Lee Kelley moves from Tax Policy role at US Treasury to Covington & Burling

Lee Kelley, most recently deputy tax legislative counsel in the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy, has joined Covington & Burling as a partner in the firm’s tax practice. Ms. Kelley, who has extensive expertise in consolidated returns and subchapter C, will focus on corporate tax matters, including structural and transactional planning.

While at the Treasury Department, Ms. Kelley developed legislation, regulations and administrative guidance concerning corporations and their shareholders, partnerships, exempt organizations, and tax credits for low income housing and historic rehabilitations. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy associate chief counsel for corporate taxation at the Internal Revenue Service, where she oversaw the issuance of taxpayer-specific guidance and participated in the development of the government’s positions in matters of tax controversy.

In addition to her government service, Ms. Kelley previously spent nearly a decade in the private sector at KPMG and Deloitte, where she focused on domestic and cross-border corporate tax issues.

“We’ve built an exceptional tax practice, and Lee’s deep experience at the highest levels of tax policy and administration adds significantly to the strengths and capabilities of our team,” said Timothy Hester, chair of the firm’s management committee.

“Having held the top executive-level positions focused on corporate tax in both the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and the U.S. Treasury Office of Tax Policy, Lee brings a unique knowledge and expertise to our tax practice,” said Daniel Luchsinger andReeves Westbrook, co-chairs of the firm’s tax group. “This is an exciting opportunity,” Ms. Kelley said. “I was attracted to Covington because of its strong tax practice, its reputation for providing excellent client service and its commitment to pro bono service.”

Ms. Kelley earned her undergraduate degree from Colgate University and a law degree from Rutgers University. In her spare time, she coaches a Special Olympics basketball team.