Atty. Erik C. Smith
As an attorney and certified public accountant, Erik focuses his practice in all areas of federal tax law, with an emphasis on partnerships, limited liability companies, C and S corporations, real estate, international taxation, and civil tax controversy. He provides tax planning, structuring, and documentation for business and individual clients, including joint ventures and tax-exempt organizations.
Tax Law Attorney · Serving Phoenix, AZ · 14+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Erik C. Smith at a Glance
Erik C. Smith is a tax attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Gallagher & Kennedy PA. They have 14+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2012. Admitted to practice in Arizona (2012). Educated at The University of Arizona (J.D., 2011) and The University of Arizona (B.S., 2008). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — in America (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — from 2021-2023 for work in: (2026). Serves clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Erik C. Smith
- As an attorney and certified public accountant, Erik focuses his practice in all areas of federal tax law, with an emphasis on partnerships, limited liability companies, C and S corporations, real estate, international taxation, and civil tax controversy
- He provides tax planning, structuring, and documentation for business and individual clients, including joint ventures and tax-exempt organizations
- Prior to joining Gallagher & Kennedy, Erik was a Manager in the Washington National Tax Office of Deloitte Tax, LLP, where he specialized in real estate transactions and provided tax planning and guidance in matters involving Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, leasing transactions, sale leasebacks of property, and involuntary conversions of property
- In addition to working at Deloitte, Erik previously worked as an attorney in the Phoenix office of a large regional law firm, where he focused his practice in all areas of commercial real estate, including acquisitions and dispositions, equity and traditional financing, development, and leasing
- He also provided organizational planning, structuring, and documentation for a variety of business entities
Practice Areas Explained
Erik C. Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Erik C. Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Phoenix.
Tax Law in Phoenix
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
Erik C. Smith is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in Arizona →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Phoenix
Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Phoenix Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Phoenix-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Phoenix Choose Erik C. Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Erik C. Smith's practice in the field of tax.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Erik C. Smith brings 14+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Focused Tax Practice
Concentrating on tax means Erik C. Smith's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Phoenix
A Phoenix-based practice means Erik C. Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Erik C. Smith Handles in Phoenix
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Erik C. Smith has experience with under Arizona law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Erik C. Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Erik C. Smith Online
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Erik C. Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
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