Former Maryland Deputy Comptroller and Nationally Renowned Tax Expert Joins Baltimore Law Firm
Ober|Kaler has announced that Stephen M. Cordi , former Deputy Comptroller for the State of Maryland and a nationally regarded tax expert, has joined the firm as of counsel.
Mr. Cordi, 63, brings to the Baltimore-based law firm more than 30 years experience in state and multi-state tax law, tax policy and tax controversy. He strengthens the firm’s robust and rapidly growing tax law practice.
“Steve Cordi is a rare find and we are pleased that he has joined the firm,” said John Wolf, Chairman of Ober|Kaler. “He brings a wealth of experience in multi-state tax law and tax policy and has an unparalleled understanding of the issues that our clients face in Maryland and other states.”
“Ober|Kaler has embarked on expansion of our tax practice to serve our clients’ needs,” Mr. Wolf continued. “Recently Stuart Schabes, an expert in tax controversy and corporate tax compliance matters, joined the firm. He and Steve Cordi compliment each other and add tremendous depth to the practice.”
Mr. Cordi said his goal is to help Ober|Kaler clients unravel complicated tax laws. “Today’s business operates on a multi-state platform. The system is complex and can be confusing with each state having its own unique set of tax laws. My aim is to guide clients through the issues expeditiously and cost-effectively,” he said.
“Businesses setting up operations or relocating need to know how to maintain compliance and to recognize tax opportunities on a national level,” Mr. Cordi added. “With my experience as former Deputy Comptroller, I can help clients realize their most advantageous tax position and minimize their tax exposure.”
Mr. Cordi retired as Maryland’s Deputy Comptroller in December 2005, after 31 years of public service.
After graduating from Haverford College in 1965, he received a law degree three years later from the Georgetown University Law Center, and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 1971 from The Johns Hopkins University.
Mr. Cordi joined the Maryland Attorney General’s Office as Special Assistant Attorney General for the Comptroller of the Treasury in 1974. He held a variety of positions in the Comptroller’s office, including Director of the Sales & Use Tax Division and Director of the Compliance Division.
In 1994, he was named Deputy Comptroller responsible for tax administration, information technology, accounting and payroll functions. In 1999, he served as a consultant through the U.S. Treasury to design a taxpayer service function for the Ministry of Finance in Romania.
As past president of the national Federation of Tax Administrators, the North East States Tax Officials Association, and the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association, Mr. Cordi is well known to tax officials throughout both Maryland and the nation.
He lives in Baltimore and is married with two grown children.
About Ober|Kaler
Ober|Kaler is a national law firm providing integrated regulatory, transactional, and litigation services to financial, health care, construction, and other business organizations. The firm has more than 125 attorneys, and offices in Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Falls Church.