Leah S. Karlov

Senior Practice Attorney

Areas of Focus

Leah S. Karlov

Senior Practice Attorney

lkarlov@akingump.com

Areas of Focus

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Biography
  • Provides tax advice on a broad range of strategic and commercial transactions, including domestic and foreign mergers and acquisitions, financings and restructurings.
  • Advises investment funds on the tax aspects of fund formation, investment structures and other complex corporate matters.
  • Counsels clients on complex financing transactions, including leveraged leases and tax-advantaged financings, private placements and syndicated financing transactions.

Leah Karlov focuses on the tax-efficient structuring of a wide variety of strategic and commercial transactions, including complex partnership matters, inbound U.S. investments, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financings, joint ventures, restructurings, equity compensation arrangements and litigation settlements. She also provides advice on day-to-day strategic and transactional matters, including with respect to the utilization of energy tax credits and financing opportunities provided by recent economic stimulus legislation.

In addition, Leah has significant experience in complex partnership transactions, including the tax aspects of public and private securities offerings, master limited partnerships (MLPs) and Up-C structures. She routinely advises investment funds and their investors, including tax advice related to fund formation, investment structures, and domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and restructurings. She counsels clients on complex financing transactions, including leveraged leases and tax advantaged financings, private placements and syndicated financing transactions.

Leah’s clients include investment funds, start-ups, established companies, project developers and sponsors, family offices, tax-exempt entities, educational institutions and high-net-worth individuals across a broad spectrum of industries, including technology and communication, medical, renewable energy, transportation, gaming, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, retail, media, arts and entertainment.

Representative Work
  • Advised on the $3.4-billion restructuring of a publicly traded energy holding and development partnership (represented the official committee of unsecured creditors).*
  • Advised on the $2-billion acquisition of a satellite company (spectrum assets).*
  • Advised on a $3-billion spectrum asset securitization.* 
  • Represented a client on the $690-million sale of a national advertising and billboard business.*
  • Provided counsel on the $600-million public offering of limited partnership interests in a global owner and operator of utility, transportation and energy assets.*
  • Advised on the $400-million recapitalization and sale of a Las Vegas casino and gaming assets.*
  • Advised on a $100-million acquisition financing in the energy sector.*
  • Advised on the $50-million sale of a multimedia content company.*
  • Advised on the $50-million majority interest acquisition of a reality television production company.*
  • Advised on the $40-million private placement for the acquisition and development of a resort casino.*
  • Advised on the $30-million sale of a minority interest in a film and television production company.*
  • Advised on the $20-million debt and equity financing of a live event company’s land-based entertainment division.*
  • Provided counsel on multiple financing transactions (ranging from $100 million to in excess of $2 billion), including partnership flip and sale-leaseback transactions and debt investments in utility-scale wind and solar facilities.*
  • Advised on multiple asset purchases, license deals and joint ventures for a Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts sports promotion company.*
  • Represented a client on multiple purchase and sale transactions involving hotel management companies, hospitality and gaming assets.*
  • Advised on the restructuring and recapitalization of a multi-national solar developer.*
  • Advised on the restructuring, redomiciliation and recapitalization of a Chilean-based global renewable power developer.
  • Represented a client on the restructuring and recapitalization of a large California-based commercial construction contractor.
  • Provided counsel on several partnership-based equity and incentive compensation arrangements and plans.*
  • Advised on the formation and financing of multiple technology-based start-up ventures.*

*Matters handled prior to joining Akin Gump.

Education
  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2001

  • B.S., Boston University, 1998

Bar Admissions
  • California

  • New York

Affiliations and Public Service
  • Member, Tax Section, New York State Bar Association.
  • Member, Tax Section, American Bar Association.
  • Member, Tax Section, California Bar Association.
  • Member, Tax Section, Los Angeles County Bar Association.

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