Sidley Austin Adds New Tax Partner

Washington, D.C. — Sidley Austin LLP announced that Matthew D. Lerner has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a partner and a co-global coordinator of the Tax Controversy practice.

Mr. Lerner has nearly 30 years of experience practicing in the area of federal taxation, with substantial experience in civil and criminal tax controversies and civil litigation related to tax strategies, as well as business planning and advice. His experience broadly covers all stages of the Internal Revenue Service's administrative audit and appeals processes, as well as litigation in Tax Court, the Court of Federal Claims and federal district courts. He is experienced in handling tax controversies for corporations, partnerships and individuals, and has significant experience with many of the IRS alternative dispute resolution procedures. He also regularly advises on pre-audit issues regarding document organization, retention practices and disclosure obligations. Mr. Lerner also handles state and local tax controversies. 

Mr. Lerner has been recognized for his accomplishments and is nationally ranked in Chambers USA and America’s Leading Business Lawyers. He regularly publishes on tax issues and is a frequent speaker at tax conferences, including the prestigious Tax Executive Institute.

“I have known Matt professionally and personally for many years,” said Jay Zimbler, global coordinator of Sidley’s Tax Controversy practice. “He has a broad range of experience and deep understanding of tax controversy issues, as well as high intellect and integrity. We are excited that he has joined our team of lawyers providing counsel to clients in federal and state tax disputes nationwide.”

“Matt’s depth of knowledge on various tax issues and litigation skills will be a valuable asset to our clients and an excellent complement to the firm’s global practice,” said Mark Hopson, managing partner of Sidley’s Washington, D.C. office and member of the firm’s Management Committee. “We look forward to working with Matt to serve our clients.” 

Mr. Lerner was ranked by Chambers USA in 2012 and 2013 for America’s Leading Business Lawyers, Tax Controversy: Nationwide. The Best Lawyers of America recognized Mr. Lerner in 2012, 2013 and 2014 for Tax Litigation and Controversy. Additionally, Legal 500 US 2013 recommended Mr. Lerner for Tax: Controversy and Domestic Tax: East Coast.

With more than 1,800 lawyers in 19 offices worldwide, Sidley has built a reputation as a premier legal adviser for global businesses and financial institutions. For the fourth consecutive year, and every year since the survey’s inception, Sidley received the most first-tier national rankings of any U.S. law firm in the 2014 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” survey. On Law360’s list of Global 20 Firms, Sidley was ranked among the top law firms “with the greatest global reach and expertise.” To stay up-to-date with the latest Sidley news, please follow us on Twitter at @SidleyNewsroom or download the Sidley Mobile App.