"...'one of a kind' controversy strategist who 'listens to what clients have to say and is always prepared.'"
Chambers USA 2006
Since joining the firm in 1980, Tom Durham has established a substantial and respected tax controversy practice. Recognizing the breadth of his work,
Chambers USA 2007
calls him a “prominent name” and earlier (2006) described him as a "...'one of a kind' controversy strategist who 'listens to what clients have to say and is always prepared.'" He represents taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and various state and local taxing authorities, including contested hearings of State of Illinois and City of Chicago taxes. He also acts on behalf of taxpayers in the United States Tax Court, United States Court of Federal Claims, and all levels of the federal court system. Tom has a particular focus on litigation of foreign tax issues, leasing, Section 482, tax-advantaged investments, and economic substance issues. He also represents clients in appellate matters and summons enforcement litigation.
Tom also provides tax counseling, with an emphasis in two focused area. He advises and represents tax-exempt organizations regarding federal and state tax issues that affect them, including qualification problems and the application of the unrelated business tax; representation of religious institutions with regard to their unique tax problems. He is also knowledgeable about natural resources tax law, representing owners and developers of natural resources with particular regard to the special tax problems of oil, gas, coal, and timber properties.