Scott J. Bakal

Scott J. Bakal develops tax-planning strategies for closely held family businesses, partnerships, and publicly held corporations with significant domestic and international operations. Scott works closely with high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurial companies to develop elegant, tax-sensitive approaches to their complex business transactions, financial situations, estate planning matters, and real estate investments, as well as to pursue tax efficiency throughout their operations.

Scott advises foreign individuals and families seeking to benefit from advantageous tax structures by migrating their investments and assets to the United States. He designs integrated strategies to encompass the complex components of both international and domestic tax planning. Scott continuously monitors the tax planning landscape for new, compliant approaches that can be implemented with the goal of minimizing his clients’ liabilities to the full extent allowable under the law.

Many of Scott’s clients are individuals and families in Latin America and Israel seeking counsel on the U.S. estate and income tax consequences of their investments and activities in the United States, including Florida.

Scott’s practice includes advising closely held businesses on the tax consequences of critical transactions, including structuring joint ventures and asset and stock purchase agreements. In addition, Scott advises executives in tax-sensitive compensation matters and the owners of controlling stakes in publicly held corporations.

As tax counsel, Scott also assists white collar criminal attorneys with the defense of clients charged with alleged offenses arising out of aggressive tax planning and is often hired by other law firms seeking smart tax structuring advice.

Concentrations

•Domestic tax planning
•International tax planning
•Deal structuring
•Compensation

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2026
•Trusts & Estates, 2010-2026
•Tax Law, 2023-2026
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Taxation, 2017-2023
•Listed, Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, 'Top Lawyers,' 2023
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, U.S. Taxes - Non-Contentious, 2017-2021
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2006-2007, 2009-2013, 2018-2022
•Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2023