Pilar Puerto has joined Dinsmore & Shohl LLP as a partner in its Tax, Benefits and Wealth Practice, adding valuable insight and experience from her role in the Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel.
Pilar joins the Firm after serving 12 years in a variety of roles in the IRS, most recently as Senior Counsel, where she was recognized as the National Office expert on closing agreements, pre-filing agreement and other agreements used to efficiently and conclusively resolve complex high‑stakes tax matters involving multinational corporations, partnerships, and high net worth individuals. She was also involved in the development of multiple IRS settlement initiatives providing taxpayers with the ability to voluntarily settle disputes with the IRS.
“Pilar brings a rare perspective that will immediately benefit our clients,” said Lee Stautberg, co-chair of Dinsmore’s Tax practice. “Her ability to evaluate tax planning and controversy matters through the lens of how the IRS approaches risk, process and resolution is invaluable.”
“The IRS is a highly complex organization,” Pilar said, “and my understanding of how to navigate it adds great value to the Firm’s clients.” She added that she was drawn to Dinsmore’s expanding national platform and strong focus on helping businesses—from middle market to major public companies—navigate complex legal issues across a wide variety of industries.
Pilar noted that as the IRS continues to balance an expansive mission with finite resources, early and thoughtful engagement can be an effective way for taxpayers to resolve uncertainty. “There are tools available that allow taxpayers and the government to work collaboratively to resolve issues early,” she said. “Agreement‑based resolutions, when appropriate, can lead to efficient and favorable outcomes when handled carefully by someone with deep experience and understanding of the process.”
Before joining the IRS in 2014, Pilar practiced in Ohio, representing individuals and businesses in complex tax controversies, mergers and acquisitions and estate planning matters. She holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated with distinction, and a J.D., summa cum laude, from Capital University Law School.
Pilar is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Tax Court, and is fluent in Spanish.