Interview with Melissa Wiley

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.

Matthew Rappaport discusses his career as a tax attorney focused on real estate, emphasizing the value of being a versatile practitioner who combines deep technical tax knowledge with practical business judgment. He also shares lessons from building his own law firm, stressing that successful tax lawyers should think like entrepreneurs, communicate complex issues in plain language, and help clients understand and weigh risk rather than simply avoid it.

In this episode, host Crist and Andrew discuss staying curious, SALT, and getting involved in the Tax Section. From renewable energy to tribal clinics, to affordable housing, examine Andrew's extensive background and passion for tax.

In this episode, host Dan Keller and Professor Jeremy Bearer-Friend discuss the role of AI in tax and IP, tax rates, becoming a tax professor, wealth inequity, and living on a cattle ranch and alfalfa farm.

In Season 7, Episode 3, hear from the Tax Section's Membership, Diversity, & Inclusion Chair extraordinaire, Melissa Wiley. From her roots in actuarial science to 'growing up' in the Section, experience Melissa's journey through tax and the ABA.

We're back for a new season of People in Tax! Get to know three of our new interview hosts, Bela Unell, Priscilla Parrett, and Dan Keller. Meet the second half of our hosts, hear about their tax journeys, what they love about tax, and their thoughts on AI.

We're back for a new season of People in Tax! Get to know three of our new interview hosts, Alexander Powell, Crist Malekyan, and Michael Romero in the first episode. Hear their career journeys, what the ABA Tax Section has meant to them, and some of their hopes for the upcoming season.