Laurin McDonald advises clients on complex state and local tax issues with a focus on tax controversy and litigation. She regularly counsels companies on matters involving sales and use tax, individual and corporate income and franchise tax, excise tax, unemployment insurance tax, and property tax. Laurin has significant experience representing clients in audits, administrative appeals, and litigation.
Before joining Alston & Bird, Laurin worked for a global law firm where she litigated state and local tax controversies involving a variety of tax types and industries. Her experience included litigating transfer pricing disputes and advising clients in highly regulated industries, including electric utilities, broadcasting, and telecommunications.
Laurin previously served as a staff attorney at the Georgia Tax Tribunal, focusing on corporate and individual and corporate income tax, sales and use tax, and state unemployment tax.
She is a frequent author and speaker on state and local tax topics for both industry and professional programs. Laurin is actively involved in the state and local tax community and previously served as the chair of the Atlanta Bar Association Tax Section. Since 2021, she has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for her work in Tax Law.