliance, and structuring work for high net worth individuals and closely held corporations.” Interviewees said of the firm, “They have a lot of talent, they are a really strong firm across the board,” and, “It is an outstanding boutique firm.”
Chambers states that its High Net Worth Guide “differentiates the best professional advisers for international private wealth by identifying and ranking law firms, lawyers and a range of other professional advisers globally. The firms and individuals ranked in Chambers High Net Worth understand the complex needs of HNW individuals and provide specialist advice. … These extensive and market-leading recommendations, rankings and insights are based on the in-depth analysis carried out by our dedicated team of experienced researchers.”
In its review of Ms. Brackney, Chambers notes that she “is a tax controversy expert who often represents clients in IRS appeals. She is rated by peers as someone who can take on the most sophisticated of tax issues.” One interviewee told Chambers that “Megan Brackney is an excellent technical tax lawyer, if there is a technical position to be asserted in your favour she will know where to find the information to support a client’s argument.”
Of Ms. Ciraolo, Chambers stated that she “is highly regarded for representing high net worth individuals in federal tax matters. Ciraolo was previously an Acting Assistant Attorney General for the US Department of Justice’s Tax Division, leading major tax evasion investigations against international financial institutions, among others.” One interviewee related that “Caroline is a superstar and can handle any type of cases, she is prominent on the tax bar and speaks all the time.” Another said, “She is very well-rated in the criminal tax area, and I will go to her when matters involve a criminal issue. Caroline possesses both a strong reputation and experience.”
Chambers observed that Mr. Skarlatos “frequently represents high net worth individuals in complex tax investigations. He attracts praise from various market peers as an industry stalwart.” Interviewees also had high praise for Mr. Skarlatos, saying, “I think Bryan is an A+ tax lawyer. He has deep knowledge of the tax laws in the US and how the IRS operates both on the civil and criminal side. He can handle anything and everything,” and “Bryan Skarlatos consistently gets incredible results for clients.” Another told Chambers, “I would say I model a lot of what I do based on what Bryan has done. He is really a trailblazer in the industry.”
In June 2023, Chambers recognized Kostelanetz and five partners in its 2023 USA Guide in the areas of tax controversy, tax fraud, tax law, and white-collar defense and government investigations. Chambers ranks the top lawyers and law firms across the United States through an assessment of a firm’s work as well as opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback. The five partners recognized in the Chambers USA 2023 Guide include Ms. Brackney, Ms. Ciraolo, Mr. Skarlatos, Sharon L. McCarthy, and Jay R. Nanavati.
About Kostelanetz LLP
Over the past 75 years, Kostelanetz LLP has built a global reputation as a law firm of choice for clients facing high-stakes controversies and negotiations with government agencies. Our attorneys have extensive experience in tax controversies and white-collar criminal defense and are regularly called upon to handle the most challenging and sensitive cases and internal investigations. Important parts of the firm’s practice include tax and estate planning, commercial litigation, government procurement, and government contracting.
