headshot of Chris Jones

Christopher A. Jones

Partner He / Him / His
Philadelphia

Christopher A. Jones co-leads the firm's Tax team. He advises clients on a wide range of federal, state, and local tax matters. His practice includes advising clients regarding the tax consequences of complex transactions and associated planning opportunities. Additionally, Chris assists clients in federal, state, and local tax audits and controversies, and has represented clients in administrative appeals and in court. He provides clients tax advice in labor and other litigation matters, including withholding tax and information reporting issues.

Chris also regularly counsels nonprofit organizations on a wide range of issues, including formation, federal and state compliance, unrelated business taxable income, and joint ventures. He co-leads the firm's Exempt Organizations and Tax Controversy teams and has represented nonprofit organizations in IRS exempt status, employment, and information reporting audits.

Professional Highlights

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. James Moran, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2002-2004

Professional Activities

Philadelphia Bar Association, Tax Section, Former Chair and Secretary of State and Local Tax Committee

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA, Tax (Pennsylvania), 2022-2024

The Best Lawyers in America, Nonprofit/Charities Law (Philadelphia), 2024, 2025; Tax Law (Philadelphia), 2025

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, "Hospitals and Health Systems - Update on Recent Regulatory Guidance," Ballard Spahr webinar, April 16, 2015

Panelist, "Update on Recent Changes to PA and Philadelphia Tax Law," Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, October 2013

Planner and panelist, "Representing Non-Profit Organizations," In-House CLE program, January 2013

Publications

Course Planner, "Hot Topics in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Tax Law," Philadelphia Bar Association CLE Program, June 2016

Co-author, "Seven Tax Aspects of Tenant Improvements," Legal-Ease column for BOMA Magazine, May/June 2014

"Court Limits Ability to Tax 'Out of State' Trusts," Philadelphia Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section Newsletter, November 2013

Co-author, "Disregarded Entities Are Now Responsible for Their Own Employment Taxes," Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies, WorldTrade Executive, Inc., July 2009

Credentials 

Education

Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2002)
Associate Editor, Northwestern University Law Review

University of Michigan (B.A. 1999)

Admissions

Pennsylvania

Illinois (Inactive)

U.S. Tax Court