25 Kostelanetz Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in Tax, White Collar, Trusts & Estates, and Commercial Litigation for 2027

NEW YORK (August 24, 2026) — Best Lawyers in America® has recognized more than half of all Kostelanetz attorneys for its 2027 edition, naming 25 Kostelanetz lawyers to its annual list in the firm’s key practice areas of tax law and tax litigation; white-collar criminal defense; commercial litigation; and trusts and estates.

In addition, Best Lawyers has named partner Bryan C. Skarlatos as its 2027 Lawyer of the Year for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York, marking the fourth time he has been selected for the accolade. He also won the award in 2025, 2017, and 2014.

Because so many of the firm’s attorneys have been ranked for Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Best Lawyers has named the firm a “Top-Listed” firm for that practice area in New York state, the New York City metro area, and the District of Columbia for 2027. This designation is given to firms that have the most recognized lawyers in a specific practice area and jurisdiction.

The Kostelanetz lawyers who have been selected by their peers for inclusion on the Best Lawyers in America list for 2027 are:

• Megan L. Brackney for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Caroline D. Ciraolo for Tax Law; Litigation and Controversy – Tax; and Criminal Defense: White Collar in Washington, D.C.
• Christopher M. Ferguson for Commercial Litigation and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Sharon L. McCarthy for Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Claude M. Millman for Commercial Litigation in New York.
• Jay R. Nanavati for Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Tax Law, and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Washington, D.C.
• Michael Sardar for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Bryan C. Skarlatos for Tax Law; Litigation and Controversy – Tax; and Criminal Defense: White Collar in New York.
• Andy Steigleder for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Atlanta.
• Ian Weinstock for Trusts and Estates in New York.
• Todd Welty for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Atlanta.
• Eduardo Cukier for Tax Law in New York.
• Kevin M. Flynn for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Usman Mohammad for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Caroline Rule for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Eric Smith for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.

Nine attorneys were also selected for the Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch” list:

• Maxwell Brown for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Abigail Burke for Tax Law; Litigation and Controversy – Tax; and Criminal Defense: White Collar in Washington, D.C.
• Michael Coverstone for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Atlanta.
• Daniel Cady Davidson for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Washington, D.C.
• William Greco for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Washington, D.C.
• Merima Mahmutbegovic for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Atlanta.
• Yelena Niazyan for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New York.
• Macdonald Norman for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Atlanta.
• Michael Waalkes for Tax Law and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in Washington, D.C.

Kostelanetz has been recognized by Best Lawyers for more than a decade. “Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review,” Best Lawyers notes. “Our process is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.”

About Kostelanetz LLP

For 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.