DLA Piper LLP (US) covers the full gamut of tax disputes, acting on behalf of prominent businesses and high net worth individuals in complex domestic and international matters. The group is particularly noted for its strength in criminal tax, with expertise in managing major, high-profile investigations. Co-leading from New York are Ellis Reemer, who has a strong record of acting at the federal, state, and local levels and formerly worked within the IRS Chief Counsel’s office, and criminal tax expert Diana Erbsen, previously a member of the tax division of the US Department of Justice. Also key are Joseph Myszka in Sacramento, who specialises in international tax issues, and San Francisco-based Henry Cheng, who was promoted to partner in 2023 and covers a range of civil tax disputes, including transfer pricing and matters relating to foreign tax credits. Victoria Gu, who works from Palo Alto, is a further name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team in New York is outstanding at representing corporations, other entities, and executives in any type of tax controversy.'
  • 'Diana Erbsen is a former Department of Justice Tax Division Appellate Section Chief, and is a superb writer. Ellis Reemer brings wisdom and thoughtfulness to everything he touches.'
  • 'Ellis Reemer has a vast knowledge of estate tax issues.'
  • 'The team is extremely detail oriented and keeps us abreast as the things progress.'
  • 'The tax litigation practice at DLA Piper is one of the strongest in U.S. They have the expertise to handle virtually any federal tax litigation matter.'
  • 'Ellis Reemer is an experienced stand-out partner. His ability to solve problems and his attention to detail make him an excellent tax-litigator. He has an indomitable spirit to work until the job is done. Diana Erbsen, another tax partner, works closely with Ellis. They make a great team and her input is invaluable.'

Key clients

  • Synopsys, Inc.
  • YA Global Investments LP
  • Hilton Worldwide
  • iRobot Corporation
  • Alvogen

Work highlights

  • Represented YA Global in a case where the IRS has claimed that offshore investors had income effectively connected with a US trade or business.
  • Acted for Synopsys in a tax refund case involving $40m in dispute.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ellis Reemer, Diana Erbsen

Other key lawyers

Michael Patton, Tamara Shepard, Joseph Myszka, Victoria Gu