Caroline Ciraolo and Todd Welty Named “Leading Partners”
NEW YORK (June 23, 2025) — Kostelanetz LLP has been named a leading U.S. tax controversy firm by Legal 500 for 2025. In addition, partners Caroline D. Ciraolo and Todd Welty have been named to the Legal 500 “Leading Partners” list for tax controversy.
Legal 500 recognized the “stellar team” at Kostelanetz, best-known for tax controversy and criminal tax matters, particularly for high-net-worth clients. Legal 500 quotes one respondent to their research as saying, “This is one of the best boutique tax controversy practices in the country. The team has depth and breadth in both civil and criminal practice, with practitioners who have served both as line attorneys in the government and in senior positions in the government.”
Legal 500 testimonials state that Caroline “leaves no stone unturned in attempting to achieve the best possible results for her clients,” and that Todd is “among the best in the conservation easement space.”
In reviewing the firm’s strengths, Legal 500 cited last year’s addition of its Atlanta office when Kostelanetz combined forces with WELTY PC, stating that “key partners” Todd Welty and Andrew Steigleder were “notable additions.” In New York, Legal 500 recognized Megan Brackney as “a leading partner” and Bryan C. Skarlatos for his “huge experience in tax controversy” and “great judgment in civil and criminal matters.” In addition, litigators Christopher M. Ferguson and Michael Sardar were singled out as “key names” at the firm, who also handle white-collar criminal defense.
Legal 500 selects firms for ranking that engage in “high-level, nationally significant work across practice areas.” The Legal 500 rankings are based on client and peer feedback and independent research, which are updated annually.
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.
