NEW YORK (June 8, 2026) — Chambers USA has ranked Kostelanetz LLP as a leading firm for tax controversy, tax fraud, and white-collar defense and government investigations, and it has ranked the firm’s offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia as leaders in tax law.
Noting that the firm “has the ability to handle complex issues” and hailing its lawyers as “a group of incredibly intelligent attorneys,” 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 eight attorneys recognized in the Chambers USA 2026 Guide are
- Megan L. Brackney (Partner)
- Caroline D. Ciraolo (Partner)
- Christopher M. Ferguson (Partner)
- Sharon L. McCarthy (Partner)
- Jay R. Nanavati (Partner)
- Bryan C. Skarlatos (Partner)
- Todd Welty (Partner)
- Frank Agostino (Counsel)
Chambers’ rankings are based on client and other legal industry professionals' feedback. For 2026, respondents had high praise for Kostelanetz and its attorneys:
- "The Kostelanetz team is exceptionally creative. They are at the forefront of novel arguments in the tax law and in constitutional law as applied to tax law."
- "The Kostelanetz team has amazing expertise and talent, a great disciplined work ethic and manner of execution."
- "They are responsive without exception and highly-tuned to their clients' needs, goals, and challenges."
Megan L. Brackney is recognized for her nationwide practices in Tax Controversy and Tax Fraud. Respondents told Chambers, “Megan is an incredibly well-known force of nature.” Chambers noted that she is “well regarded for her handling of both civil and criminal tax controversy issues.” Megan currently serves as Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She is also 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 is ranked for her nationwide Tax Controversy and Tax Fraud practices as well as her Tax practice in Washington, D.C. “Caroline is a total heavyweight in the criminal tax space,” one respondent told Chambers. Another said, “Caroline is the consummate professional and is well-recognized for her deep tax knowledge, but also for her client-focused approach.” Caroline is also 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, teaching Criminal Tax Law and Procedure and International Tax Controversy.
Chris Ferguson is recognized for his White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations practice in New York. "Chris is a creative and intelligent attorney who is able to strategically approach matters that result in positive outcomes for clients,” one respondent said. Another noted, “I’d trust his integrity and competence with any matter.” Chris is also recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in the areas of white-collar criminal defense and commercial litigation. The Legal 500 describes him as a “key lawyer” at the firm, and International Tax Review’s World Tax describes him as a “highly regarded” tax controversy lawyer.
Sharon L. McCarthy receives recognition from Chambers for her White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations practice in New York. Chambers quotes one respondent as saying, “She acts as a strategic counselor outside the courtroom and is a talented and zealous advocate in the courtroom.” Other respondents said Sharon provides clients with “the absolute best representation they will get,” and that she “has really impeccable judgment” and “a great, calm bedside manner, which is very reassuring for her clients.” Sharon is also 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 is recognized by Chambers for his nationwide Tax Fraud practice and his Tax practice in D.C. Respondents said Jay is “a very thoughtful lawyer” who “is able to distill fraud cases into manageable matters.” Chambers notes that Jay “is held in high regard for his strength in handling criminal tax matters.” Jay is a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Tax Counsel.
Bryan C. Skarlatos is recognized for his nationwide Tax Fraud practice and his Tax and White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations practices in New York. Respondents noted that “Bryan is one of the legends in the field” of tax law and that he is “the most intelligent member of the tax controversy bar.” Chambers notes that Bryan “draws widespread acclaim for his work defending both companies and individuals facing a wide variety of complex criminal tax allegations,” and that he has “extensive experience representing both individuals and corporations in a wide array of white-collar matters.” Bryan is also 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.
Todd Welty’s tax practice in Georgia is recognized by Chambers, with Chambers noting that he “stands out for his tax litigation expertise.” One respondent told Chambers, “He is a brilliant strategist, and he excels at helping clients appreciate how multi-faceted tax battles are likely to play out years down the road.” In 2015, Law360 recognized Todd’s victory in Schaeffler v. United States as one of the Biggest Federal Tax Cases of the Year. Law360 has also named Todd a Tax MVP.
Frank Agostino’s nationwide Tax Fraud practice is recognized by Chambers, with the rankings agency noting that he “is an experienced litigator with demonstrable expertise handling a broad range of criminal tax issues.” During his four decades of practicing tax law, Frank Agostino has been the driving force behind many successful lawsuits that sought to establish fair tax enforcement principles for taxpayers. Frank has extensive courtroom experience, litigating more than 100 tax matters, several of which established important precedents for taxpayers.
Chambers USA guide and independent legal rankings cover practice areas in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and at the nationwide level, with hundreds of practice area-based ranking tables identifying the best practice groups and lawyers working across the U.S.
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. Important parts of the firm’s practice also include commercial litigation and government procurement and contracting.
