Akerman LLP maintains close relationships with clients from an array of industries, including the retail, technology, and financial sectors. The practice includes five dedicated SALT, federal, international, trusts and estates, and employee benefits tax sub-teams. Peter Larsen, who is based in Jacksonville, co-leads the practice with Chicago lawyer David Blum. Larsen has particular strength in tax challenges relating to emerging technologies, while Blum is a SALT specialist with prior experience as a state tax auditor. SALT sub-practice chair Michael Bowen, who is based in Jacksonville, acts for both national and international clients in relevant disputes. Stefi George, of the New York office, is another SALT expert who acts nationwide advising on tax compliance, controversy, and litigation. Miami lawyer Lorie Fale is also a key contact for clients facing state tax assessments.
Key clients
- Deutsche Post DHL Group
- Hertz
- Wind Point Partners LP
- Macy’s Retail Holdings, Inc.
- Ally Financial
- Home Depot USA, Inc.
- Capital One
- Expedia
- Verizon
- Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
Work highlights
- Advised Trulieve on pursuing a 9-figure refund claim as part of a strategy to invalidate an IRS Rule costing the U.S. cannabis industry billions of dollars.
- Assisted a Target subsidiary that provided services to its parent company in Minnesota with obtaining a ruling in Florida state court deciding that the client isn't liable for more than $10m in Florida corporate income taxes.
- Represented Quad/Graphics Inc. in a landmark case involving transactional nexus issues.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Larsen, David Blum