CHICAGO, August 21, 2017: Morgan Lewis today welcomes Jenny Austin, a skilled federal tax controversy lawyer and seasoned tax litigator, as a partner in Chicago. Ms. Austin’s arrival follows that of her former colleague, Tom Linguanti, a top tax controversy and transfer pricing litigator who joined Morgan Lewis from the same global law firm earlier this month.
“We have built a best-in-class practice in the tax controversy and transfer pricing areas, and Jenny and Tom’s arrival is further evidence of our ability to handle the most complex and significant matters for our clients,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Their group adds significant litigation power to a practice that already has a Band 1 ranking by Chambers USA and Tier 1 designation by The Legal 500 US for tax controversy.”
Ms. Austin assists clients in all stages of tax controversies, from US Internal Revenue Service examinations through administrative appeals, alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and litigation before state tax courts and the US Tax Court. Ms. Austin has represented clients in all aspects of transfer pricing, including cross-border transfer pricing of tangible assets and intellectual property and other intangible assets, services, and cost sharing agreements. She also advises taxpayers worldwide on issues such as US tax obligations and international tax implications of offshore operations, as well as withholding, excise tax, and information reporting responsibilities.
“Our clients will benefit immensely from Jenny’s first-rate knowledge and extensive controversy experience representing companies in complex issues and across numerous industries, particularly those with significant intellectual property interests, including medical device, pharmaceutical, and technology companies,” said Barton W.S. Bassett, who heads the firm’s tax practice. “The addition of Jenny and Tom to our team is a first step in demonstrating our commitment to continued growth in the Chicago market and solidifies our position as both a coast-to-coast US and global tax leader.”
The top-ranked global tax practice at Morgan Lewis, ranked in Band 1 by Chambers USA and in Tier 1 by The Legal 500 US for tax controversy, represents clients in all stages of tax-related issues: planning, transactional-related tax work, and tax controversy and litigation matters. It includes lawyers with high-level service in the US Department of the Treasury and the US Department of Justice and advises on international as well as US federal, state, and local tax exposures associated with pending transactions and ongoing business operations.
The firm’s Chicago office is a gateway to the US Midwest, providing regional and global clients with advice in a broad range of service areas including litigation, labor, employment, intellectual property, securities enforcement, investment management, and corporate transactions.