Tax Litigator, George Clarke, returns to Baker & McKenzie

George M. Clarke has rejoined Baker & McKenzie’s renowned Tax Practice as a partner, adding 12 years of experience in a range of tax dispute resolution matters.

Based in Washington, DC, Mr. Clarke has extensive experience with all facets of the tax dispute resolution process including litigation of civil and criminal tax matters.  He is also active in white collar and internal investigations.  His most prominent work includes civil tax litigation and criminal tax defense but he also regularly advises clients on the defense of non-tax federal criminal matters.

“George is set to be a key player in our market-leading tax dispute resolution practice,” said Len Terr, Chair of the North American Tax Practice Group.  “He is well known within the tax community in Washington and throughout North America, and clients value his extensive experience and record of success in tax disputes.”

Mr. Clarke also has substantial experience advising on the defense of foreign tax and non-tax criminal investigations and their United States implications, including with respect to U.S. tax liability accrual provisions under FIN 48.

“George’s wealth of experience in tax litigation matters is a great fit for our exceptional tax dispute resolution team,” said Elizabeth Espin Stern, Managing Partner of the Firm’s Washington, DC office.  “We are delighted that he has rejoined Baker & McKenzie.”

“Baker & McKenzie’s tax practice is world-renowned and I’m excited to have returned home,” said Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Clarke is the latest in a series of prominent hires for the Tax Practice in North America during the last year.  Partner Rafic Barrage, an experienced international tax planning attorney, joined the Firm’s DC office in September 2012.  Partners Josh Odintz, a former Senior Advisor for Tax Reform to the Assistant Secretary at the US Department of the Treasury, and Mary Bennett, the former head of the Tax Treaty, Transfer Pricing & Financial Transactions Division of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Centre for Tax Policy & Administration (CTPA), recently joined the Firm’s DC office.  The practice also recently welcomed Partner Anne Batter (employee benefits) to the Firm’s DC office, Partner Patricia Rexford (tax controversy) to the  Chicago office, and Partner Jacques Bernier (tax controversy) to the Toronto office.