Holland & Knight continues to strengthen its leading Tax, Executive Compensation and Benefits Practice with the addition of Christopher “Chris” S. Rizek as a partner in Washington, D.C. Mr. Rizek will also be a key member of the firm’s nationwide Tax Controversy Team, which has grown significantly in recent years. Before joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Rizek was a member at Caplin & Drysdale.
Mr. Rizek represents taxpayers in all types of federal civil and criminal tax controversy matters. He guides clients through IRS audits, prepares administrative claims and protests of IRS actions, and litigates tax and tax-related cases in U.S. district and appellate courts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Tax Court. Additionally, he has represented taxpayers, financial entities and professional firms in connection with IRS examinations of tax shelters and related compliance and professional ethics issues.
Mr. Rizek has extensive experience in government service. From 1984-1988, Mr. Rizek was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice's Tax Division, and he received the Outstanding Attorney Award in 1986. From 1995-1998, Mr. Rizek was an attorney-advisor and associate tax legislative counsel with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's, Office of Tax Legislative Counsel, with substantial responsibilities for legislation and regulatory actions involving taxpayer rights, tax practice and procedure, and tax compliance.
“Chris has an excellent reputation and remarkable skills in handling issues that are high enforcement areas for the IRS, including captive insurance cases and employee retention tax credits,” said Todd Keator, co-leader of Holland & Knight's Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits Practice. “Many members of the firm’s Tax Controversy Team have worked with Chris throughout the years, so we have firsthand knowledge of his deep understanding of tax law which will greatly benefit the growth of the team and its nationwide reputation.”
“I’m excited to join Holland & Knight’s highly regarded Tax Controversy Team, as they are known for handling some of the most significant cases being heard by courts today,” said Mr. Rizek. “I look forward to using my experience with IRS examinations and other tax controversy matters to guide Holland & Knight clients as the IRS continues its aggressive approach to enforcement.”
For the past 12 years, Mr. Rizek has been ranked in Band 2 for Tax: Controversy (Nationwide) by Chambers USA. He is also recognized as a leading tax attorney by The Best Lawyers in America, Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers, The Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers, Who's Who Legal and The Legal 500 United States.
Mr. Rizek earned an LL.M. degree and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center, and an A.B. degree from Dartmouth College.
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