News & Achievements

Vinson & Elkins Adds Seasoned Tax Controversy Lawyer Stephen Josey

Firm News

January 16, 2024 • 2-minute read

Stephen Josey, a former trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, joins Vinson & Elkins’ New York Office

Vinson & Elkins today announces it has hired Stephen Josey as counsel in the firm’s Tax and Executive Compensation & Benefits Practices. Josey has significant experience litigating tax and tariff controversies, including as a trial attorney in the Tax and Civil Divisions at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). At DOJ, he received an Outstanding Attorney Award from the Tax Division for his work defending the U.S. in a tax refund suit.

Most recently, he was counsel at Kostelanetz LLP, where he represented taxpayers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies on a wide range of contested tax issues.

Josey also routinely advises clients on tax risk management, tax refund procedures, and tax dispute resolution strategies.

“Stephen is a phenomenal addition to our leading Tax Controversy and Litigation Practices, which are on pace for another year of dynamic growth,” said New York Partner Kathleen Pakenham, co-head of the firm’s Tax Controversy Practice. Vinson & Elkins was listed among the top tax firms in the U.S. in 2024 by World Tax/International Tax Review.

“I could not pass up the opportunity to join Vinson & Elkins, which has such a sterling reputation for handling significant and sizable tax controversies, and to be part of the growth of the firm’s New York office,” Josey said.

Josey serves as co-chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Personal Income Taxation Committee and is active in the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School.

About Vinson & Elkins
For more than a century, Vinson & Elkins has provided outstanding client service across important industries that drive the global economy. Built on a strong culture of collaboration across 14 offices worldwide, V&E lawyers are committed to excellence, offering clients decades of legal experience in handling transactions, investments, projects and disputes across the globe. Learn more by visiting www.velaw.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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