The move by states to legalize the distribution and use of marijuana raises numerous tax and legal issues. This course will examine how interested parties navigate the legal haze surrounding the industry with a particular focus on the how the ethics rules and the tax code are implicated. The course will cover Section 280E and related case law, the issues facing marijuana-related businesses related to the provision of financial services, and the positions of various ethics bodies on tax professionals advising marijuana-related clients.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Counsel
[email protected]
(202) 637-3376
Joshua Wu, a former Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) for Appellate and Review in the Tax Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), counsels and advocates for companies and high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of tax controversies and litigation. Mr. Wu advises on tax accounting disputes, corporate and partnership transactional issues, international questions, employee benefits matters, and tax-exempt controversies. He brings a unique knowledge base and skill set to his clients, drawing on his experience both in senior leadership roles in the DOJ’s Tax Division and private practice.
Most recently, when Mr. Wu served as DAAG, he oversaw virtually all appeals in civil federal tax cases throughout the country and managed a 40-lawyer team. He also represented the United States in oral appellate arguments, evaluated and approved significant civil settlement offers, and furnished advice to the Tax Division’s trial sections in complex tax cases.
Mr. Wu previously served as DAAG for Policy and Planning, where he led the Office of Management and Administration (OMA) at DOJ. In that role, he led the operational functions of the Tax Division and led the Office of Legislation and Policy, which works with the Department of Treasury, the IRS, and other agencies on legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives. Before his government service, Mr. Wu was a partner at a large international law firm.