Robert Duran returns to Manatt’s tax practice

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP has announced that Robert Duran has joined the firm’s Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice as a partner in its Los Angeles office. Duran, a former Manatt partner, returns to the firm after time as an in-house chief legal officer of an international money transmitter and in private practice at Semper Law Group, LLP, where he was a founding partner.

For more than 25 years, Duran has been advising clients on a wide range of corporate and tax matters, focusing on international tax planning and transactions. He regularly advises clients about tax-efficient strategies for investing or doing business across borders and has substantial experience in tax planning for activities in Mexico and Latin America, as well as Australia, Canada, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Korea, the People’s Republic of China and other countries.

“When not handled properly, taxation can unduly burden the bottom line, particularly in the international arena where taxes are doubled and sometimes tripled,” said Jeffrey A. Mannisto, chair of the firm’s Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. “Bob’s cross-border experience greatly enhances our ability to serve our growing roster of international clients who need help navigating the U.S. tax system. He is also a terrific asset to our domestic clients looking to move into new territories. We’re excited to welcome Bob back to Manatt.”

“Having previously been at Manatt, I can attest to the superior quality of work that the firm offers,” said Duran. “The firm’s reputation for excellent service and breadth of experience attracts major business clients worldwide — clients I look forward to assisting.”

Ben D. Orlanski, chair of Manatt’s Business, Finance and Tax division, said Duran “is a highly regarded attorney who further enhances the talented group of professionals in our Tax practice and highlights the firm’s commitment to providing leading-edge resources and counsel to our clients.”

Duran earned an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law and his J.D. from Santa Clara University. He is a frequent speaker on international tax subjects and has been a lecturer at the Hawaii Tax Institute for many years. He was formerly an adjunct professor of law at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, where he taught Federal Corporate Income Tax. Since 1991, Duran has served as a director and treasurer of the Mexican American Bar Foundation.