
Tax: Controversy
USA Guide 2026 : Illinois
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
The Tax Group at Skadden handles all aspects of tax law in transactions worldwide. Skadden tax lawyers bring years of experience gained in both private practice and in government to each engagement with the goal of creative and value-added tax solutions. Our Tax Group coordinates its efforts with Skadden lawyers in other disciplines to provide a team approach to each client matter.
Skadden’s tax attorneys are experienced in virtually every type of matter that presents significant tax issues. Our tax professionals also have played leading roles in developing creative controversy resolutions, such as global settlements, fast-track appeals settlements, prefiling agreements and similar expedited resolution strategies. If litigation is required, the firm has well-known senior tax litigators experienced in substantial tax controversies.
The firm ranked #1 for tax in Vault’s Law 100 Rankings from 2010-2018, every year since the rankings’ inception. Skadden received two awards at the 2016 International Tax Review Americas Awards. We were named among Law360’s Tax Groups of 2016 and ranked as a top-tier firm by U.S. News — Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 2017, Chambers Global 2017 and International Tax Review’s World Transfer Pricing 2017. The Tax Group and its members also are repeatedly named as leaders in their field in Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Chambers Europe and Legal 500.
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
The tax and tariff team are extremely creative and thoughtful. They spend time understanding our business operations to offer customized solutions for challenges we face as a company.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSASkadden demonstrates strong technical capability in handling complex restructuring and tax matters.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSAThe Skadden team is responsive and offers solutions that are both creative and practical.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
David Polster
David Polster is recognized for his first-class tax counsel on complex corporate transactions including acquisitions, and joint ventures. He is also noted for his expert REITs practice. David is distinguished by his exceptional institutional knowledge and a thoughtful, deeply analytical approach to issues.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSADavid is very thorough and analytical.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 
Nathaniel Carden
Nathaniel Carden attracts an impressive roster of high-profile clients in the IT, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors. His expertise includes transfer pricing and IRS audits, as well as cross-border planning. Nathaniel is creative and knowledgeable and understands our business.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSANathaniel is highly technical, and very client-service driven. He is one of the best at anticipating issues and thinking steps ahead in terms of how he's providing advice.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Nickolas Gianou
Nickolas Gianou is recognized for his strength in transactional tax matters, including mandates involving REITs, joint ventures and acquisitions. Nickolas is brilliant and great to deal with.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Sarah Beth Rizzo
Sarah Beth Rizzo has an impressive tax practice that includes advising on sales, acquisitions and other transactions involving REITs. Sara is responsive and well connected within the firm.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSAShe has good technical skills.
Tax: Controversy respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates (5)
Members
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Nathaniel Carden
View profile of Nathaniel Carden
David Polster
View profile of David Polster
Sarah Beth Rizzo
View profile of Sarah Beth Rizzo
Nickolas Gianou
View profile of Nickolas Gianou
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates has rankings in the following guides
Band 2 Global 2026
Practice area: Tax
Location: Global: Multi-Jurisdictional
View department profile for Global 2026
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