People in Tax Podcast

Host Crist Malekyan and Ken Wang discuss Ken's career path in tax, including his moves between private practice and in-house roles in the energy and technology sectors. He emphasizes the value of mentorship, maintaining work-life balance, and gaining an in-house perspective, while also discussing how AI may make tax work more efficient but could change how junior attorneys develop expertise.

Larry Campagna reflects on his early career path, starting with a summer job in a small law firm's mailroom that taught him the ins and outs of Houston's legal community. He shares his views on the current state of criminal tax enforcement, and touches on emerging trends in tax controversy and sentencing guidelines. He closes with the case he's proudest of, Johnson v. Sawyer, a fifteen-year fight over an unlawful IRS press release that changed how the agency handles disclosures in criminal cases.

Lisa Sperow discusses her path from a reluctant tax lawyer to president of a college of law, tracing her journey through a clerkship, DOJ Civil Division litigation, and fourteen years directing a low-income taxpayer clinic. She reflects on the human stories behind tax cases, mentoring students through their first client interactions, expanding access to legal education for working adults, and her leadership within the ABA Tax Section's Pro Bono and Tax Clinics Committee.

Brandon King discusses his path from a reluctant 1L to a nationally recognized renewable energy tax attorney, tracing his journey through a US Tax Court clerkship, cross-border controversy work, and a pivot to transactional practice during the Inflation Reduction Act. He reflects on the mission-driven nature of renewable energy tax work, the industry's resilience amid policy shifts, AI as a complement rather than a replacement for junior talent, and his decade of leadership within the ABA Tax Section, including founding the LGBTQ+ Lawyers in Tax Forum.

Chuck Levin discusses his journey from aspiring lawyer and CPA to a nationally recognized tax attorney, educator, and co-creator of the Tax Planning Forum. He emphasizes making complex tax concepts practical and engaging, mentoring younger professionals, building strong relationships, and using AI as a helpful starting point rather than a replacement for professional judgment.