Eric Coffill Rejoins Eversheds Sutherland SALT Practice

Eversheds Sutherland has announced that Eric J. Coffill has returned to our State and Local Tax (SALT) Practice in Sacramento. As a Senior Counsel, Mr. Coffill joins Partner Tim Gustafson, in its expansion of its California Tax practice. Mr. Coffill previously practised at Eversheds Sutherland from 2016 to 2018. Mr. Gustafson also recently returned to Eversheds Sutherland.

Widely respected as a leader on California tax issues, Mr. Coffill has more than 35 years of experience advising clients on multistate tax controversy and litigation matters at the administrative, trial and appellate levels. In particular, Mr. Coffill has significant experience representing clients before the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and the State Board of Equalization (SBE), and is intimately familiar with the newly created California Office of Tax Appeals (OTA).

“I am thrilled to welcome Eric back to our SALT practice. He is a recognized leader in the field whose knowledge and experience bring tremendous value both to our clients and members of our team,” said Jeffrey A. Friedman, Partner and Head of Eversheds Sutherland’s Tax Practice group. “Eric is a talented litigator, prolific thought leader, and trusted advisor. He will help us continue to grow in California.”

Before first joining Eversheds Sutherland in 2016, Mr. Coffill was the managing partner of the Sacramento office of Morrison and Foerster LLP. Before that he was former staff counsel to the California FTB and public defender for the Office of the California State Public Defender. His extensive experience advising on California tax matters includes successful litigation of cases in various forums, including the Supreme Court of California. Notably, he litigated the landmark case defining corporate business income. [Hoechst Celanese Corporation v. Franchise Tax Board (2001) 25 Cal.4th 508].

Additionally, Mr. Coffill has authored over 100 articles on a variety of state tax issues, making him a sought-after speaker for numerous organizations. He is a member of both the State Tax Notes Advisory Board and the Editorial Board (Taxation) of the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives. Mr. Coffill currently teaches income and franchise taxation at the University of California, a position he has held since 1991. He also served as a state and local tax adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law for nearly 10 years. Mr. Coffill is consistently listed in Best Lawyers of America, is currently rated Band 1 in Chambers USA, and was selected for inclusion as a Northern California Super Lawyer.