Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP expands its Tax-Exempt Organizations & Philanthropy Practice with Shareholder Erika Mayshar, who will chair the group. She will be based in the firm’s Orange County and Los Angeles offices.
Mayshar’s clients include sophisticated tax-exempt organizations across the country facing complex legal and tax issues, as well as ultra-high net worth individuals deploying philanthropic capital. She advises philanthropists, foundations, and family offices in transacting significant charitable contributions, creating succession structures, and enhancing their philanthropic impact. Mayshar also works with corporate foundations to develop philanthropy models such as employee assistance funds, disaster relief efforts, and research grant programs.
“The firm has a strategic commitment to growing this important area of the Tax Practice. Erika’s depth of experience in tax exemption and charitable and philanthropic planning helps our clients who may have an interest in creating foundations or who may need advice on the daily complexities of operating a tax-exempt organization,” Greenberg Traurig’s Chief Executive Officer Brian L. Duffy said.
Mayshar has advised a wide range of private foundations and philanthropists on strategic grantmaking and mission-driven investing, including structuring relationships between charitable vehicles and family offices and designing their long-term governance and succession plans. She has represented investment management firms and tax-exempt investors that handle tax-sensitive structuring of alternative investments for pension funds and foundations. Mayshar also has counselled some of the nation’s largest hospitals and other public charities on their governance, operations, strategic affiliations, and compliance with tax and nonprofit laws.
“We are thrilled to have Erika join us at an exciting time at the firm,” said G. Michelle Ferreira, senior vice president of the firm and co-chair of the global Tax Practice. “Her work enhances a key firm practice where we are developing core areas of focus to better serve our clients’ needs. The recent addition of Sophie Allen, who serves as co-chair of the London Tax Practice, is part of that approach.”
“With the growing interest in philanthropic giving in connection with wealth transfer, my practice adds another dimension to Greenberg Traurig’s Private Wealth Services Practice’s existing offerings,” Mayshar said. “Very few major law firms have Greenberg Traurig’s ability to serve both complex tax-exempt organizations and the ultra-high net worth philanthropists who support these institutions.”
Mayshar received her J.D. from Stanford Law School and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Pomona College. She is admitted to practice law in California.