American College of Tax Counsel adds 18 new Fellows

The American College of Tax Counsel elected 18 new Fellows at an Oct. 30 board meeting, expanding a selective group of tax lawyers, professors and policy professionals recognized for leadership in tax law. The move highlights the College’s role in shaping U.S. tax policy and elevating practitioners with long records of legal work, writing and service.

Why it matters: - The American College of Tax Counsel is one of the main professional groups for senior tax lawyers working in private practice, academia, government and policy. - Adding 18 Fellows broadens the College’s bench of tax experts who can help influence U.S. tax law and policy. - Fellowship signals peer recognition for sustained work in tax law, ethics and professional leadership.

What happened: - The Board of Regents of the American College of Tax Counsel elected 18 new Fellows at a meeting held Oct. 30, 2026. - The election was announced Nov. 3, 2026, from Rochester, New York. - New Fellows include lawyers and professors from firms, law schools and policy organizations across the U.S.

The details: - New Fellows are Lindsay L. Clayton of Baker McKenzie in Washington, D.C. - New Fellows are Phillip James Colasanto of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in New York. - New Fellows are Mardiros “Marty” Dakessian of Dakessian Law, LTD in Los Angeles. - New Fellows are Charlotte A. Erdmann of Erdman Law, dba Orlando Tax Law, in Orlando. - New Fellows are Garett M. Fischer of Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis. - New Fellows are Professor William E. Foster of the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. - New Fellows are Anne Gordon of the National Foreign Trade Council in Washington, D.C. - New Fellows are Karen Kelly of Kostelanetz LLP in Washington, D.C. - New Fellows are Professor Kathryn J. Kennedy of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in Chicago. - New Fellows are Kelvin M. Lawrence of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, Ohio. - New Fellows are Rafi William Mottahedeh of Winthrop & Weinstine, PA, in Minneapolis. - New Fellows are Professor Mary Leto Pareja of the University of New Mexico School of Law in Albuquerque. - New Fellows are Matthew L. Roberts of Meadows Collier in Dallas. - New Fellows are Paul Sczudlo of Withers in Los Angeles. - New Fellows are Elizabeth Julia Smith of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Boston. - New Fellows are Elizabeth “Lisa” Sperow of the Monterey College of Law in Seaside, California. - New Fellows are Scott W. Vance of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Washington, D.C. - New Fellows are Michael J. Wilson of Williams, Parker in Sarasota, Florida. - Election to Fellow requires nomination by a current Fellow and review by a committee of the Board of Regents. - Candidates must have been members of a U.S. state bar, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory for at least 15 years before election. - Candidates must have careers principally devoted to tax law and tax-related matters. - Candidates must be working full time in legal work, or be retired or semi-retired from full-time legal work, in private practice, corporate legal or tax departments, government, trade associations, or teaching roles. - Candidates must show high standards of excellence and ethical conduct, including substantial bar association involvement and significant writing or speaking activity.

Between the lines: - The College’s selection criteria favor seasoned practitioners with both technical expertise and visible professional influence. - The mix of law firms, universities and policy groups shows the College is drawing from the core institutions that shape tax practice and debate. - President Ameek Ashok Ponda framed the new class as professionals whose work and reputations will help shape future tax-law discussions.

What's next: - The new Fellows will join the College’s membership and participate in its tax-law and policy work. - The College will continue using its Fellowship process to identify senior tax professionals who can contribute to U.S. tax policy development. - More information is available in the College’s announcement.

The bottom line: - The American College of Tax Counsel is adding 18 experienced tax professionals to a group built to influence the profession and the policy conversations around U.S. tax law.