(COLUMBIA, SC)—Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP announced today that Ray N. Stevens will join the Firm January 1, 2011 as part of its State & Local Tax (SALT) practice, resident in its Columbia, SC, office.
Stevens announced last week that he was stepping down as director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue, a post he has held in Gov. Mark Sanford’s cabinet since 2006.
“Parker Poe offers me a wonderful opportunity to work with large and growing companies in areas of the law where I have a unique background and knowledge,” Stevens said. “I look forward to helping the Firm grow both its SALT and general tax practice, as tax matters across the country become more complex because of technology and other factors.”
The Parker Poe SALT practice offers corporate tax planning in all states, advising corporate clients on tax controversies, mergers and acquisitions, economic development efforts, joint ventures and other matters.
“We’re delighted that Ray Stevens is joining the Firm to expand our state and local tax capabilities. He has an impressive background in tax administration and is recognized across the country for his success with landmark tax controversies,” said Parker Poe managing partner William P. Farthing, Jr.
Prior to joining the Department of Revenue, Stevens served 10 years as one of South Carolina’s six judges on the state’s Administrative Law Court and 15 years in the State Attorney General’s office, concluding as director of the Tax Division. In 1993 he originated and successfully argued the theory of law taxing income from intangibles in Geoffrey, Inc. v. South Carolina Department of Revenue and Taxation, now simply known as a “Geoffrey issue” in state tax matters.
As part of his responsibilities with the state, Stevens has served as a member of the ten-person SC Tax Realignment Commission, chairman of the SC Enterprise Committee and a member of the SC Coordinating Council for Economic Development.
Professionally, Stevens is a member of the executive board of the Federation of Tax Administrators and executive committee of the Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators.
Stevens holds bachelor’s, master of business administration and juris doctor degrees from the University of South Carolina and a master of law and taxation degree from the College of William and Mary.
About Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has 230 lawyers in six offices located in Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg, SC, and Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. The Firm, which dates back to 1884, provides legal counsel to commercial and public organizations on corporate, finance, litigation, real estate and regulatory matters.