“Enormously Talented” and “Highly Respected”
NEW YORK, NY (May 24, 2021) — Kostelanetz & Fink LLP is pleased that Chambers and Partners has once again recognized the firm and six attorneys in its 2021 USA Guide in the areas of tax controversy, tax fraud, tax law, and white-collar defense and government investigations. Chambers USA ranks the top lawyers and law firms across all the United States of America through an assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.
In particular, Chambers this year has recognized the firm as a leader in Tax Controversy (Nationwide), Tax Fraud (Nationwide), White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations (New York) and Tax (District of Columbia).
“They operate at a national level and are enormously talented. They have excellent relationships with the government, and they are highly respected. It’s a very impressive shop,” one interviewee told Chambers of the firm’s tax controversy and tax fraud practices. Another noted, “If I had a criminal tax issue, they are the ones I would call.”
Of K&F’s white collar defense work, Chambers noted that the firm “routinely handles complex government investigations and offers extensive experience navigating criminal trials and appeals,” and that it “has further expertise in the handling of cross-border disputes, including in Europe, Africa and Asia.” One interviewee noted of the firm’s white-collar practice, “Their particular strength is their creativity. … They work very well together and approach every issue from a variety of angles.”
The six K&F attorneys who have been recognized in the Chambers USA 2021 Guide include partners Megan L. Brackney, Caroline D. Ciraolo, Sharon L. McCarthy, Jay R. Nanavati, Bryan C. Skarlatos, and firm co-founder Robert S. Fink.
Chambers has ranked Ms. Brackney as a leader in Tax Controversy (Nationwide) and noted that she “is well regarded for her handling of both civil and criminal tax controversy issues. She acts for clients in federal district courts as well as the U.S. Tax Court.” One interviewee told the rankings agency, “She is a superstar; she has established a reputation for herself through sheer force of hard work and intellect.”
Caroline Ciraolo has been ranked for both Tax: Fraud (Nationwide) and Tax (District of Columbia). Chambers remarked of Ms. Ciraolo that she “offers impressive governmental experience and is recognized for her adept representation of clients in high-profile criminal tax cases.” Interviewees described Ms. Ciraolo as “one of the most hard-working lawyers I have ever met,” “at the very top, universally revered and thought well of by everyone,” “incredibly knowledgeable, diligent and a practical thinker,” and “smart and relentless in defending her clients.”
Ranked for White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations (New York), Sharon McCarthy is described by Chambers as “widely acknowledged as a leading criminal tax lawyer” and as someone who “regularly advises individuals and institutional clients on all manner of criminal proceedings.” Interviewees told Chambers that Ms. McCarthy “has a great courtroom presence and terrific judgment,” “is one of the best trial lawyers,” is “tough yet shrewd about how she fights,” and “very well regarded by lawyers and judges.”
Remarking that he “offers notable experience defending clients in all stages of criminal tax proceedings,” Chambers has ranked Jay Nanavati for Tax Fraud (Nationwide). “He is a fabulous lawyer; he is extremely knowledgeable on criminal tax issues, smart and easy to work with,” one interviewee told Chambers. Another said, “He is an excellent trial lawyer with good judgment.”
Bryan Skarlatos has been recognized by Chambers in Tax Fraud (Nationwide and New York) for what it describes as the “widespread acclaim for his work defending both companies and individuals facing a wide variety of complex criminal tax allegations.” One interviewee noted that Mr. Skarlatos “is extremely active and one of the leaders in presenting on tax litigation and fraud topics.” Another said, “He is a top-notch practitioner and a lot of people’s first port of call.”
Firm co-founder Robert S. Fink has also been recognized as a Senior Statesman in Tax Fraud (Nationwide), with Chambers noting that he “is highly respected for his extensive expertise defending individuals facing major allegations of tax fraud.”
Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP has built a national reputation as the law firm of choice for clients facing high-stakes negotiations and controversies with government agencies. Because of our experience handling the most challenging, complex and sensitive cases, our attorneys are considered to be some of the country’s foremost experts on tax controversies, white collar defense and regulatory matters. An important part of the firm’s practice includes tax and estate planning and representation in government procurement and government contracting.
