Noted Tax Lawyer Jonathan Flora Joins Ballard Spahr in Philadelphia

Jonathan Flora—an attorney with more than 20 years of experience advising clients on the tax aspects involved in corporate structures, partnerships, and business transactions—has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in its Tax Group, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Flora’s experience spans industries and deal types, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, investment transactions, private offerings, licensing, and reorganizations. He provides tax counsel for private equity fund formation, advises emerging companies on the tax advantages of entity and capitalization options, represents foreign companies on in-bound tax planning, and has handled the tax aspects of billion-dollar M&A transactions. He routinely represents clients in disputes with the IRS and state taxing authorities.

“Our M&A, private equity, and finance teams handle a steady stream of transactions in which complex tax issues play a key role,” Mr. Stewart said. “Jon brings a depth of experience advising on the complicated tax structures used in corporate partnership transactions and sophisticated financings. We are excited to have him at Ballard.”  

Mr. Flora counsels exempt organizations on structuring, affiliation, operating, and compliance issues. He also advises on allocation and distribution matters. He joins Ballard Spahr from Schnader, where he was a partner in the Tax Group and Chair of the Employee Benefits Group. Earlier in his career, Mr. Flora was a tax partner at Minneapolis-based Lindquist & Vennum, which merged with Ballard Spahr last year.

“Jon has the ability to find practical, effective solutions to complex tax issues,” said Peter V. Michaud, chair of Ballard Spahr’s Business and Transactions Department, who worked with Mr. Flora at Lindquist. “He takes unintended consequences into account on the front end of a deal, which comes from experience. His attention to detail and focus on a client’s specific goals for a deal make him a great addition.”

U.S. News and World Report-Best Lawyers ranks Ballard Spahr’s Tax Group in the highest tier nationally. Attorneys in the Group help clients minimize their tax burden, avoid and resolve tax controversies, and maximize available tax incentives. Their clients include businesses, nonprofits, individuals, trustees, and other fiduciaries.

“Ballard Spahr lawyers bring to the table a pragmatism and a dedication to clients that sets them apart,” Mr. Flora said. “They’re flexible and easy to work with. They put the needs of the client first. I’m excited to join the team.”