Skadden is pleased to announce that Liz Askey has joined the firm as of counsel in its Tax Group. Ms. Askey brings over three decades of experience handling complex tax disputes and joins the firm after serving at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where she held several high-level positions.
Ms. Askey most recently served as Chief of the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, where she oversaw programs designed to resolve tax controversies between taxpayers and the IRS without litigation. Her distinguished career at the IRS also included roles as Deputy Chief of Appeals and Deputy Division Counsel (International) for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel’s Large Business and International Division. Earlier in her career, she served as an attorney-advisor and associate tax legislative counsel in the Office of Tax Policy at the Department of the Treasury.
“We are thrilled to continue growing our preeminent tax controversy practice with the addition of Liz,” Emily Lam, co-head of the firm’s global Tax Group said. “Skadden is recognized globally as a leader in tax law thanks to our creative resolution strategies and track record of delivering exceptional results for clients. Liz’s deep understanding of IRS processes and ability to navigate complex tax disputes will further enhance our team’s capabilities.”
In addition to her government service, Ms. Askey previously worked at several law and accounting firms and in private industry where she represented clients in examinations, appeals, alternative dispute resolution and litigation. She has extensive experience counseling on controversy mitigation strategies, including private letter rulings, closing agreements, pre-filing agreements and the Industry Issue Resolution program, as well as regulatory and legislative tax policy.
“Liz’s broad experience handling administrative controversies and ability to translate that experience into effective strategies for resolving complex tax disputes will be incredibly helpful to our clients. We are excited to have her join our team and further bolster our capabilities in this critical area,” said Raj Madan, head of Skadden’s Tax Controversy and Litigation Group and Washington, D.C. Tax Group.
“I know firsthand the caliber of Skadden’s renowned Tax Group, having worked both with and across from many of its attorneys over the years,” Ms. Askey said. “The firm’s commitment to excellence and creative approach to solving clients’ most challenging tax issues align perfectly with my own values and experience. I look forward to working with this exceptional group to deliver innovative and effective solutions.”
Ms. Askey is a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and has held leadership roles in the taxation sections of the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association and District of Columbia Bar. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College.