SAN FRANCISCO, December 19, 2007 -- Sideman & Bancroft LLP Partner Wendy Abkin has received the 2007 V. Judson Klein Award from the California State Bar Taxation Section.
The Klein Award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding California attorney for excellence in the field of tax law, professionalism, leadership and contributions to the Bar. The Award is named for the first Chair of the California Taxation Section, who was known for his keen and imaginative intellect, true passion for the law, and great personal integrity.
"We believe Wendy shares these attributes," said Ed Jajeh, Immediate Past Chair of the Taxation Section.
State Controller John Chiang presented the award to Abkin at the Awards Luncheon of the Annual Meeting of the California Tax Bar and California Tax Policy Conference in November.
Abkin specializes in tax controversies, representing clients in civil and criminal tax matters at all levels of the IRS, including exams, appeals, collection and litigation. Abkin also assists with state and local tax matters before the California Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization and various county Assessment Appeals Boards.
Abkin began her career as a law clerk with the U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C., where she clerked for Special Trial Judge Lee Galloway and the Hon. Charles E. Clapp II. She also has worked as an attorney with the IRS office of Chief Counsel in San Francisco and as a member of the Tax Controversy Services group at KPMG.
Throughout her career, Abkin has been active in various professional organizations, including serving as an advisor to the Executive Committee and past chair of the California State Bar Taxation Section; past chair of the Pro Se Pro Bono program of the California State Bar Taxation Section; past secretary, vice president and president of the San Francisco Tax Litigation Club; and as an active member of the San Francisco Tax Club and the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. Abkin received her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (1986), her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (1985), her M.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1982), and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1980).
Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Sideman & Bancroft LLP has significant expertise in real estate, business transactions, business crimes, civil litigation, family law, intellectual property transactions and litigation, and tax. The firm is committed to the highest quality representation, provided by seasoned counselors dedicated to personal attention and responsiveness. On the net: www.sideman.com.