Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Ligeia Donis has joined the Firm's North America Tax Practice as a partner in Washington, DC. Further building on the recent growth of the practice, she brings deep knowledge and business acumen in the employment tax advisory space.
Ligeia joins the Firm with nearly 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector, including with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and a Big Four accounting firm. Her practice focuses on employment benefits and compensation tax-related matters, including issues related to US employment tax, information reporting and employee benefit rules. She routinely advises and represents clients in IRS audits and appeals, and assists clients with IRS compliance, tax controversy and dispute resolution, and voluntary disclosures.
“Employment tax advisory matters require a unique, very technical skillset,” said Salim Rahim, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Tax Practice Group. “Ligeia’s extensive experience in this space will be immensely valuable to multinational clients navigating complex employment tax issues and compliance requirements."
Barbara Klementz, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Compensation Practice Group, added: "With her significant background at the IRS, Ligeia brings nuanced policy insights that will benefit our practice and our clients. In general, her deep experience will add great value to our market-leading Employment & Compensation team as they support our clients navigating employment and tax considerations related to the many different types of compensation utilized to incentivize their workforce."
Baker McKenzie's Tax Practice is one of the most highly regarded in the world. With more than 900 tax practitioners in over 40 countries, the team collaborates across borders and specialties to stay abreast of changing tax landscapes worldwide. The Firm's North America Tax Practice has advised clients on managing and mitigating risk in the United States, Canada, Mexico and at state and local levels for more than 40 years.
Ligeia's arrival follows other recent arrivals to the Firm's North America Tax Practice, including Nadja Ruiz in Mexico City, Cara Harrison and Rob Clary in Chicago and Emmanuel Sala in Toronto.
“We are so pleased to welcome Ligeia to the Firm,” said Maurice Bellan, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office. “We have a bench of powerhouse tax lawyers in DC, and Ligeia's niche skillset will bring immediate value to our practice. We also look forward to the mentorship and training opportunities she will provide our associates."
“Baker McKenzie's leading international Tax Practice is in a class of its own, and I am thrilled to join the team,” added Ligeia. “I look forward to building relationships across the Firm to bring our robust offerings to our clients seeking advice on their most complex employment tax matters."
Ligeia received her BA from Duke University and her JD from The Catholic University of America School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Washington, DC and Maryland. Ligeia began her legal career at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.