Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Tax: Controversy

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

The Chicago office, a key player in our Firm's Tax Controversy division, boasts a notable record in resolving complex tax disputes across North America. Our team excels in discreetly handling high-stakes issues, often circumventing litigation, distinguishing us from our peers. Our tax professionals are part of an unparalleled international network, including a robust team of in-house economists, positioning our tax team as one of the global leaders in the field. The Chicago tax group benefits from the collective expertise of over 280 North American tax practitioners and more than 950 globally, as an integrated, worldwide tax force.

Our Chicago branch, along with our distinguished attorneys, is recognized for excellence in various intricate legal fields. These include transfer pricing, tax litigation, and international tax strategy, as well as comprehensive tax planning for corporate activities such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. We also specialize in indirect, state, and local taxation, alongside wealth management and services for private clients. Our profound expertise spans capital markets, taxation of REITs, investment funds, and transactions in real estate and energy sectors through partnerships and similar entities. This expansive experience, coupled with our expertise in both traditional tax practices and the latest in complex, cross-border tax issues, empowers us to deliver insightful, well-rounded advice that meticulously considers the subtlest details.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax: Controversy - Illinois


What the Team is Known For
Baker McKenzie has a full-service tax practice fielding a deep bench of experienced attorneys. It frequently acts on international matters, including cross-border tax structuring concerns and controversies, alongside well-established domestic strength. The firm is also noted for its expertise in transfer pricing.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Avangrid, an energy services and delivery company on the sale of its subsidiary, Maine Natural Gas Company, to Unitil Corporation, for a value of $86 Million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team consistently provides excellent recommendations of tax-efficient structures for complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and large-scale dispositions.

    Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
  • The Baker McKenzie team is highly tax technical and very conscious of tax risks and impacts. They thoroughly evaluate all options available to us, and provide this information in concise and understandable terms.

    Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
  • The tax team was proactive in ensuring tax matters were addressed promptly.

    Tax: Controversy respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Julia Skubis Weber
    Band 3Julia Skubis Weber

    Julia Skubis Weber

    Julia Skubis Weber is adept at acting for a wide range of domestic and international clients. She is routinely called upon by clients to advise on tax structuring matters.
    • Julia provides us with excellent service, is very tax technical and always cognizant of our business strategy and culture.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
    • Julia has a proven high-level of sophistication in a broad range of tax matters while also demonstrating an understanding of our business and industry.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
    • Julia is a pleasure to work with. She's brilliant, but practical.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
  • Band 3Maher Haddad
    Band 3Maher Haddad

    Maher Haddad

    Maher Haddad has a broad practice and often works on tax issues arising from transactions, tax restructuring and international relations for clients in the retail and manufacturing space.

    • Maher has demonstrated a high level of client service and business awareness.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
  • Band 3Mark A Oates
    Band 3Mark A Oates

    Mark A Oates

    Mark Oates is a strong controversy expert who routinely advises on a range of high-stakes disputes, drawing on broader criminal defense skills.

    • Mark is an excellent attorney.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingSamuel Pollack
    Up and ComingSamuel Pollack

    Samuel Pollack

    Samuel Pollack advises clients on the tax aspects of both national and international transactions. He has experience handling mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and reorganizations among other things.

    • Sam provides us with excellent service, is very tax technical and always cognizant of our business strategy and culture.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
    • Sam is a great advisor and business partner. He is extremely knowledgeable, always brings sophisticated planning ideas to our attention and is able to explain them in a simple and straightforward way.

      Tax: Controversy respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (4)

Illinois

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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