Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Tax

USA Guide 2026 : California: Southern


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

As trusted tax counsel to leading multinational companies for more than five decades, our Global Tax Practice is one of the most highly regarded in the world. We're recognized for the high quality of the tax advice we provide in transactions, as well as in global tax policy, transfer pricing, indirect tax, dispute resolution and wealth management matters, worldwide.

With over 900 tax practitioners in 40 countries, our recognized global team combines deep industry knowledge and technical skill to deliver integrated advice that seamlessly aligns to clients’ businesses. From policy to planning, transactions to dispute resolution, our team of experienced lawyers, economists and tax advisors look at tax from every angle and provide full-scale advice to leading multinational companies, family businesses and individuals.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax - California: Southern

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie is an esteemed practice held in high regard for its adept handling of international tax work, such as transfer pricing and tax planning. The team is also noted for its expertise in tax controversy matters, including litigation and administrative appeals. It works with a host of market-leading clients, including high profile names from the social media, money transfer and travel booking sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie represented Amgen in an eight week trial before the United States Tax Court. The primary transfer pricing dispute involved a proposed IRS income adjustment of $23 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie has unmatched technical analysis, paired with practical solutions and novel approaches to complex problems.

    Tax respondentUSA
  • Baker McKenzie strategically focuses on aligning the right firm resources with their client's needs. It has experienced professionals that clients view as trusted business advisers.

    Tax respondentUSA
  • Baker McKenzie has the ability to coordinate seamlessly across global offices, benchmark solutions internationally, and provide risk-weighted, pragmatic recommendations that drive value and certainty.

    Tax respondentUSA
  • Their tax department has incredible size and breadth that enables them to be a go-to on any and all tax matters, regardless of subject matter or jurisdiction.

    Tax respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Gary D Sprague
    Band 1Gary D Sprague

    Gary D Sprague

    Gary Sprague wins praise from across the market for his exemplary skills in tax planning and controversy work.
    • Gary is a leading expert in the field.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Gary is one of the most outstanding international tax lawyers around.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Gary's professionalism, clarity and strategic vision set him apart, not just as a tax expert, but as a true adviser who adds value well beyond the technical.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 3David B. Goldman
    Band 3David B. Goldman

    David B. Goldman

    David Goldman applies his tax expertise to a wide range of corporate transactions, including cross-border restructurings and M&A.
    • David is incredibly smart, responsive, user-friendly and a pleasure to work with.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 3Stewart R Lipeles
    Band 3Stewart R Lipeles

    Stewart R Lipeles

    Stewart Lipeles concentrates his practice on corporate tax matters, including tax structuring issues. He regularly handles domestic and cross-border issues.
    • Stewart understands our industry and is practical and technically strong.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 4Ethan S Kroll
    Band 4Ethan S Kroll

    Ethan S Kroll

    Ethan Kroll is chair of Baker McKenzie's west coast tax practice and chair of the firm's North American tax planning and transactions group. He is recognized for his expertise in a broad range of tax matters, including international planning, transactional and controversy work.

    • Ethan is an excellent adviser.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Ethan is one of the smartest and effective practitioners I know.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 4Julia Ushakova-Stein
    Band 4Julia Ushakova-Stein

    Julia Ushakova-Stein

    Julia Ushakova-Stein advises clients across industries including technology, healthcare and financial services in transactional matters.
    • Julia is absolutely great to work with. She is extremely responsive, knowledgeable and very practical.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Julia is a great international tax partner.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Julia has practical, business-focused advice and the ability to navigate complex, cross-border matters with clarity and efficiency.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 4Matthew Schonholz
    Band 4Matthew Schonholz

    Matthew Schonholz

    Matthew Schonholz is a tax and executive compensation practitioner who focuses on M&A, joint ventures and corporate and partnership tax.

    • His tremendous tax knowledge is beyond impressive.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Matthew is a very bright attorney who looks out for his clients.

      Tax respondentUSA
    • Matthew is technically very sound and knowledgeable, staying on top of things by paying attention to what's happening in the market.

      Tax respondentUSA
  • Band 4Scott H Frewing
    Band 4Scott H Frewing

    Scott H Frewing

    Scott Frewing advises on various tax controversy matters, including transfer pricing disputes.
    • Scott is a great writer and a well known advocate.

      Tax respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (7)

California: Northern

California: Southern

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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