Lawrence Sannicandro, Tax Adviser to Private Wealth Clients and Businesses, Joins New York Office

Sannicandro focuses his practice on federal and state tax controversies, including representing clients in audits, administrative appeals, collection matters, summons proceedings, criminal tax investigations and prosecutions, and litigation in the U.S. Tax Court, federal district and appellate courts, and state tax tribunals. He is recognized by Chambers USA as one of the country’s leading tax lawyers, offering extensive experience on a broad range of sophisticated tax issues including amending tax returns, filing and litigating claims for refund, challenging civil tax penalties, reporting foreign assets and income, and making voluntary disclosures.

A former estate and gift tax attorney with the IRS, Sannicandro is particularly well-versed in estate and gift tax planning techniques, as well as the valuation of closely held businesses, and defending those techniques and valuations in disputes with tax authorities. He also advises clients on all facets of estate, business, and tax planning, including the formation, operation, transfer, and termination of business entities.

“With clients confronting a host of new tax considerations as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act—and as our Private Client and Family Office practice continues to flourish—Larry’s arrival significantly enhances our ability to assist clients with their complex tax issues,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “He is a talented legal adviser whose skill in audit and tax controversy matters is in high demand, and our clients will benefit greatly from the added expertise he affords them.”

“As IRS audits and enforcement actions rise, high-net-worth individuals and businesses increasingly need sophisticated tax counsel,” said Nora Burke, the leader of Pillsbury’s global Tax practice. “Larry is that lawyer, as he has successfully handled hundreds of complex federal and state tax controversies. He is particularly sought out for his sage counsel to private wealth clients with estate and gift tax needs. With his entrepreneurial spirit and deep experience in all aspects of federal and state tax, including in emerging areas like cryptocurrencies, Larry makes a great fit for our firm and our clients.”

Sannicandro added: “Pillsbury has one of the world’s best-known private wealth practices and its tax practice has long been counted among the very best. The firm’s global platform and its deep relationships with some of the world’s best-known companies especially appealed to me as I continue to grow my practice. Finally, Pillsbury’s long-standing commitment to pro bono work was a major draw, as serving the community has always been a cornerstone of my career.”

Among other awards and honors, Sannicandro received the ABA Section of Taxation’s Janet Spragens Pro Bono award in 2020, which is the section’s highest honor for pro bono. Likewise, the New York County Lawyers Association awarded him with its Pro Bono Award in 2015.

Pillsbury’s tax lawyers are regularly recognized for excellence by Chambers USA, The Legal 500 U.S. and Best Lawyers. The firm’s Federal Tax team is renowned for resolving tax controversies and achieving winning results for U.S. and non-U.S. individuals and entities before the IRS, DOJ, administrative tribunals and in U.S. courts. The firm has handled some of the most significant, game-changing tax controversies in recent years, establishing key precedents, applying cutting-edge procedural tactics and saving clients millions in potential tax liabilities. Combining decades of experience representing clients in every administrative and judicial forum with effective working relationships with IRS and DOJ enforcement personnel, we have a proven record of victories for clients in federal tax controversies. Additionally, Chambers and Partners recently recognized the firm’s Private Wealth team as one of the market’s leading international private wealth practices in its 2024 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth guide.