New York, D.C., and Georgia Offices Recognized as Tax Law Leaders
NEW YORK (June 5, 2025) — Chambers USA has ranked Kostelanetz LLP as a leading firm for tax controversy, tax fraud, and white-collar defense and government investigations and has ranked all three of the firm’s offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia as leaders in tax law.
Noting that the firm “has deep expertise and a really great group of lawyers” and dubbing its attorneys as “masters in handling complex matters,” Chambers recognized Kostelanetz in six categories:
- Tax Controversy (Nationwide)
- Tax Fraud (Nationwide)
- Specialist Firm in White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations (New York)
- Tax (New York)
- Tax (District of Columbia)
- Tax (Georgia)
The five partners recognized in the Chambers USA 2025 Guide are
Chambers’ rankings are based on feedback from clients and other legal industry professionals. For 2025, respondents told Chambers they held Kostelanetz and attorneys in high regard:
“Their strength is in their raw intellect. They are forward-thinking and very smart.”
“Kostelanetz has a perfect team to represent clients. They are masters in handling complex matters, not just for individuals but for corporations as well.”
“They have incredibly deep knowledge and know how to leverage it in the most complex matters to obtain excellent results for their clients.”
“They work very hard to bring creative solutions to address their client’s problems.”
Chambers recognized Megan L. Brackney for her nationwide practices in Tax Controversy and Tax Fraud. Of Megan, respondents noted, “Megan is an outstanding attorney who keeps up with all developments in the field.” Megan currently serves as Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation, and her term as Chair will begin in August 2025. She has also been ranked by Chambers as a leading Tax: Private Client attorney in its High Net Worth Guide. Megan is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and an Adjunct Professor at New York University Law School.
Caroline D. Ciraolo was ranked for her nationwide Tax Controversy and Tax Fraud practices as well as her Tax practice in Washington, D.C. “Caroline is one of those people that knows the questions you will ask in advance. She is up to date on everything all of the time; she is a huge resource for us,” one respondent said. Others described her as “truly a star” and “a really smart, detailed person and a real pleasure to work with.” Caroline has also been ranked by Chambers as a leading Tax: Private Client attorney in its High Net Worth Guide. Caroline is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center.
Sharon L. McCarthy received recognition from Chambers for her White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations practice in New York. Respondents told Chambers, “Sharon is incredibly bright. She develops deep trust and confidence. Sharon is the whole package in tense situations,” and “Sharon is a tenacious, smart and strategic litigator.” Sharon also is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches Trial Advocacy.
Jay R. Nanavati was recognized by Chambers for his nationwide Tax Fraud practice and his Tax practice in D.C. Respondents said Jay “is a fantastic attorney” who “knows exactly how to address a complex query” and “always provides excellent advice and counsel and has a great bedside manner with clients.” Jay is also a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Tax Counsel.
Bryan C. Skarlatos was recognized for his nationwide Tax Fraud practice and his Tax and White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations practices in New York. With more than 35 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes tax and white-collar matters, “Bryan is a leader in the industry,” one respondent noted. Others said Bryan “is very thoughtful and knows the tax code like the back of his hand,” “is extraordinarily effective, competent and thoughtful,” and “is highly skilled with a great calm demeanor in and out of the courtroom.” Bryan has also been ranked by Chambers as a leading Tax: Private Client attorney in its High Net Worth Guide. Bryan is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and an Adjunct Professor at New York University Law School.
Chambers says its “Chambers USA guide and legal rankings cover practice areas in all 50 states, Washington, DC and at nationwide level, with hundreds of practice area-based ranking tables identifying the best practice groups and lawyers working across the US legal market.”
About Kostelanetz LLP
For nearly 80 years, Kostelanetz LLP has built a global reputation as a law firm of choice for clients facing high-stakes controversies, negotiations with government agencies, and complex domestic and international tax planning decisions. Our attorneys have extensive experience in tax controversy, tax fraud defense, white-collar criminal defense, securities enforcement defense, trust and estate planning, transactional tax planning, and government investigations. We are regularly called upon to handle the most challenging and sensitive matters and internal investigations. Our partners also serve as consulting and testifying experts and independent mediators in tax-related disputes. Important parts of the firm’s practice also include commercial litigation and government procurement and contracting.
