Based in Los Angeles, Jim is a principal in KPMG’s mergers & acquisitions (M&A) tax group, where he serves as the service line leader for the Pacific Southwest region.  He has considerable experience in tax planning and structuring of transactions for public and privately held clients.

Professional and Industry Experience

Jim’s practice principally concerns addressing complex tax issues associated with transactions. He regularly advises private equity and corporate clients on the various tax aspects related to domestic and international acquisitions, reorganizations, joint ventures, dispositions, and recapitalizations. He often advises technology, bio-technology, and healthcare companies throughout the corporate lifecycle including formation, operation, and cessation.

In addition to a traditional M&A practice, Jim has a deep understanding of tax matters pertaining to troubled companies, bankruptcy reorganizations, and debt restructurings. He has advised a significant number of public and private “loss” companies (both pre- and post-bankruptcy) concerning the viability of their tax attributes (including potential limitations), the effect of debt discharge income, and the application of the consolidated return rules.

Prior to joining KPMG in 2012, Jim spent a majority of his career at the Big Four firms (most notably, Ernst & Young’s national office on the West Coast) as well as practicing in legal and consulting firms.

Previously, Jim was an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California and served in a similar capacity at San Jose State University (Masters of Tax program) and Golden Gate University (Masters of Tax program).

Professional Associations

Member, State Bar of California

Member, American Bar Association

Education, Licenses & Certifications

BS (Business) and BA (Communications), University of Southern California

JD, Southwestern University School of Law

LLM, Golden Gate University School of Law