Professional Experience

Rice Tax Law PLLC — Vancouver, WA

Tax Attorney and Founder | May 2023 – Present

• Represents clients before the IRS on federal tax issues at all administrative and judicial levels.
• Litigates tax cases in the United States Tax Court.
• Provides strategic advice on complex federal tax matters and IRS practices and procedures.

Deloitte Tax LLP — Washington, DC (Remote: Vancouver, WA)

Senior Manager | May 2022 – May 2023

• Represented clients before federal and state tax authorities during examinations and appeals.
• Maintained regular contact with the IRS to resolve taxpayer account issues.
• Researched and advised on complex taxation topics, including international tax.
• Trained staff on technical tax subjects and oversaw large-scale document productions to the IRS.
• Assisted high-net-worth individuals with estate and gift tax planning and compliance.
• Advised on intricate issues to support accurate tax return preparation.

IRS Office of Chief Counsel — Portland, OR (and prior locations)

Senior Counsel | December 2019 – May 2022

• Competitively promoted; represented the IRS in Tax Court and advised on high-stakes, complex cases involving international tax, fraud, tax shelters, real estate, partnerships, and corporations.
• Led a team that achieved one of the largest civil tax fraud settlements, coordinated with the Department of Justice.
• Delivered high-level briefings to Chief Counsel executive leadership.
• Built strong working relationships with IRS Examination and Collection divisions.
• Provided training on emerging issues such as cryptocurrency, offshore transactions, captive insurance, and abusive tax schemes.
• Has tried over 20 cases in U.S. Tax Court and led trial teams by delegating and reviewing attorney work.

Senior Attorney | January 2013 – December 2019

• Represented the IRS in Tax Court and advised on diverse complex tax issues, with emphasis on offshore and international matters.
• Received a litigation award for trial excellence.
• Served as instructor for multiple Chief Counsel and IRS training programs.
• Frequently acted in a management support capacity.

Headquarters Staff Attorney | January 2011 – December 2012 | New Carrollton, MD

• Selected for national-level assignment after two years of field service.
• Provided legal analysis on a broad range of tax topics and shaped national IRS/Chief Counsel initiatives.
• Collaborated directly with senior IRS and Chief Counsel executives.
• Reviewed draft regulations, rulings, notices, and other published guidance.
• Coordinated advice on international/offshore matters and contributed to policy discussions.
• Supported nationwide tax litigation training and guidance efforts.

Attorney | September 2008 – January 2011 | Laguna Niguel, CA

• Hired through the IRS Honors Program directly from law school.
• Managed hundreds of Tax Court cases across a wide spectrum of issues.
• Regularly appeared in trials and motion hearings at the Los Angeles Tax Court (the busiest docket).
• Authored several published Tax Court opinions.
• Delivered legal training and guidance to IRS personnel.

Early Legal Experience

Grady & Associates — Rocky River, OH
Law Clerk | February 2007 – May 2008

• Conducted legal research for a boutique firm focused on executive compensation, banking, and securities law.
• Drafted employment agreements, retirement plans, board resolutions, and related corporate documents.
• Provided legal counsel to CEOs and senior executives at U.S. financial institutions.

IRS Office of Chief Counsel — Cleveland, OH
Law Clerk | January 2008 – April 2008

• Drafted pleadings and motions for Tax Court cases.
• Researched federal income tax issues and learned IRS Chief Counsel operations.

City of Cleveland Law Department — Cleveland, OH
Law Clerk | May 2006 – July 2006

• Researched municipal legal issues and drafted attorney memos and court motions.
• Observed court proceedings and participated in city committee meetings.
• Engaged with judges, magistrates, city officials, and community leaders.

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.
  LL.M. in Taxation, with Distinction | December 2012
  GPA: 3.58/4.00
  Dean’s List; CALI Awards in Consolidated Returns and Income Tax Accounting
• Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, OH
  J.D., Cum Laude | May 2008
  GPA: 3.49/4.00 | Class Rank: 36/214
  Distinguished Scholarship Award (3 years); Dean’s Honor List; CALI Awards in 2nd Year Legal Writing and Partnership Taxation; Dunmore Moot Court participant
• Brigham Young University – Idaho, Rexburg, ID
  B.S. in Economics, minor in Accounting | April 2005
  GPA: 3.57/4.00
  Economics and Accounting Departmental Scholarships

Bar Admissions

• Washington State Bar
• United States Tax Court