- Adam has been named a leading tax lawyer by Chambers USA, Euromoney, International Tax Review and The Legal 500 numerous times from 2014 to 2020
- Under Adam’s leadership, Fenwick has been repeatedly named San Francisco Tax Firm of the Year and U.S. Tax Litigation Firm of the Year by International Tax Review, including most recently in 2019
Adam is a partner and the chair of Fenwick’s tax group, with 20 years of experience practicing U.S. international tax law.
Recognized as a leading tax practitioner, Adam focuses on the U.S. federal income taxation of international transactions. In recent years, his practice has focused significantly on the 2017 TCJA, including FDII, GILTI, BEAT and the new foreign credit system. Adam also handles traditional international tax issues such as transfer pricing, cross-border M&A, international restructurings, Subpart F, source of income and expense allocations.
Over 20 years at Fenwick, Adam has developed a reputation for delivering practical, targeted advice on complex tax matters. He has successfully defended U.S. and non-U.S. multinationals in federal tax controversies at all levels.
As chair of Fenwick’s tax group, Adam leads a team of lawyers recognized across the U.S. and internationally. The group has represented more than 100 Fortune 500 companies on tax matters, and has served as counsel in innumerable IRS Appeals proceedings and federal court tax cases.
Adam is a frequent speaker at Tax Executives Institute (TEI) and Practising Law Institute (PLI) conferences, and is a lecturer in law at Stanford Law School.
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Publications
- “INSIGHT: Multinationals Face an Irrevocable Decision Under the Proposed Interest Deduction Limitation Regulations,” Bloomberg Tax, February 2019 (co-author)
- “Treasury and IRS Propose Welcome (and Some Unwelcome) Guidance on the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax,” Fenwick & West, January 2019 (co-author)
- “The New Foreign Tax Credit Proposed Regulations – An Executive Summary,” Fenwick & West, December 2018 (co-author)
Practices
“Adam Halpern handles a broad array of issues, including global tax planning and tax controversy work. Clients highlight his ‘solutions-oriented approach to matters’ and say he ‘possesses excellent skills.’”
—Chambers USA
2020 Edition
Professional Achievements
Education & Admissions
J.D., summa cum laude
Hastings College of the Law
A.B., Philosophy
Princeton University
Admitted to practice in California