Nationally Known Tax Lawyer Joins Ober|Kaler in Baltimore

Mr. Schabes, 46, former head of Galland, Kharash, Greenberg, Fellman & Swirsky P.C.’s Baltimore office, joined Ober|Kaler on June 26th bringing with him three tax professionals.

Mr. Schabes adds even more depth to Baltimore-headquartered Ober|Kaler’s growing tax practice. He is an expert in tax planning, tax controversy, and corporate tax compliance matters for limited liability companies, partnerships, and individuals. He specializes in tax issues involving the aviation industry, and is special tax counsel for various federal excise taxes and frequent flyer/customer loyalty program matters on a global basis.

"Hiring Stuart illustrates Ober|Kaler’s commitment to diversify its tax practice and provide expertise in a multitude of practice areas," said S. Craig Holden, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ober|Kaler. "Stuart’s depth of experience will greatly benefit our clients, particularly with regard to tax controversy matters and issues involving the IRS on a national level. He has a great mind, tremendous institutional knowledge, and a powerful work ethic."

An accountant by training, Mr. Schabes graduated with honors from Duquesne University in 1981, and received a law degree in 1984 from Hofstra University School of Law where he was on the editorial board of the Law Review. In 1986, he received a Master of Laws in taxation from Georgetown Law School. After graduation, Mr. Schabes was an attorney-adviser to Judge Herbert L. Chabot of the U.S. Tax Court.

Since 1987, Mr. Schabes has been involved in all aspects of Internal Revenue Service examination, appellate and collection related matters including federal excise and fuel tax audits, refund cases and avoidance of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty cases against corporate directors, officers and employees. He has secured significant tax refunds for business clients and has been involved in groundbreaking federal excise tax matters involving airlines, charter companies, and telecommunication companies. He also has secured several favorable rulings involving federal excise tax matters for clients.

Mr. Schabes frequently speaks on issues regarding IRS practice and procedure. He will speak at the National Business Aircraft Association in Orlando, Fla., this fall.

Mr. Schabes will bring to Ober|Kaler several colleagues from his former firm. They include, Richard T. Topper and Ray N. Weinstein, both highly experienced enrolled agents, with 30+ years working as IRS employees specializing in all facets of IRS Collection activities and Bankruptcy tax related matters; and Esther Froehlich, a paralegal. Enrolled agents are individuals licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS.