Steven Johnson Joins Latham & Watkins as Tax Controversy Partner
Latham & Watkins has appointed former Justice Department attorney Steven Johnson as a partner in its Washington, D.C. tax controversy practice.
Global law firm Latham & Watkins has expanded its Washington, D.C. tax controversy practice with the addition of partner Steven Johnson. Johnson joins the firm from Morgan Lewis, bringing extensive experience in federal tax litigation and administrative procedures.
During his prior tenure with the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, Johnson developed significant expertise in audit defense and tax dispute resolution. He focuses specifically on employment and payroll tax matters, areas increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny. In addition to his legal practice, Johnson has served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center since 2015.
Mandy Reeves, managing partner of Latham & Watkins' Washington office, noted that the addition is part of a broader effort to bolster the firm's capacity to navigate complex tax disputes. Global Chair of the Tax Controversy Practice Brian McManus emphasized that Johnson’s trial background will assist clients across the entire life cycle of tax controversies.
Johnson earned his law degree from Tulane University and an LLM from Georgetown University. He previously clerked for Judge Tucker L. Melancon in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.