ABA 17th Annual U.S. and Latin America Tax Practice Trends Conference
2025-06-18 - 2025-06-20
Kostelanetz attorneys Heather Fincher, Eduardo A. Cukier, and Caroline D. Ciraolo will be speaking at the ABA’s 17th Annual U.S. and Latin America Tax Practice Trends Conference held in Miami from June 18 to June 20, 2025.
This year’s conference will focus on cross-border tax practice trends for multinational corporations and other business and investment vehicles, high net worth individuals and family offices, and their international advisors, as well as provide insight into how government tax officials may view the international tax landscape in light of important international developments that impact taxpayers. Panelists will include industry leaders, senior government officials, and leading tax practitioners from the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
The ABA will seek 15 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states and 18 hours of CLE credit in 50-minute states. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Please join Kostelanetz attorneys for the following sessions:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Wealth Management Session
HNW Clients and Trusts: Contemporary Trends and Challenges in Latin America
Heather Fincher will co-chair a panel on cross-border planning and complexities related to the increasing use of trusts by advisors to high-net-worth individuals throughout Latin America and the United States.
Heather will be speaking with fellow Co-Chair Hermano A. C. Notaroberto Barbosa, BMA, São Paulo and speakers José Maurício C. Abreu, Farroco Abreu Advogados, São Paulo; Alil Álvarez Alcalá, Álvarez Alcalá, SC, Mexico City; Myriam Bril, Goldman Sachs, Miami, FL; Corina Laudato, Mitrani Caballero, Buenos Aires; Javier Otegui, Guyer & Regules, Montevideo; and Jennifer J. Wioncek, Bilzin Sumberg, Miami, FL.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Wealth Management Session
New Frontiers for Family Offices: Emerging Issues for Cross-Border Family Office Structures and Investments
Eduardo Cukier will be speaking on U.S. tax and legal complexities faced by global family offices and their opportunities in structuring cross-border operations and investments.
Eduardo will be speaking alongside Co-Chairs Seth J. Entin, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Miami; Carola Trucco Horwitz, Barros & Errázuriz, Santiago; and speakers Paulo Bento, Madrona Advogados, São Paulo; Guadalupe Diaz-Sunico, Gomez-Acebo, Barcelona, and Gabriela Pellón, Galicia, Mexico City.
Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Concurrent Session B
Defending Multiple Fronts – The Prevalence, Perils, and Best Practices of Parallel Civil and Criminal Tax Enforcement Proceedings
Caroline Ciraolo will co-chair the panel discussion on a range of issues practitioners face when dealing with parallel civil and criminal tax enforcement proceedings.
Caroline will be joined by fellow Co-Chair Luis Suárez de Centi, Uría Menéndez, Madrid; and speakers Mario Barrera, Clark Hill, Mexico City; Juan Carlos Casellas, Mayora & Mayora, S.C., Guatemala City; Barbara R. Llanas, Gelber Schachter & Greenberg, P.A., Miami, Florida, Luis Marcelo Nuñez, Perez Alati, Grondona, Benites, & Arntsen, Buenos Aires; and Alvaro Villegas, Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados, La Paz, Bolivia.
Full conference agenda and registration info available here.
About Heather
Heather focuses her practice on multinational businesses and high net-worth individuals in need of international tax planning. She counsels both U.S.- and foreign-owned businesses and individuals regarding the U.S. tax consequences of cross-border investments, cryptocurrency issues, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and restructurings. Heather also regularly advises clients on special issues arising in international tax controversies. Heather is also the co-founder of the ABA’s Women in Tax Forum.
About Eduardo
Eduardo’s transactions-based domestic and international tax practice spans more than two decades advising U.S. and foreign clients across many different types of business deals in various industries. Eduardo brings an international perspective, cultural awareness, and an understanding of legal and tax systems, regulatory frameworks, and the business dynamics involved in getting deals done. That skill set has made him counsel of choice for many corporations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in the U.S., Latin America, and around the globe.
About Caroline
Caroline is a former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and a founder of Kostelanetz’s Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and cross-border civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.

NYU Advanced International Taxation Conference: Current Tax Penalty Issues
2025-07-18
Megan L. Brackney and Melissa Wiley will participate in an in-depth session on current tax penalty issues at the Advanced International Taxation Conference sponsored by the New York University (NYU) School of Professional Studies.
The panel will be held July 18, 2025, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Conference agenda and registration information can be found here.
July 18, 2025, 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Current Penalty Issues
Megan and Melissa will participate in a panel that will delve into the complex filing requirements for international information returns and the often life-altering penalties imposed for noncompliance. As a result of the IRS’s increased focus on enforcement in this area in recent years, many taxpayers have challenged international information return penalties on various technical grounds and on the basis of reasonable cause. Recently, some of these challenges have been addressed by the courts. This session will discuss recent cases in the area as well as their implications going forward.
Other panelists include: Victor A. Jaramillo, Esq., Member, Caplin & Drysdale, Washington, DC; and Larry A. Sannicandro, Esq., Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, New York, NY
NYU notes that the Advanced International Taxation Conference provides sophisticated knowledge of “hot button” issues and opportunities in international taxation such as:

Planning and pitfalls applicable to doing business globally, including the use of hybrid US and foreign entities and investment structures
Planning and structuring issues involving cross-border mergers and acquisitions
Eligibility issues under US income tax treaties
Foreign investment in US real estate property and US taxpayers’ investments in foreign real estate
Drafting intercompany agreements with an eye on transfer pricing

About Megan
Megan is a tax controversy attorney with a distinguished track record of delivering exceptional results for clients facing complicated and difficult tax issues. The current Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation, she is also a frequent speaker and contributor to local and national conferences on taxation, ethics in tax practice, IRS penalties, and civil tax controversy.
About Melissa
With more than 20 years of experience in tax law, Melissa has represented a diverse range of clients, from large corporations to high-net-worth individuals, in complex disputes with federal and state taxing authorities. Known for her calm, empathetic style, Melissa excels at distilling intricate tax issues into clear, actionable insights, helping her clients efficiently resolve disputes and focus on what matters most in their businesses and lives. Prior to becoming an attorney, Melissa worked in the insurance industry as an actuarial analyst.

IRS Tax Forum: Representing Businesses with No Records
2025-08-07 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
On Aug. 7, 2025, Michael Sardar will present on a panel entitled “Representing Businesses with No Records” at the IRS Tax Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Whether through natural disaster, computer failure, or poor record keeping, many businesses enter tax season without the business records their tax professional will need to prepare tax returns and defend against an IRS Audit. This panel will cover tools, tips, and strategies for tax professionals dealing with clients and taxpayers that do not have adequate and proper business records. The panel will cover reconstruction methods, the use of estimates, and the “Cohan Rule.”
Michael’s program will be held at 8:00 am CT and, then again, at 11:00 am CT on Aug. 7.
More information on the Forum, which is being held from Aug. 5-7, can be found here.
About Michael
Michael represents clients in all stages of civil and criminal tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax authorities, the Department of Justice, and local prosecutors. He has also represented scores of clients with unreported foreign assets, enabling the repatriation of over half a billion dollars of offshore assets through the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, the Streamlined Compliance Procedures, and the IRS’ current Voluntary Disclosure Practice.

IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice (CLE)
2025-08-28 13:45 - 14:45 (America/Chicago)
Caroline D. Ciraolo will speak on a panel entitled “IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice” at the TexasBarCLE’s annual Tax Law in the Digital Age conference on Aug. 28, 2025, at 1:45 p.m. Central.
Caroline and Dan Price, of the Law Offices of Daniel N. Price, will discuss the current voluntary disclosure practice, questions and concerns raised by tax professionals, recent developments, including the impact of the National Taxpayer Advocate’s efforts to assist taxpayers coming into compliance, and best practices. The presentation will be available via live webcast, and a webcast replay will be available October 9-10, 2025. CLE credit is offered for both.
More information and registration can be found here.
About Caroline
Caroline is a former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and a founder of Kostelanetz’s Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and cross-border civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, voluntary disclosures, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.

Webinar: Tax Implications of Business Transfers and Exit Strategies
2025-09-19
Usman Mohammad will present a session titled “Tax Implications of Business Transfers and Exit Strategies” for the National Business Institute’s (NBI) “Prevent Undue Tax Burdens for Your Business Clients” full-day webinar. The webinar is on September 19, 2025, and will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern, with Usman’s session at 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
NBI’s “Prevent Undue Tax Burdens for Your Business Clients” program is dedicated to small business and pass-through tax law issues, and it is designed to make tax and legal knowledge accessible for attendees who may not have prior tax law knowledge. The all-day webinar will cover a wide variety of tax topics pertinent to pass-through entities ranging from entity selection to international tax planning for closely-held businesses.
Usman’s session, “Tax Implications of Business Transfers and Exit Strategies,” will explore the taxation aspects of common small business exit strategies like selling a business and acquisition by a larger company.
You can learn more about the webinar and register here.
About Usman
Usman’s tax controversy practice includes defending clients in federal and state criminal matters involving issues such as tax shelters, payroll tax, check cashing, structuring cash deposits, filing false returns, and failing to file tax returns. He also has extensive experience with government procurement award protests, Article 78 proceedings involving procurement matters, foreign asset reporting issues, IRS responsible person and trust fund recovery penalty matters, IRS whistleblower matters, and IRS collection cases.

US SIF Webinar: Say Less, Risk More? ‘Greenhushing’ and SEC Enforcement
2025-09-19 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Victor Suthammanont will present a webinar with other former SEC officials for the US Sustainable Investment Forum (US SIF) on the legal and regulatory hazards of under-disclosure. The webinar will take place on September 19, 2025, at 3 p.m. Eastern.
The concept of “greenhushing” is a hot-button issue in the world of corporate governance and complex commercial litigation. Akin to “greenwashing”, which is when a company presents a more environmentally conscious and sustainable image than its actual practices, greenhushing is when companies and investment firms seek to downplay their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. For example, these entities may have removed or altered language from their websites and communications related to climate or social justice, diversity, governance, and other issues to conform to current political pressures. However, they may still communicate, in other ways, a commitment to these causes to their customers, investors, and other stakeholders.
In this webinar, Victor and the other former SEC officials will examine greenhushing from a SEC compliance and enforcement lens. What can greenhushing look like, how would it appear to the current SEC, and how can asset managers, advisers, and other parties mitigate risks while they consider new ESG-related messaging?
Victor will be joined by Mika Morse, former Policy Counsel for SEC Chair Gensler; Megan Barbero, former SEC General Counsel; and Erik Gerding, former Director of the SEC Division of Corporation Finance.
You can learn more about the webinar and register here.
About Victor
Victor served for a decade as an securities enforcement attorney in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including as a Senior Trial Counsel and as the Enforcement Counsel to Chair Gary Gensler. Prior to his extensive experience in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Victor represented and advised clients in private practice in complex commercial disputes and litigations, as well as in internal and governmental investigations.

Annual Meeting of the National Association of State Bar Tax Sections
2025-09-25
Caroline Ciraolo and Andy Weiner will speak at the 46th annual meeting of the National Association of State Bar Tax Sections (NASBTS) hosted by the Washington State Taxation Section at Fox Rothschild LLP’s offices in Seattle, WA, from September 25-26, 2025.
The conference offers a wide variety of sessions in state, local, and federal taxation and tax controversy topics. Additionally, the Tax Section Boot Camp and NASBTS annual business meeting will take place at the conclusion of the day’s panels on Thursday, September 25. Continuing education credits are available.
Caroline’s panel on Thursday, September 25, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Pacific is titled “Dealing with the New IRS: The State of IRS Enforcement and Its Impact on Dispute Resolution.” Panelists will discuss audit and dispute resolution trends in light of changes to the IRS in 2025. The panel will be moderated by Jaye Calhoun of Kean Miller, and Caroline will be joined by fellow panelists Parisa Griess of McDermott Will & Emery and Kevin Baker of Kean Miller.
Andy’s panel, “Federal and State Partnership Audits: Current Issues,” is on September 25 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. This panel will provide an overview of the centralized partnership audit regime under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA), its implications for state tax systems and clients, and practice trends and strategies. The panel is moderated by Alexander Korzhen of Wagner Tax Law, and Andy will be joined by fellow panelist Kate Kraus of Covington.
You can learn more about the conference and register here.
About Caroline
Caroline is the former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and now a partner with Kostelanetz LLP. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and cross-border civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.
About Andy
Andy focuses his practice on tax controversies, both civil and criminal, at all stages of the administrative and judicial process. A former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, he has argued approximately 50 tax cases in the U.S. courts of appeals. He is a Forbes contributing columnist on tax controversy and tax policy and a frequent writer and speaker on tax issues. He is also a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.

New York State and City Procurement Law: Vendor Selection, Protests, and Article 78
2025-10-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Usman Mohammad will present a webinar for BARBRI, formerly Strafford, on New York State and New York City procurement laws. The webinar will take place Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern. Continuing education credits are available.
In the webinar, Usman will provide attendees with a thorough understanding of New York State and New York City procurement law and practices among other challenges in government contracting. Topics will include procurement methods, lobbying restrictions, vendor selection and contract registration, the protest process, and the mechanics of Article 78 proceedings.
You can learn more about the webinar and register here.
About Usman
Usman is counsel at the New York City office of Kostelanetz LLP. Usman’s practice includes New York City and State government procurement matters, civil and criminal tax controversies including tax whistleblower matters, and commercial litigation.

Practicing Law Institute: Trial by Jury 2025
2025-10-16
Sharon McCarthy will lead a panel titled “Closing Big: Delivering a Compelling Closing Argument” during the Practicing Law Institute Trial by Jury 2025 program at 4 p.m. Eastern on October 16, 2025.
This program provides a unique view into jury trials by practitioners and judges, from opening statements through closing arguments. The event is open to attorneys and allied professionals who want to learn about all aspects of handling jury trials.
Sharon will be joined by panelists Richard M. Strassberg, Partner at Goodwin Procter; the Hon. Eric R. Komitee, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, and Hon. Vernon S. Broderick, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.
Registration and event information is available here.
About Sharon
Sharon, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and former federal prosecutor, has extensive experience representing individuals and corporations in white-collar criminal matters, civil and criminal tax controversies, and complex commercial litigation. She is an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches Trial Advocacy.

84th Institute on Federal Taxation (NY)
2025-10-19 - 2025-10-24
Kostelanetz attorneys Megan L. Brackney and Michael Sardar will speak at the 84th Institute on Federal Taxation, hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies. The conference will be held in New York City at The Westin at Times Square from October 19-24, 2025.
Megan’s session, “Current IRS Enforcement Efforts and the Path Ahead,” will take place on October 19th at 1:45 p.m. EST. She will be joined by Zhanna Ziering of Ziering & Esman PLLC and Phil Colasanto of Withers.
Michael’s session, “The Role of the Tax Advisor in the Tax System: Ethical and Penalty Standards for Advising Clients,” will take place on October 23rd at 5:15 p.m. EST. He will be joined by Professor V. Patrice Wylly of the NYU School of Law.
The Institute on Federal Taxation is a six-day conference that offers practitioners the opportunity to earn over 40 hours of continuing education credits in a plethora of complex tax law topics. Session topics will include current developments in tax controversy, international taxation issues, trusts and estates, executive compensation and employee benefits, practice ethics, and more.
You can learn more about the conference and register here.
About Megan
Megan is a tax controversy attorney with a distinguished track record of delivering exceptional results for clients facing complicated and difficult tax issues. Megan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She is also a frequent speaker and contributor to local and national conferences on taxation, ethics in tax practice, IRS penalties, and civil tax controversy.
About Michael
Michael represents clients in all stages of civil and criminal tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax authorities, the Department of Justice, and local prosecutors. He has also represented scores of clients with unreported foreign assets, enabling the repatriation of over half a billion dollars of offshore assets through the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, the Streamlined Compliance Procedures, and the IRS’ current Voluntary Disclosure Practice.

41st Annual UCLA Tax Controversy Conference
2025-10-23
Kostelanetz attorneys Andrew Weiner, Bryan C. Skarlatos, and Karen Kelly will speak at the 41st Annual UCLA Tax Controversy Conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles on October 23, 2025. Continuing education credit is offered, and attendance is in-person only. Kostelanetz is a proud Silver sponsor of this conference. Kostelanetz partner Caroline D. Ciraolo will also be in attendance at the conference.
Our attorneys will present the following sessions:
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, from 2:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. Pacific
“Valuation in Tax Enforcement Critical to Our Voluntary Compliance System”
Kostelanetz participant: Andy Weiner
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, from 3:10 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. Pacific
“Navigating IRS Resource Challenges – From the Taxpayer Advocate Service to Self-Help Options for Taxpayers and Tax Professionals”
Kostelanetz participant: Bryan Skarlatos
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Pacific
“The Future Direction of Criminal Tax Enforcement”
Kostelanetz participant: Karen Kelly
You can learn more about the conference and register here.
About Andy
Andy focuses his practice on tax controversies, both civil and criminal, at all stages of the administrative and judicial process. A former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, he has argued approximately 50 tax cases in the U.S. courts of appeals. He is a Forbes contributing columnist on tax controversy and tax policy and a frequent writer and speaker on tax issues. He is also a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.
About Bryan
Bryan focuses his practice on assisting clients with navigating tax penalties and voluntary disclosures. He provides expert testimony on tax penalties to governmental bodies and teaches courses on tax penalties at New York University School of Law, where he also created and co-chairs the NYU Tax Controversy Forum. Bryan is recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in New York and Best Lawyers in America has twice named Bryan “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Litigation in New York.
About Karen
The former head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Karen joined Kostelanetz after more than 30 years of federal and state trial practice, including prosecuting tax and white-collar crime. She was twice honored by the Department of Justice with the Attorney General Award for Outstanding Service. Her practice focuses on defending clients in state and federal criminal tax and white-collar investigations and prosecutions and representing clients in government investigations and enforcement actions. Karen draws on her extensive government experience to provide clients with insight and nuanced risk assessments and to provide a common-sense approach to best steps forward in complex criminal matters.

2025 Art Law Day: What’s the (Tax) Value of Art?
2025-11-07
Melissa Wiley will present a session titled “What’s the (Tax) Value of Art?” at the Appraisers’ Association of America’s (AAA) 2025 Art Law Day on November 7, 2025. The event will be held at the AAA’s New York City headquarters in Midtown Manhattan from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Eastern. Continuing education credits and virtual attendance options are available; however, credits are only awarded for in-person attendance.
Melissa’s session delves into the tax impact of art donations for both donors and tax-exempt organizations. Topics include how to substantiate art donations, reporting charitable contributions of art, common IRS challenges, and the risks that donors and tax-exempt organizations face. The session will be moderated by Meghan Biss of Loeb & Loeb LLP, and Melissa will be joined by fellow panelists Karin Gross of K. Tyson Law PLLC and Kristina Rasmussen of Deloitte Tax LLP.
You can learn more about Art Law Day and register here.
About Melissa
With more than 20 years of experience in tax law, Melissa has represented a diverse range of clients, from large corporations to high-net-worth individuals, in complex disputes with federal and state taxing authorities. Known for her calm, empathetic style, Melissa excels at distilling intricate tax issues into clear, actionable insights — helping her clients efficiently resolve disputes and focus on what matters most in their businesses and lives.

University of Chicago Law School Federal Tax Conference 2025
2025-11-07
Caroline D. Ciraolo will participate as a panelist in a session titled “Is Section 6103 Providing The Protections It Promised? And Should It?” at the University of Chicago Law School’s 78th Annual Federal Tax Conference on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 10:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Central at the Gleacher Center.
The panel will be moderated by John Hildy, partner, Mayer Brown LLP, and will include a presentation by Joseph Thorndike, Contributing Editor, Tax Notes and Director, Tax History Project at Tax Analysts, regarding the historical context of Section 6103. Following the presentation, the panelists, including Caroline and Michael Desmond, member, Miller & Chevalier, and former IRS Chief Counsel, will engage in a discussion regarding the scope of Section 6103, the application and limitations of the many statutory exceptions, and current scrutiny in light of agreements between the IRS and other federal agencies to support the Administration’s enforcement priorities.
You can learn more about the conference and register here.
About Caroline
Caroline is the former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and now a partner with Kostelanetz LLP. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and cross-border civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.

White Collar Support Group™ Tuesday Speaker Series: A Panel on Restitution & Forfeiture, presented by the Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA)
2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Caroline D. Ciraolo will join fellow members of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA) to present a panel on “Restitution and Forfeiture” to the White Collar Support Group Tuesday Speakers Series. The webinar will take place November 11, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
The discussion will cover the fundamentals of restitution and forfeiture orders. Attendees will learn the differences between forfeiture and restitution, how the two concepts converge, types of assets subject to forfeiture and restitution, unique IRS issues related to restitution and corresponding civil tax liabilities, and how to limit potential exposure during white-collar criminal proceedings.
Caroline will be joined by Margaret Graham and Jillian Berman, former Department of Justice prosecutors who represented individuals and entities in government investigations and criminal and regulatory matters. They will share their insights on forfeiture and restitution in federal criminal matters and how practitioners can strategize their defenses considering recent DOJ practices.
The White Collar Support Group™ is a community of individuals, families, and groups who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Over the past ten years, over 1,650 members have participated in over 490 weekly support group meetings from every state in the country – and Canada, the U.K., South America, Central America, Israel, Mexico, Europe, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean. The WCSG provides peer and mentoring support, white-collar job and career connections, relevant news and events, advocacy initiatives, partnerships with other nonprofits, and a wide array of other resources.
About Caroline
Caroline is the former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and now a partner with Kostelanetz LLP. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and cross-border civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.

84th Institute on Federal Taxation (San Francisco)
2025-11-16 - 2025-11-21
Kostelanetz attorneys Andrew Weiner and Bryan C. Skarlatos will speak at the 84th Institute on Federal Taxation, hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies. The conference will be held in San Francisco at Fairmont Hotel from November. 16-21, 2025.
Andrew’s session, “Nuts and Bolts of a Partnership BBA Audit,” will take place on November 19th at 1:45 p.m. Pacific. He will be joined by Mary I. Slonina of KPMG.
Bryan’s session, “The Role of the Tax Advisor in the Tax System: Ethical and Penalty Standards for Advising Clients,” will take place on November 21st at 5:15 p.m. EST. He will be joined by Michael R. Stein of Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez P.C. and G. Michelle Ferreira of Greenberg Traurig.
The Institute on Federal Taxation is a six-day conference that offers practitioners the opportunity to earn over 40 hours of continuing education credits in a plethora of complex tax law topics. Session topics will include current developments in tax controversy, international taxation issues, trusts and estates, executive compensation and employee benefits, practice ethics, and more.
You can learn more about the conference and register here.
About Andy
Andy focuses his practice on tax controversies, both civil and criminal, at all stages of the administrative and judicial process. A former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, he has argued approximately 50 tax cases in the U.S. courts of appeals. He is a Forbes contributing columnist on tax controversy and tax policy and a frequent writer and speaker on tax issues. He is also a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.
About Bryan
Bryan focuses his practice on assisting clients with navigating tax penalties and voluntary disclosures. He provides expert testimony on tax penalties to governmental bodies and teaches courses on tax penalties at New York University School of Law, where he also created and co-chairs the NYU Tax Controversy Forum. Bryan is recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in New York and Best Lawyers in America has twice named Bryan “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Litigation in New York.

2025 CBIT Fall Tax Day
2025-11-20 20:45 (America/New_York)
Megan L. Brackney will present a program on “Tax Controversy & Basics of Tax Procedure” at the 2025 Fall Tax Day hosted by the Committee of Banking Institutions on Taxation (CBIT).
The CBIT Fall Tax Day will be held on November 20, 2025, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Arno Ristorante in New York, NY. Megan’s panel will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about the program here.
About Megan
Megan is a tax controversy attorney with a distinguished track record of delivering exceptional results for clients facing complicated and difficult tax issues. Megan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She is also a frequent speaker and contributor to local and national conferences on taxation, ethics in tax practice, IRS penalties, and civil tax controversy.

IRS Exam & Enforcement Trends: What Private Investment Funds Need to Know
2025-12-02 14:30 - 15:15 (America/New_York)
Caroline Ciraolo will join a panel titled IRS Exam & Enforcement Trends: What Private Investment Funds Need to Know, at the PIF Tax and Accounting Forum virtual conference on December 2, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Eastern. Continuing education credit is available.
The panelists will address tax enforcement trends concerning partnerships and high-income taxpayers in light of recent changes at the IRS and areas of increased scrutiny that fund managers and investors should be mindful of. Attendees will learn how to effectively manage private investment fund audits and navigate re-established IRS guidance on investment entities.
Caroline will be joined by Jennifer Breen, partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and Miri Forster, partner and National Tax Controversy & Dispute Resolution Leader at Eisner Advisory Group LLC.
You can learn more about the virtual conference and register here.
About Caroline
Caroline is a former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and a founder of Kostelanetz’s Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on federal and state civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.

UT Law CLE 2025 Taxation Conference: What to Do With All the Data?
2025-12-04
Melissa Wiley will present a program titled “What to Do With All the Data? Substantiating Tax Positions in the Face of Tidal Waves of Data” at the University of Texas School of Law CLE 73rd Annual Taxation Conference. The conference is being held at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, TX on December 4, 2025. Continuing education credits and virtual attendance options are available.
Melissa’s session takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Central. In this session, Melissa will discuss the role of Big Data in how taxpayers and practitioners interface with tax authorities, and how to best advocate for clients in the Digital Age.
You can learn more about the conference and register here.

Public Records: A Legal Primer for Attorneys
2025-12-16 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Usman Mohammad will present a webinar for the National Business Institute (NBI) titled Public Records: A Legal Primer for Attorneys. The webinar is on December 16, 2025, and will run from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Eastern.
In the webinar, Usman will show attendees how to effectively navigate public records and gain critical information to advocate for clients. The webinar will begin with an overview of federal and state laws, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and the types of information that is typically available via public record. Attendees will learn best practices for drafting and filing public record requests, as well as how to handle common causes of public record request denials and delays.
You can learn more about the webinar and register here.
About Usman
Usman is counsel at the New York City office of Kostelanetz LLP. Usman’s practice includes New York City and State government procurement matters, civil and criminal tax controversies including tax whistleblower matters, and commercial litigation.
