LAWYER PROFILE
Shawn R O'Brien

Shawn R O'Brien

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by McDermott Will & Schulte

Practice Areas

Shawn O’Brien is nationally recognized by his peers and clients as a leading tax practitioner with a focus on tax disputes and controversies involving state, federal and international tax authorities. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, Shawn represents clients in tax examinations and administrative appeals and, when necessary, serves as a forceful advocate in litigation before the US Tax Court, US district courts, the US Court of Federal Claims, state courts and federal appellate courts. Shawn’s experience spans a broad range of tax issues that affect many different industries, including energy, renewables, financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, media and entertainment, technology and aviation. He advises domestic, foreign and multinational corporations, partnerships, master limited partnerships, real estate investment trusts and limited liability companies on tax issues in connection with foreign and domestic transactions.

He also counsels clients in disputes involving transfer pricing, debt versus equity, loss carrybacks, international withholdings, advance pricing agreements, tax shelter disallowances, research and development tax credits, changes in accounting methods, captive insurance, related-party transactions, repatriation structures, inbound distributors, foreign credit transactions and penalty abatements. Shawn has also developed a market-leading federal and state excise tax practice that advises some of the largest corporations on excise tax planning and controversies.

View more at: https://www.mwe.com/people/shawn-obrien/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Tax: Litigation - Texas

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Shawn O'Brien of McDermott Will & Emery LLP advises on a host of tax disputes before state and federal courts, including cross-border cases. He offers particular expertise in matters concerning the energy sector.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Shawn has a very wide knowledge of the industry. He is very responsive to the clients' needs.

    Tax: LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Shawn is an outstanding adviser who is always willing to provide insight and advice. He has a wide range of IRS experience which is what a corporate tax department needs in an adviser.

    Tax: LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Shawn is very responsive and engaged as a relationship partner.

    Tax: LitigationChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at McDermott Will & Schulte (252)

California

California: Northern

California: Southern

Delaware

District of Columbia

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