Law Office of James Hastings PC is a specialized tax law firm offering sophisticated solutions to complex tax problems. With over 25 years of experience, James Hastings is a dual-licensed attorney and CPA, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Taxation Law. The firm stands out for its deep expertise in both tax compliance and litigation, serving a high-caliber clientele that includes startups, founders, closely held businesses, and high-net-worth families.
The firm’s approach integrates decades of hands-on experience in public accounting, financial statement analysis, and tax litigation to deliver optimal outcomes. James Hastings leverages his background as a founder and advisor to early-stage tech companies, offering strategic, tax-advantaged guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation. The practice is further strengthened by its focus on accountability and boutique-style personalized service, ensuring dedicated attention to every case from initial audit defense through complex court proceedings.
Services Offered
- Tax Litigation
- Defending State and Federal Audits
- Administrative Action through Tax Litigation and Appeals
- Litigation Consulting
- Building Tax-Advantaged Litigation Strategies
- Estate and Trust Litigation
- Probate, Trust, and Estate Controversies
- Estate Planning
- Comprehensive Estate and Succession Planning
- Startup Advisory
- Setting Up Tax-Advantaged Corporate Structures
- Business Planning
- Corporate Structures for Closely Held Businesses
- Executive Compensation
- Tax-Advantaged Transactions
- Early-Stage Funding and Investor Counseling
- Growth Stage Transaction Advice
- Legal Consulting for Attorneys and Clients
- Evaluation of Pleadings and Settlement Agreements
- Tax Consequences of Estate and Trust Transactions
- Investment and Transaction Advisory for Companies
- Estate Tax Litigation
- Multi-Generational Estate Planning
- Charitable Trusts Planning
- International Estate Planning
The firm serves clients nationally with a focus on California, including matters in U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, California Superior Courts, and the IRS Office of Appeals. Notable achievements include securing an $18.5M tax abatement in U.S. Tax Court litigation, recovering over $1M in estate tax penalties, and successfully handling high-value shareholder disputes and professional negligence cases. Of Counsel Paul H. Nathan, an award-winning trial lawyer, further enhances the firm’s litigation capabilities.
