“The team is very sophisticated and thoughtful in its approach”
NEW YORK (June 3, 2022) — Kostelanetz & Fink is pleased that Chambers and Partners has once again recognized the firm and six of its attorneys in its 2022 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 as well as opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.
Chambers this year has recognized the firm as a leader in Tax: Controversy (Nationwide), Tax: Fraud (Nationwide), Specialist Firm in White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations (New York), Tax (New York), and Tax (District of Columbia).
Regarding the firm’s tax-related work, Chambers observes that K&F “maintains its reputation as an expert tax boutique with significant strength in criminal proceedings,” adding that the firm is “noted for its experience in civil fraud matters” and “supports a variety of clients, including high net worth individuals and major corporates.”
“The team is very sophisticated and thoughtful in its approach,” one interviewee told Chambers of the firm.
Of K&F’s white-collar defense work, Chambers notes 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.”
The six K&F attorneys who have been recognized in the Chambers USA 2022 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.
Ms. Brackney is ranked as a leader in Tax: Controversy (Nationwide) and Tax: Fraud (Nationwide). Chambers states that Ms. Brackney “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 has significant experience, knows the issues very well and is a strong writer in the tax field.”
Ms. Ciraolo is ranked for both Tax: Fraud (Nationwide) and Tax (District of Columbia). Chambers remarked that Ms. Ciraolo “offers impressive governmental experience and is recognized for her adept representation of clients in high-profile criminal tax cases.” An interviewee described Ms. Ciraolo as “a national expert focusing on civil and criminal tax controversies.” Another said, “She is excellent to work with — she’s smart, savvy, and very well connected with the IRS.”
Ms. McCarthy is ranked for White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations (New York) and 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 “is a gifted communicator” and “a fantastic lawyer and an incredibly zealous advocate.”
Remarking that Mr. Nanavati “offers notable experience defending clients in all stages of criminal tax proceedings,” Chambers ranked him for Tax: Fraud (Nationwide) and Tax (District of Columbia). “He is an excellent trial attorney. He’s very sophisticated,” one interviewee said. Another noted, “His judgement is excellent.”
Mr. Skarlatos has been recognized by Chambers in Tax: Fraud (Nationwide) and Tax (New York). The rankings agency observed that Mr. Skarlatos “draws widespread acclaim for his work defending both companies and individuals facing a wide variety of complex criminal tax allegations.” Chambers also notes he is “an esteemed practitioner” and that he “is adept at providing counsel to both corporations and individuals facing litigation.” One interviewee said that Mr. Skarlatos “is a preeminent practitioner in the field. He is a thought leader in the issues and gets outstanding results for his clients.” Another said, “When I need an expert on tax controversy, he is the first person I call.”
Mr. 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 authorities 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.
