Coblentz Strengthens Tax Practice with the Addition of New Partner Jacob Lager

San Francisco (March 11, 2024) – San Francisco-based law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is pleased to welcome Jacob Lager to the firm’s partnership.

Jacob joins the firm’s tax practice and has significant experience advising privately held businesses, individuals, and trusts on a variety of domestic and international taxation matters. He structures business transactions and advises domestic and cross-border clients on tax implications related to real estate joint ventures, like-kind exchanges, corporate mergers, asset acquisitions, spin-offs, and debt exchanges. Jacob also advises clients on the creation and operations of tax-preferred entities such as partnerships, S corporations, disregarded limited liability companies, REITS, and tax-exempt charitable organizations. He advises on the tax consequences of capital events and exits, including corporate dissolutions, partnership and corporate redemptions and reorganizations, asset purchases, mergers, buy-outs, transition agreements, and intrafamily succession planning.

Jacob also maintains an active tax controversy practice, advising clients at all stages of federal, state, and local tax audits, appeals, and court actions. He regularly defends clients in income tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board, employment tax disputes with the Employment Development Department, sales and use tax disputes with the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and property and transfer tax matters with county assessors throughout California.

In addition to his significant domestic tax experience, Jacob also advises clients on cross-border tax matters, including the U.S. treatment of domestically held foreign interests. He advises clients on tax withholding obligations related to inbound and outbound transfers and how applicable Tax Treaties mitigate such tax results. Jacob also advises non-U.S. clients in making tax-efficient U.S. investments.

“I am thrilled that Jacob has joined Coblentz. His depth and breadth of experience advising on domestic and international taxation matters rounds out our tax and corporate practices,” said Sara Finigan, Managing Partner of Coblentz. “He is a fantastic addition to our team.”

“From the first I have been profoundly impressed by the extraordinary talent here at Coblentz,” said Jacob Lager. “I could not pass up the opportunity to join and help steer the group of exceptionally gifted tax lawyers we have here. I eagerly anticipate the great strides our group will make as we establish ourselves as the premier tax leaders throughout California.”

Jacob joins Coblentz’s Tax practice from Saul Ewing LLP. Jacob’s arrival comes on the heels of Frank Busch, Jennifer Scharre, and Nick Gerlach joining the partnership – who together strengthen Coblentz’s litigation, family wealth, and tax capabilities.