Baker McKenzie announced that the firm’s Tax Practice has added partners Julia Ushakova-Stein in San Francisco and Niki Ford in New York.
Ushakova-Stein has a wealth of knowledge in US tax planning and tax controversy matters. And 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. Plus, Ushakova-Stein represented numerous Fortune 500 companies in US federal income tax matters and has successfully represented clients in federal tax controversies at all levels.
Ford has rejoined Baker McKenzie as a partner in the firm’s New York office. Ford previously served as an associate at Baker McKenzie and was promoted to partner before joining Thomson Reuters as a tax and accounting specialist editor. She focused primarily on multistate taxation of electronically delivered goods and services there. In resuming her practice at Baker McKenzie, she brings deep knowledge to the State & Local Tax (SALT) group. Ford represents multinational and domestic corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and individuals in various 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, Ford adds to the team’s depth of experience to meet clients’ needs.
Baker McKenzie’s Tax Practice is among the most highly regarded in the world with over 900 tax practitioners in over 40 countries, the team collaborates across borders and specialties to stay abreast of changing tax landscapes worldwide. And 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 over 40 years.
Ushakova-Stein received her BA from the University of Arizona and her JD from the University of California, Berkeley. Ushakova-Stein 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.
Ford 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.
The arrival of Ushakova-Stein and Ford 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.
KEY QUOTES:
“Both Julia and Niki are esteemed legal professionals and strong additions to our bench of powerhouse tax lawyers. 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.”
- Salim Rahim, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Tax Practice Group
“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. 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.”
- Denise Glagau, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s California offices
“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. Niki rejoining the Firm exemplifies our commitment to recruit top talent; we are thrilled to welcome her back.”
- Scott Brandman, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s New York and Miami offices
