Kevin E. Thorn | Managing Partner, Thorn Law Group | Global Tax Law and Compliance Expert
Directly or Indirectly, we meet many lawyers in our lives who emphasize only their successes. However, it is so rare to come across a seasoned personality in this thrilling field of law who establishes the enduring value of years of dedicated effort, and client-centric approach topped with care and precision. This is what Kevin E. Thorn, the Managing Partner of Thorn Law Group stands for. He extends a genuine commitment towards his clients which is continuously setting a high standard for legal professionals everywhere.
Kevin’s Journey of Excellence in Business and Tax Law
To find your passion early in life is always a difficult but essential personal task. Kevin shares that it was always his ambition to carve a niche as an attorney specializing in business, tax litigation, and high-level tax planning. His path unfolded through many experiences.
During his clerkship with the United States Tax Court (USTC), Kevin gained invaluable insights into the intricate landscape of tax litigation and tax planning, particularly concerning businesses, CEOs, executives, and high net worth individuals. Subsequently, his tenure as an attorney with the Internal Revenue Service afforded him a unique perspective, as he observed the strategies and missteps made by government entities in their dealings with U.S. taxpayers, including Green Card holders and resident aliens, and individual business leaders new to the country. These formative government experiences strengthened the necessity for robust and sophisticated representation before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and federal courts.
As Kevin’s reputation flourished across the United States and beyond, he noticed a gap in the legal landscape. Many attorneys specialized in singular areas of law, lacking the comprehensive expertise needed to represent clients effectively in both civil and criminal business and tax litigation and planning scenarios. Determined to address this deficiency, he embarked on a quest to acquire extensive knowledge encompassing business law, tax litigation, and high-level tax planning within the spheres of civil and criminal law. Soon, professionals from diverse law firms sought his counsel on international business tax planning matters, as well as tax litigation cases against the IRS or the DOJ. His counsel provided clients with compliance solutions.
Clients hailing from nearly every U.S. state and numerous countries worldwide sought his expertise. These countries spanned the globe, including Brazil, Canada, China, India, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Russia, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Spain, Ukraine, Ireland, Portugal, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, and New Zealand, among others. Evidently, Kevin’s firm has emerged as the undisputed “Platinum Standard” among boutique business tax litigation and planning firms in the United States, a proof of his expertise in the field.
Tax Audit Successes and Client Advocacy
Demonstrating his team’s remarkable success in handling high-stakes civil and criminal tax audits for CEOs and executives, Kevin discusses recent achievements and ongoing projects. Notably, in the past few months, they achieved some amazing outcomes in two IRS business and employment tax audit cases, which had escalated into criminal investigations. These cases were ultimately dismissed without any tax liabilities, penalties, or accrued interest. Naturally, both the executives and their companies were elated with the favorable resolutions, highlighting the distinctive approach of TLG and Kevin’s team in comparison to other tax law firms. Their meticulous planning from the outset, strategic evidence presentation, and cautious avoidance of exposing clients to IRS interviews set them apart.
With over 25 years of legal experience, he has encountered a recurring theme: the government rarely errs in favor of his clients and often has ulterior motives when reaching out to them. In the cases at hand, the IRS and the DOJ were concurrently investigating Kevin’s clients, with undisclosed agendas. In essence, a substantial portion of his time is dedicated to rectifying errors made by other attorneys in their clients’ representation. These missteps consist of issues, such as unnecessarily subjecting clients to in-person government interviews when written responses suffice, or overproducing client information and documentation in response to government requests. Kevin’s vigilance in navigating these pitfalls underscores the critical importance of astute legal counsel in complex tax matters.
Dedication to Staying Ahead in International Business Law
Kevin’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving legal landscapes and emerging issues is evident in his and his team’s dedication to remaining well-informed. Their proactive approach involves closely monitoring legal developments through news channels and actively engaging with clients’ businesses. This continuous learning process frequently leads them to confront international business legal matters, particularly in the realms of tax planning, compliance, and strategic plan structuring. On this, he says, “I believe this is where we as a business and tax firm offer the most value. Our attorneys are actively involved in each of our clients’ businesses. Because of this we can prevent negative things from happening to our clients that could impact them individually or to their business.”
A hallmark of their approach is the deep involvement of their attorneys in each client’s business operation. While it is undoubtedly amazing to assist clients in times of crisis, Kevin derives even greater satisfaction from preventing clients from making costly mistakes in the first place, a testament to the strength of their pre-existing client relationships.
Presently, the United States government, along with the IRS, the DOJ, and state taxing authorities, is delving into intricate international business and tax litigation matters. Their focus spans high-level IRS tax audits involving both U.S. and non-U.S. businesses, as well as high net worth individuals. Additionally, over the past decade, the IRS and the DOJ have undertaken extensive examinations of individuals and businesses for their failure to report foreign financial assets situated outside the United States. These assets encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from bank accounts and insurance policies to trusts and pensions.
Fostering Client Success and Protecting Businesses
When it comes to personal thoughts on his profession as a lawyer, Kevin explains how he derives immense satisfaction and finds fulfillment in various aspects, from the planning and strategic maneuvering to the impact he can make on his clients’ businesses and their families. A case involves a recent representation of a technology company and its CEO under investigation by an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). Through his diligent efforts, Kevin successfully brought about the termination of the government’s investigation, sparing his client from facing any charges.
One of the most rewarding moments as an attorney occurred when he and his client received the news that no charges would be filed. Recollecting on one such case, he says, “I came out into my firm’s waiting room with my client after our call to see his family greet him with tears in their eyes and hug him for about five minutes.”
Witnessing his client’s family greet him with tears of relief and heartfelt hugs was a deeply gratifying experience. It signaled not only the survival of their business but also the restoration of normalcy to their lives. Such moments validate the years of education, training, and continual learning that have shaped Kevin’s legal career.
These instances of client success, like the one described, are not unique but are a common occurrence among the attorneys at TLG. Their daily mission revolves around assisting clients in building their businesses, steering clear of civil and criminal tax issues, and saving them substantial sums of money. Kevin believes this commitment is there in all TLG’s attorneys, ingrained in their culture, and defines their purpose in life. Their dedication extends to clients from all backgrounds, irrespective of their business type or language spoken. TLG’s attorneys are driven by a shared ethos: to empower clients to succeed, bolster their businesses, and defend them against government overreach and abuse. For these reasons, Thorn Law Group stands as the “Platinum Standard” among tax litigation and tax planning firms, telling us all about their excellence in the field.
Key to Success is Simple: Putting Clients First
Kevin attributes his outstanding reputation to a fundamental principle: persistent dedication to his clients’ best interests. He believes that the key to success lies in committing to represent clients to the best of his ability, combining diligence and efficiency to ensure their interests are essential. Kevin’s team of attorneys at Thorn Law Group, renowned for their expertise, share this ethos, always striving to position clients in the most advantageous circumstances.
From the outset, they communicate to clients that their protection is the firm’s top priority, allowing clients the peace of mind to focus on running their businesses. This client-centric approach is the bedrock upon which he has built his leadership in the tax litigation and tax planning field. By consistently placing clients above all else, including financial considerations and government relationships, they cultivate a sense of trust and loyalty. Clients recognize this commitment and frequently refer the firm to other businesses, CEOs, executives, and leadership teams.
A Word on Legacy
For someone as seasoned as Kevin in the field of law, thoughts on what kind of a legacy he wants to leave behind are always anticipated. He envisions a legacy built upon the foundation of exceptional client service. While he acknowledges his current satisfaction with the remarkable work his firm and its attorneys provide, he also looks ahead to the possibility of retirement, albeit with a touch of humor regarding its timing.
In the event of his retirement, the aspiration is for Thorn Law Group and its attorney leadership team to persist in their mission of nurturing client businesses across generations, fostering relationships with families, friends, and business partners. He places personal importance on preserving the current firm culture, characterized by delivering world-class business advice with expert tax planning.
Crucially, Kevin desires that the attorneys at TLG continue to derive genuine enjoyment from their work, a passion that translates into tangible results for each client. In his eyes, the legacy he envisions is one where these principles endure, resulting in continued client success, a job well done, and a legacy that he can proudly look back upon.
Kevin’s Vision: Empowering Clients and Advocating for Fair Taxation
They say that the true mark of a leader can be seen in the sincerity that they carry with themselves. Same is the case with Kevin. His future goals are centered around his clients and his mission as a leader and attorney. His foremost priority remains ensuring that their current clients receive the absolute best business and tax advice available globally, underscoring the dedication to their well-being.
Simultaneously, his vision extends to the expansion of Thorn Law Group’s reach, aiming to assist new clients who are in need of top-tier business guidance, tax planning, and robust defenses in tax litigation cases, especially when facing formidable government entities like the IRS, DOJ, and others.
Central to Kevin’s goals is the resolve to counteract government overreach and abuses experienced by United States taxpayers, their families, and their businesses. He and his team aspire to be advocates for their clients, striving to ensure that no individual or business is burdened with a tax liability greater than what is mandated by the law.
Adapting to Change: Kevin’s Approach to Technology and Legal Practice
Kevin acknowledges the significant changes that have unfolded in recent years, most notably the global COVID-19 pandemic, which posed some challenges. However, he notes that the firm and its attorneys were well-prepared, having already implemented technology solutions and frequently working remotely to serve clients across the United States and internationally.
While technology stands as a powerful asset for businesses and law firms, he also recognizes its dual nature. On the one hand, it facilitates the execution of business transactions, document creation and filing, and legal proceedings—a boon for clients. However, the speed at which these processes occur can also present challenges. In this fast-paced environment, Kevin and his team at TLG remain steadfast in their commitment to providing thorough legal counsel. They prioritize taking the necessary time to ensure that all legal options are exhaustively considered, thereby ensuring that the decisions made consistently benefit their individual and business clients.
Wisdom for the Young Lawyers
Backed by his extensive 25-year legal career, Kevin imparts invaluable advice to young lawyers. His counsel emphasizes the core principles of hard work, attentiveness, and a firm commitment to continuous learning. He says that there is no substitute for diligence and maintaining a genuine curiosity about the law and its implications for clients, businesses, and society as a whole. He further says on an encouraging note, “Most importantly, keep in mind that the thought process that each attorney learns can be applied to every type of law imaginable. And if an attorney keeps an open mind the sky’s the limit.”
As a reminder, Kevin mentions the remarkable opportunities that exist in today’s legal profession, especially when coupled with the advancements in technology. He highlights that the analytical skills and thought processes acquired in legal practice can be applied to various legal fields, emphasizing the limitless potential when lawyers maintain an open mind.
Quotes:
- “Thorn Law Group stands as the ‘Platinum Standard’ among boutique business tax litigation and planning firms, a proof of Kevin’s expertise in the field.”
- “My commitment lies in safeguarding client interests, providing peace of mind amidst tax challenges.”
- “In the legal world, it’s not just about success but the enduring value of dedication and client-centric care. This rare blend sets a high standard for all legal professionals.”
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