Department profile
Tax
USA Guide 2026 : Illinois
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Mayer Brown acted as counsel for Yum! Brands in its U.S. Tax Court case, regarding USD2.5 billion of asserted tax and penalties resulting from several international reorganisations the company undertook in 2014.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
I find the team to bring multidisciplinary approaches and provide very comprehensive advice.
Tax respondentUSAMayer Brown has a strong tax controversy team and a strong appellate team, with the ability to leverage both groups throughout the litigation process.
Tax respondentUSAKnown for handling complex cross-border and transfer-pricing cases, Mayer Brown blends strategic foresight with proven credibility before tax authorities.
Tax respondentUSAMayer Brown is a terrific firm with exceptional tax professionals.
Tax respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Star Individuals 
Star Individuals Joel V Williamson
Joel Williamson is held in high esteem for his wealth of transfer pricing expertise. He has significant trial experience and routinely acts for clients facing seminal cases before the US Tax Court. Joel Williamson is excellent.
Tax respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 Thomas L Kittle-Kamp
Thomas Kittle-Kamp is a leading tax controversy expert. He handles an array of IRS disputes, including challenges to partnership structures and tax refunds. Thomas Kittle-Kamp is a strong lawyer. Everyone sees him as the best.
Tax respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 James R Barry
James Barry offers considerable expertise in tax matters arising from high-value acquisitions and sales, advising a broad roster of domestic and international clients. James Barry is very good and technically capable.
Tax respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 Jenny A Austin
Jenny Austin is sought after by clients for her expertise in tax controversy and litigation work. She is well positioned to handle complex domestic and cross border issues that may arise.
Jenny Austin is a terrific controversy resource.
Tax respondentUSAJenny is a super-lawyer. She's a fierce advocate with exceptional soft skills - a trusted advisor who provides tailored client service.
Tax respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 John T Hildy
John Hildy has a strong tax controversy practice that takes in high-stakes litigation for a wide range of corporate clients. He often handles IRS administrative proceedings and cross-border tax matters. Band 4 
Band 4 Steven Garden
Steven Garden regularly assists clients in a wide variety of non-contentious tax matters. He has particular expertise in credit investment transactions.
Steven is a superb advisor who understands the market and serves his clients with gusto. He’s extremely technical but can explain complex concepts to non-tax professionals with ease.
Tax respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Mayer Brown LLP (6)
Illinois
James R Barry
Tax
View profile Steven Garden
Tax
View profile Joel V Williamson
Tax: Controversy
View profile Thomas L Kittle-Kamp
Tax: Controversy
View profile Jenny A Austin
Tax: Controversy
View profile John T Hildy
Tax: Controversy
View profile
Mayer Brown LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 3 Global 2026
Practice area: Tax
Location: Global: Multi-Jurisdictional
View department profile for Global 2026
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