Shah brings significant experience on a wide range of corporate state income tax issues, including resolution of state tax controversies before administrative tax agencies. Previously an attorney in the California Franchise Tax Board’s Legal Department, he most recently was a managing director at Andersen Tax in San Francisco. Shah received his J.D. and LLM in tax from the University of San Diego School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“Shail has an exceptional mix of experience that will help us continue to expand our capabilities on the West Coast,” said Lee Zoeller, head of Reed Smith’s State Tax Practice. “His focus on assisting companies with tax controversy matters, and his experience at the Franchise Tax Board will allow us to offer greater advice and counsel to corporations in that arena. Shail’s experience is a perfect complement to our existing state tax team’s strengths."
“Among the many reasons I decided to join Reed Smith was an opportunity to return to practice at a highly regarded law firm, with an extremely strong national state tax team,” Shah said. “With offices in major U.S. markets, the Reed Smith platform offers me the opportunity to assist clients with a wider range of complex state tax issues.”
The firm’s State Tax practice has also added two attorneys in DC and one in Philadelphia, adding depth and breadth to the group’s capabilities on both coasts. In February Jeremy S. Abrams rejoined as counsel in the DC office. Previously an associate at Reed Smith from 2011-2012, Abrams was most recently an attorney at Crowell & Moring. He focuses his practice on state and local tax planning, litigation matters, escheat and business aviation matters and has advised companies in all stages of state tax controversies in many states, including audits, administrative appeals and judicial appeals.
DeAndre Morrow also joined as an associate in the firm’s DC office. Previously an attorney with Eversheds Sutherland, Morrow was a staff tax attorney for the Revenue Administration Division of the Comptroller of Maryland. He advises companies on income, property, franchise, sales and use tax matters, as well as tax compliance, planning, policy and controversy issues.
In Philadelphia, Megan Miller also joined the firm’s State Tax practice as an associate. She focuses her practice on multistate tax litigation matters in Pennsylvania and North Carolina and has significant experience advising clients on tax return preparation in both state income tax and indirect tax. Previously, Miller was a Tax Consultant in PwC’s State and Local Tax Group in Philadelphia.
“At a time when corporations are facing uncertainty related to recent federal and state tax law changes, our clients look to the firm for counsel on a growing number of tax compliance and legal issues,” said Lorenzo Gasparetti, Los Angeles office managing partner. “With a broad base of California tax experience, Shail is the right fit to help us continue expanding our tax practice on the West Coast.”
Reed Smith’s State Tax practice advises clients on all domestic state and local taxes at all stages of the tax lifecycle, not only providing defense in litigation and appeal matters, but also proactively guiding clients to optimize their tax positions. Located across eight U.S. offices, the 40 lawyers in Reed Smith’s State Tax practice work collaboratively with attorneys across the firm, which allows them to leverage the firm’s various national and global practices as needed. Through a unique tax intelligence system implemented by the team, attorneys at Reed Smith are alerted to tax issues in states before the issues become generally known to the tax community.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm, dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Its long-standing relationships, international outlook and collaborative structure make it a go-to partner for speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
