MJ

Michael J. "Mike" Desmond, Tax Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

focused on Tax and Tax Litigation

Trusted tax attorney serving Washington.

3
Bar admissions

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Michael J. "Mike" Desmond is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation. Currently practicing at Miller & Chevalier Chartered.

Based in
Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Tax · Tax Litigation
  • Handles Tax and Tax Litigation matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Los Angeles) (2023).

About Michael J. "Mike" Desmond: Michael J. "Mike" Desmond is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation. Currently practicing at Miller & Chevalier Chartered.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael J. "Mike" Desmond

Michael concentrates on tax and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes tax matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Tax Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes tax litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael J. "Mike" Desmond — Attorney of District of Columbia tax experience

Michael J. "Mike" Desmond is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation. Currently practicing at Miller & Chevalier Chartered.

After serving as a law clerk for a Federal judge in Los Angeles, Mike began his career in tax controversy as a Trial Attorney with the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After the Justice Department, Mike worked at a boutique tax firm in Washington, D.C., where he was elected partner in 2004. In this capacity he represented clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to partnerships and individuals. Mike returned to government in 2005, serving as Tax Legislative Counsel in the U.S. Department of Treasury through 2008. As Tax Legislative Counsel, Mike was the Department’s senior legal advisor on domestic tax issues, testifying before Congress and working with senior IRS officials including the IRS Commissioner and Chief Counsel on a broad range of tax policy, legislative and regulatory matters. Following his tenure at the Treasury Department, Mike spent several more years as a partner in a global law firm before starting his own practice in January 2012.

As a sole practitioner with a deep background in all aspects of tax controversy and experience working at the highest levels of the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mike is uniquely positioned to assist clients of all sizes in achieving targeted, cost-effective solutions to federal and state tax disputes. Mike has the background and experience to see any tax dispute through all stages of controversy, ranging from audit through administrative appeals, litigation in the Tax Court or a refund forum, and on to the courts of appeal if necessary.

How Michael handles tax matters

After serving as a law clerk for a Federal judge in Los Angeles, Mike began his career in tax controversy as a Trial Attorney with the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After the Justice Department, Mike worked at a boutique tax firm in Washington, D.C., where he was elected partner in 2004. In this capacity he represented clients ranging…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax and tax litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Michael J. "Mike" Desmond's legal education and bar admissions

  • Columbus School of Law

    J.D. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • New York, New York S

    ACTIVE

  • District of Columbia

    ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Columbus School of Law.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Columbus School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J. "Mike" Desmond

Michael has received 13 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Los Angeles)

    2023

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Tax (2009-2012)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Tax Controversy (2009-2013)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America, Leading Lawyer in Tax Law (2012-2014)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — IRS Commissioner’s Award (2008)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — IRS Chief Counsel’s Award (2008)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Treasury Secretary’s Honor Award (2007)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Division Award for Sustained Superior Performance (1998)

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Los Angeles) (2023). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).

Locations

Michael J. "Mike" Desmond's office in Washington

Michael's primary office is at 900 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Miller & Chevalier Chartered

900 Sixteenth Street, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20006

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. "Mike" Desmond

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. "Mike" Desmond — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a tax attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every tax matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael J. "Mike" Desmond

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a tax case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do tax cases in District of Columbia typically take?

    Simple tax matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Washington?

    Michael is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new tax clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Tax attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Michael handles tax matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.