Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP

For businesses and organizations navigating the incredibly complex world of federal taxation, especially within specialized industries, having access to highly focused and deeply experienced legal counsel is not just a benefit—it’s a necessity. In Washington, D.C., a city at the epicenter of federal regulatory and tax policy, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP stands out as a unique and distinguished legal resource. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP to help local businesses and professionals understand their specialized practice and how they serve the intricate tax needs of their clients in the District of Columbia.

Unlike general practice law firms, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP has carved out a niche as one of the few boutique legal firms in the country that specializes specifically in insurance tax. This highly concentrated expertise means they offer a level of insight and experience that is unparalleled for clients operating within this industry. Their work extends beyond simple compliance, delving into complex tax planning, controversy resolution, and strategic advice for large corporate entities, primarily within the insurance and financial services sectors.

For D.C.-based corporations, insurance companies, financial service providers, and even state insurance departments, understanding the intricacies of federal tax law is paramount to their operational success and financial health. Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP positions itself as a leading authority, offering sophisticated legal solutions to some of the most challenging tax issues.

Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP is centrally located in Washington, D.C., at 1030 15th St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This address places the firm within a vibrant and highly accessible part of downtown D.C., making it convenient for both local and national clients to reach their offices.

The 15th Street NW corridor is a key arterial road in the city, providing excellent connectivity to various parts of the District and beyond. The office is within very close proximity to several Metro stations, including McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) and Farragut North (Red Line). These Metro lines offer broad coverage, ensuring easy access for clients commuting from different neighborhoods across D.C., as well as those traveling from Maryland or Virginia via the Metro system. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate along 15th Street and surrounding avenues, further enhancing public transportation options.

For clients arriving by car, while downtown D.C. parking can sometimes be a consideration, there are multiple commercial parking garages located conveniently near 1030 15th Street NW. This central and well-connected location underscores the firm's dedication to accessibility for its specialized client base. Its prime spot in the nation's capital also facilitates easy interaction with federal agencies like the Treasury Department and the IRS, which is often crucial for their highly specialized tax practice.

Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP offers a highly specialized range of services primarily focused on federal taxation, particularly as it applies to the insurance industry and related corporate entities. Their practice encompasses strategic planning, controversy resolution, and expert consulting.

• Federal Taxation of Insurance Companies and Products: This is the cornerstone of their practice. They provide in-depth counsel on all federal tax matters affecting insurance companies, including life, property/casualty, and health insurers. This includes issues related to insurance and financial products, corporate transactions, reinsurance, reserves, and insolvencies.
• Tax Planning and Consulting: The firm assists clients in developing tax-efficient strategies for various operations, transactions, and product development. This proactive approach helps clients minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance.
• Tax Controversies and Litigation: They represent clients in disputes with tax authorities, including the IRS and the Treasury Department. This involves administrative resolution processes and, when necessary, litigation in federal courts. Their experience includes addressing industry-wide issues and securing regulations or rulings from government agencies.
• Representation of State Insurance Departments: The firm also represents state insurance departments in various tax matters, including those related to insolvencies, demutualizations, and non-profit conversions, demonstrating a broad understanding of the regulatory landscape affecting insurers.
• Reinsurance and Corporate Transactions: They provide expert advice on the tax implications of complex reinsurance agreements and corporate transactions within the insurance sector, ensuring these dealings are structured efficiently from a tax perspective.
• Issuance of Tax Opinions: The firm offers authoritative tax opinions, which are crucial for clients seeking clarity and certainty on the tax treatment of specific transactions or financial products.
• Expert Testimony: Their attorneys are frequently engaged to provide expert testimony in cases requiring specialized knowledge of insurance tax issues.
• Tax Issues Monitoring Service: They offer a unique monitoring service that provides clients with up-to-date information on federal income tax developments. This includes quarterly conference calls/meetings and reports, which can be tailored for life insurance companies or property/casualty and health insurance companies, or specific federal income tax issues.
• Technical Litigation Support: They frequently collaborate with accounting firms and other law firms to provide technical litigation support and insurance tax expertise.

Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its leadership and specialized expertise in tax law, particularly for the insurance industry.

• Boutique Specialization: Since its founding in 1961, the firm has deliberately chosen to specialize in insurance tax, making them one of the few boutique firms nationally with such a dedicated focus. This specialization allows for unparalleled depth of knowledge and a highly efficient approach to complex issues.
• Distinguished Origins and Government Experience: The firm was founded by Fred C. Scribner, a former Undersecretary of the Treasury, and Leonard W. Hall, a former Congressman. Significantly, every partner at Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP has previously been employed in at least one federal agency responsible for tax matters, including the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Tax Legislative Counsel, the Chief Counsel's Office of the IRS, the Staff of Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation, and the Tax Division of the Department of Justice. This invaluable government experience provides unique insight into how tax agencies operate and fosters strong working relationships with former colleagues.
• National Recognition and Thought Leadership: Their attorneys are nationally recognized for their tax expertise, particularly relating to insurance companies and their products. They frequently speak and write on tax topics, contributing to the ongoing discourse in the field. This thought leadership extends to serving on appointed bodies like the IRS Commissioner's Advisory Group and the IRS Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee.
• Long-Standing Industry Representation: The firm has represented the insurance industry for over 50 years, acting as lead tax counsel on numerous significant insurance industry tax projects and litigation. This long history demonstrates a consistent and trusted relationship with key players in the sector.
• Clientele Focus: Their clients are primarily large corporate groups, both domestic and foreign, predominantly in the insurance and financial services industries, along with marketing agents and state insurance departments. This client profile underscores their capacity to handle high-stakes and complex tax matters.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The firm states a commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflecting modern professional values.

As a highly specialized boutique law firm catering primarily to large corporate clients and complex tax matters, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP does not typically engage in consumer-facing "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Their services are bespoke and tailored to the unique and often intricate needs of each client's tax situation.

However, a notable offering that could be considered a specialized service rather than a promotion is their Tax Issues Monitoring Service. This service provides companies with up-to-date information on new federal income tax developments relevant to the insurance industry. It includes quarterly conference calls/meetings and reports, which can be tailored for specific industry segments or issues. While this service has an annual fee, it represents a proactive and valuable offering designed to keep their specialized clients informed about ever-evolving tax landscapes.

Prospective clients interested in engaging Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP for their tax needs are encouraged to contact the firm directly. Discussions regarding their specific services, engagement models, and fee structures would be part of the initial consultation process. The value provided by the firm lies in its deep expertise and the strategic solutions it offers to highly complex tax challenges, rather than through promotional pricing.

For businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C., seeking expert legal counsel in federal tax law, particularly within the insurance and financial services industries, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP can be reached using the following contact details:

• Address: 1030 15th St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, USA
• Phone: (202) 331-8585
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-331-8585

Reaching out via phone is generally the most direct way to initiate contact, inquire about their services, and discuss the possibility of scheduling a consultation. Given the specialized nature of their practice, it is advisable to be prepared to provide a brief overview of your organization's needs to ensure that their expertise aligns with your requirements.

For businesses and large corporate entities in Washington, D.C., especially those operating within the insurance and financial services sectors, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP is not just suitable but highly advantageous for addressing their complex federal tax needs. Their distinct specialization sets them apart in the D.C. legal market, offering a depth of knowledge that few other firms can match.

The firm’s suitability for locals stems from several key factors. Firstly, their profound expertise in federal taxation, specifically concerning insurance companies and their products, directly caters to a significant segment of D.C.’s corporate landscape. In a city that is a hub for policy and regulation, having attorneys who understand the nuances of federal tax law and its application to specific industries is invaluable for compliance, planning, and controversy resolution. Their partners' extensive backgrounds in various federal tax agencies provide an unparalleled "insider's" perspective, which is a critical asset for D.C.-based entities interacting with government bodies.

Secondly, the firm's central location at 1030 15th St NW ensures excellent accessibility for D.C. businesses. Proximity to major Metro lines and the downtown business district simplifies logistical considerations for client meetings and direct engagement, which is often necessary for complex legal matters.

Finally, while their services are aimed at corporate clients rather than individual consumers, their long-standing reputation as a leading boutique firm, their extensive involvement in significant industry-wide tax projects, and their commitment to thought leadership through publications and public commentary all speak to a highly professional and effective legal practice. For any D.C. organization with sophisticated federal tax requirements, particularly in the insurance domain, Scribner Hall & Thompson LLP represents a premier choice for expert legal counsel, offering tailored solutions and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in the nation's capital.