Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that the Firm's Tax Practice has added partners Julia Ushakova-Stein in San Francisco and Niki Ford in New York.
"Both Julia and Niki are esteemed legal professionals and strong additions to our bench of powerhouse tax lawyers," said Salim Rahim, Chair of Baker McKenzie's North America Tax Practice Group. "Their deep business acumen and skillsets will bring immediate value to the Firm, strengthen our capabilities in a wide range of tax matters, and will be tremendous assets to our clients."
Julia brings a wealth of knowledge in US tax planning and tax controversy matters. Her emphasis on inbound and outbound international tax planning, transfer pricing, APAs (advance pricing agreements), and dispute prevention and resolution, including her representation of multinationals in IRS audits, appeals, and judicial proceedings, enhances Baker McKenzie's capabilities across various industries and regions. Julia has represented numerous Fortune 500 companies in US federal income tax matters and has successfully represented clients in federal tax controversies at all levels. Julia has been an author of a monthly column in Tax Notes on international tax developments and regularly speaks at major national tax conferences for professional tax groups.
"Baker McKenzie has experienced significant growth in California over the past year, and the addition of Julia in San Francisco aligns with our focus on growing in areas and markets that meet our clients' needs," said Denise Glagau, managing partner of Baker McKenzie's California offices. "She brings a sterling reputation and is widely respected in the tax community in northern California, with experience that perfectly complements our work in key industries, including tech and healthcare and life sciences. I look forward to collaborating with her."
Further augmenting the practice, Niki has rejoined Baker McKenzie as a partner in the Firm's New York office. Niki previously served as an associate at Baker McKenzie and was promoted to partner before joining Thomson Reuters as a tax and accounting specialist editor. There, she focused primarily on multistate taxation of electronically delivered goods and services. In resuming her practice at Baker McKenzie, she brings deep knowledge to the State & Local Tax (SALT) group.
Niki represents multinational and domestic corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and individuals in a variety of multistate tax issues, including planning, audits and litigation. She advises clients on income, franchise, sales and transactional tax issues. A prolific writer on SALT issues, Niki adds to the team's breadth of experience to meet clients' needs.
"Baker McKenzie is one of the few law firms in the US that offers the full range of SALT services across the country, complemented by unmatched global bench strength. Niki's depth of experience representing organizations and individuals will be a great benefit to clients," said Scott Brandman, managing partner of Baker McKenzie's New York and Miami offices. "Niki rejoining the Firm exemplifies our commitment to recruit top talent; we are thrilled to welcome her back."
Baker McKenzie's Tax Practice is among 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.
The arrival of Julia and Niki follows other Tax practice hires in North America, including Nadja Ruiz in Mexico City, Cara Harrison and Rob Clary in Chicago, David Goldman and Matthew Schonholz in Los Angeles, Kent Strader in San Francisco, Emmanuel Sala in Toronto and Ligeia Donis in Washington DC. Over the past year, women comprised 50% of new tax hires in North America.
Julia received her BA from the University of Arizona and her JD from University of California, Berkeley. Julia teaches international tax law at UC Berkeley School of Law and in the Master's program at San Jose State University. She is admitted to practice law in California.
Niki received her BA from Duquesne University, her JD from the University of Akron, and her LLM in taxation from New York University. She is admitted to practice law in both New York and Texas, key jurisdictions to the Firm's SALT practice.