Alston & Bird Names Charles W. Wheeler Partner

Leading Tax Practitioner Joins Washington, D.C. Office

Alston & Bird LLP has named Charles W. Wheeler partner in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office. The appointment of Mr. Wheeler, an authority on tax aspects of banking and financial transactions, further strengthens Alston & Bird’s nationally prominent practice in the banking and financial services industry. He was formerly a partner at KPMG LLP and served as KPMG’s National Director of Bank & Finance Tax Services. His prior experience includes serving as Assistant to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service and as Tax Counsel to the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C.

In announcing the appointment, Philip C. Cook, partner and coordinator of Alston & Bird’s tax practice groups, commented, “As a leading authority on the taxation of banks and other financial institutions Charles Wheeler’s experience, which also includes the tax treatment of derivatives, securitization and other complex financial transactions, will be a significant asset to the Firm. His background will not only add depth to the Firm’s overall tax practice but will further enhance our banking and financial transactions practice capabilities. We are delighted to be able to offer his extensive experience to our clients.”

Mr. Wheeler is co-author of Taxation of Financial Institutions, published by Mathew Bender and was the primary author of the Bank Income Tax Return Manual published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont from 1987 through 1994. In addition he is a frequent contributor to various tax publications, authoring or co-authoring numerous articles on subjects including hedging rules, implementation of the mark to market provisions, and capital gains conversion transactions.

Mr. Wheeler received his B.S. and J.D. from the University of Wisconsin and an LL.M in Taxation from Georgetown University. He is a member of the American Bar Association where he served as Chairman of the Tax Section’s Banking and Savings Institutions Committee from 1991 to 1993.

Alston & Bird’s Tax Practice, with 52 tax attorneys, is one of the largest in the country. The practice includes employee benefits, executive compensation, ERISA litigation, estate planning, fiduciary, and exempt organizations as well as federal income, international, and state and local tax.

With offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Charlotte and the Research Triangle in Raleigh, North Carolina, Alston & Bird is one of the largest and oldest law firms in the country. Its more than 475 attorneys provide a full range of services to domestic and international clients who conduct business all over the world. In addition to tax and employee benefits,
Alston & Bird’s practice areas include: electronic commerce, capital markets and investment; finance and public finance; intellectual property; international; trial and appellate; health care; real estate; environmental; antitrust and investigations; bankruptcy, reorganizations and workouts; fiduciary; and labor employment.