Firm strengthens state and local tax (SALT) group
Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Doug Wick has joined the Firm’s Tax Practice in Chicago. Doug is a highly respected practitioner who brings nearly 15 years of experience in both private practice and government service, most recently as Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
At the IRS, Doug led trial teams in complex, high-value US Tax Court cases, coordinated Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) penalties for the Midwest region, and advised IRS agents on legal issues. He also served as special detail to the Litigation & Advisory Division Counsel where he provided legal advice on pressing issues of national importance, coordinated important tax and policy matters with National Office personnel, and participated in high-level executive meetings. Prior to his government service, Doug worked for 10 years in private practice, focusing on Illinois state and local tax (SALT) litigation matters, defending clients in high-stakes False Claims Act lawsuits, and representing clients facing complex and contentious tax audits.
“Doug’s deep experience in both government and private practice will be a tremendous asset to our SALT subpractice,” said Maria Eberle, Americas Chair of the Firm’s Tax Practice. “His breadth of experience in litigation and audit defense will strengthen our ability to help clients navigate complex tax issues and deliver successful outcomes.”
David Malliband, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s Chicago office, added, “Doug’s arrival is a win for our Chicago office and our clients across the US. His reputation for handling complex tax controversies along with his collaborative approach will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
Baker McKenzie’s Tax Practice Group is one of the largest and most highly regarded in the world, with more than 730 tax practitioners in over 40 countries. Located in key markets throughout the US, the Firm’s SALT lawyers take a coordinated approach to representing national and multinational clients in complex state and local tax matters. Federal tax and other specialists also advise clients on all SALT aspects of transactions and disputes.
Doug joins Baker McKenzie following the arrival of Jennifer Best, Donna McComber and Scott Levine in Washington, DC, Keith Hagan in Miami, Julia Ushakova-Stein in San Francisco, and Niki Ford in New York to our Tax Practice in North America this calendar year.
Doug commented, “I am excited to join Baker McKenzie’s elite Tax team. I was drawn to the Firm’s collaborative culture and commitment to excellence. I, along with my colleagues at Baker McKenzie, am committed to providing outstanding client service. The Firm’s uniquely strong Tax practice will enable me to apply my skills and experience to help clients navigate complex state and local tax challenges.”
Doug received his BS from Illinois State University, his JD from the University of Southern California School of Law, and his LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law.