Former CalTax VP joins Sutherland Absill & Brennan

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP has announced that Michele L. Pielsticker has joined the firm as Counsel in the firm’s State and Local Tax Practice (SALT). Ms. Pielsticker will be located in Sacramento, in close proximity to California’s taxing authorities and legislative policymakers. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Pielsticker served as Vice President and General Counsel for the California Taxpayers Association (CalTax).

“We are very pleased that Michele has joined Sutherland’s national SALT practice. She brings significant experience in California tax matters, and she will be an invaluable advocate as our clients’ California tax policy and controversy matters continue to become more frequent and complex”
“We are very pleased that Michele has joined Sutherland’s national SALT practice. She brings significant experience in California tax matters, and she will be an invaluable advocate as our clients’ California tax policy and controversy matters continue to become more frequent and complex,” said Sutherland Managing Partner Mark D. Wasserman.

As CalTax Vice President and General Counsel, Ms. Pielsticker represented the Association as a policy advocate before members of the State Legislature, the Governor and tax agencies regarding all aspects of state tax policy. Prior to joining CalTax in 2007, Ms. Pielsticker served for three years as the senior tax consultant for the Vice Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, providing policy advice and technical analyses of all proposals affecting California’s tax rates. Specifically, she focused her efforts on the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy.

“Adding on-the-ground capabilities in Sacramento enhances Sutherland’s substantial California tax practice. Michele’s experience with, and close proximity to, the Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization, and legislative leaders will provide Sutherland’s clients a significant resource,” said Jerome B. Libin, Practice Group Leader of Sutherland’s Tax Practice Group. “California is a bellwether state for state and local tax, and nearly every large company has significant California tax issues. As we look toward the future, the addition of Michele in California is a natural fit for the group.”

Ms. Pielsticker, who earned her law degree and bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of California at Davis, also served as a judicial extern for U.S. District Court Judge Edward Garcia, and as an aide to the late Senator Ken Maddy, Former California State Senate Republican Leader.

Sutherland’s SALT practice has seen significant growth during the past six years, and has established itself as one of the premier state and local tax law practices in the country, with 25 lawyers representing more than 20 of the Fortune 100 and other clients that are recognized leaders in their respective sectors.