Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Jim served as legal counsel for the Internal Revenue Service, as a Senior Tax Attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice. In these roles he focused on tax appeals, audits, collections, and litigation. Since moving into the private sector and practicing law at Dickinson Wright, his unique experience has proved to be invaluable in assisting individuals, small businesses, and major corporations in tax and business matters involving audits, appeals, litigation, and the resolution of tax liability cases.
Education & Credentials
Education
James Madison College, Michigan State University
B.A., International Relations, 1983Thomas Cooley Law School
J.D., 1987- With Distinction
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, 2021, 2024
- Excellence in Partnering Recognition by the IRS
- Rotary International, Paul Harris
- Fellow
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Rating
Prominent Assignments
- Secured a substantial penalty abatement from the IRS, based upon a “reasonable cause” exemption for late payments that spanned multiple tax years.
- Retained by an award-winning American broadcast news journalist to assist in the resolution of tax issues involving the IRS following a life-altering injury.
- Served as legal counsel for the Internal Revenue Service, as a Senior Tax Attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice
- Proficiency in tax appeals, audits, controversies, and litigation
- Represent individuals, small businesses, and major corporations in tax and general business matters
- Provide representation in tax audits, appeals, litigation, and the resolution of tax liabilities
- Counsel clients in business organization matters, including formation of corporations and limited liability companies
- Counsel clients in business asset and real estate sales and purchases
Professional Involvement
- Bar Associations: American (ABA), Federal (WD Mich), State of Michigan (SBM), Ingham County (ICBA)
- Chairperson, State Bar of Michigan, Tax Section, Practice and Procedures Committee (2003-2005; 2009-2010)
- Board of Governors, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1987-2005)
- Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Business Curriculum Section
- Inn of Court – MSU Chapter
Community Involvement
- Past President and Current Member, Delta-Waverly Rotary Club
- Grand Ledge Education Foundation
- MSU Alumni Association, Member
- MSU Athletic Booster Clubs
- Pro Bono Legal Counsel
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Alumni Association
Publications/Presentations
- Presenter, “IRS Audit Attacks & Captive Defense Strategy,” Tennessee Captive Insurance Association 12th Annual Conference, November 2023
- Author, "IRS Independent Office of Appeals," Dickinson Wright Tax Blog, November 2021
- Bar Association and Student Groups, regular presenter at various bar association and law student events on IRS Tax Controversy and Resolution Practice
- Michigan Association of CPAs 2018 Annual Conference, Presentation entitled, "Perception Versus Reality When Dealing With The IRS"
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), Presentations on IRS Negotiated Settlement Programs and Collection Practices, at the 2017 National Convention in Orlando, Florida
- Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Presentation on Tax Controversy Practice, October 2011
- National Association of Tax Professionals, Keynote Speaker at 2006 Annual Conference
- State Bar of Michigan Tax Section, Presenter at Annual Conference, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2010
- IRS Practitioner Forum 2004, Guest Speaker on IRS "Policy, Procedures and Planning"
- Michigan Society of Enrolled Agents Annual Seminar 2005, "Dealing with the IRS"
- Greater Lansing Business Monthly Magazine, "Perception Versus Reality When Dealing with the IRS," February 2004
- Michigan Tax Lawyer, "Recovery of Attorneys Fees in Federal Tax Cases: 'Qualified Offer' Rule under the Final Section 7430 Regulations," Vol. XXX, Issue 1, Winter 2004
- Lansing Waverly Rotary Club, "Defending a Tax Audit," February 2002
- Lansing Chamber of Commerce, LEADS Group Meeting, "Addressing Tax Issues that Affect Small Businesses," October 2001
- Ingham County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section Meeting, "Resolving Tax Liabilities," February 2001
- State Association of CPAs Convention, "Update on the Tax Laws Related to Valuation,” September 1999
- Federal Bar Association, Annual Bankruptcy Section Seminar, "Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Resolution of Tax Liabilities," August 1997
- Lorman Educational Services, "Limiting Liability for Closely Held Business Owners"