Steptoe LLP‘s broad offering covers transactional tax matters as well as tax policy issues, qualified opportunity zone issues, and cryptocurrency and blockchain taxation. Phil West, formerly firm chair, has a strong reputation for advising major multinationals and high-net-worth individuals on international tax issues. He co-chairs the group alongside New York-based private client specialist Beth Tractenberg. Lisa Zarlenga focuses on tax policy issues concerning tax legislation and Treasury guidance as well as on transactional matters in emerging areas such as cryptocurrency and clean energy tax incentives. Amanda Varma advises multinational businesses, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals on a range of issues, including cross-border investments, reorganizations, business restructurings, acquisitions, and financings. Lauren Azebu has experience handling cross-border investments and FATCA compliance issues as well as tax-free spinoffs. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise noted. In 2023 Robert Rizzi and Eli Akhavan left the firm.
Key clients
- American Astronomical Society
- UNICEF
Work highlights
- Advised several clients on tax policy issues in front of Congress and the Treasury Department, including advising on impacts of legislative and regulatory developments as well as advocating for legislation and changes to administrative guidance.
- Represented American Astronomical Society (AAS), advising on corporate governance and director fiduciary duties/potential liability issues, executive compensation and employment law, qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, professional ethics, corporate transactions, leasing, EU data privacy matters, and intellectual property matters.