Energy Tax Lawyer Alison Chen Joins Akin Gump in Houston
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(Houston) – Akin Gump today announced that Alison L. Chen has joined the firm as a partner in its tax practice in Houston. Ms. Chen focuses on federal taxation of corporations; partnerships, including publicly traded master limited partnerships (MLPs); and limited liability companies, primarily in the energy sector. She comes to Akin Gump from Andrews Kurth.
“Alison is one of a very few highly qualified MLP tax lawyers, who brings a skillset that is in great demand,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “Her joining the firm adds significant depth, not just to our tax practice, but to our energy practice as well, where a background like hers is so critical for serving the needs of our clients. I am very happy that Alison has joined us, and I know our clients will quickly see why we are so excited to have her here.”
Ms. Chen has significant experience advising MLPs on capital formation; acquisitions, including “dropdown” transactions; and recapitalization activities. She has served as tax counsel to both issuers and underwriters in connection with many MLP initial public offerings and follow-on debt and equity offerings. In addition to her capital market experience, Ms. Chen has represented MLP conflicts committees in numerous M&A transactions. She also advises clients on federal income tax matters in private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations and financial transactions.
“Having someone with Alison’s skills and experience join the firm is a big win for both Akin Gump and our clients,” said Stuart E. Leblang, co-head of the firm’s tax practice. “Throughout her career, she has served as tax counsel in a number of significant energy transactions and developed truly niche capabilities in this area. I am delighted to have her with us.”
“Akin Gump has an extremely strong energy platform with a sophisticated MLP practice,” said Ms. Chen. “Having worked in the industry for many years, I understand both the competitive nature of the energy sector as well as the tax issues faced by MLPs. Being able to continue that work alongside my broader tax practice at Akin Gump represents an exciting opportunity for me, and I look forward to adding my skillsets and experience to the firm’s energy practice.”
Ms. Chen received an LL.M. degree in taxation from New York University School of Law. She received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and her B.A., with honors, from the University of Texas.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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