Jackson Walker is proud to announce that its State & Local Tax practice has been ranked for the first time in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide released today. In addition, partner Steven Moore and associate Ashley Withers were individually recognized.
Each year, Chambers and Partners releases its flagship guides that identify leading practitioners and law firms in the United States and around the world through the culmination of thousands of interviews with attorneys and clients conducted by over 200 research analysts.
In the 2025 guide, Jackson Walker was recognized in Band 1—the highest ranking that can be achieved—in Texas for Tax: State & Local, with the following commentary provided by clients:
“Jackson Walker balances the need for the client to get the deal done with responsible planning and tax mitigation strategies that do not leave the client unduly exposed.”
“The attorneys I have worked with at Jackson Walker are very knowledgeable, work well with clients and are very good about seeing the big picture.”
“They listen and zero in on the true issue. They are realistic about what can be done and how long it will take.”
In addition to the department ranking, Chambers listed Steve Moore and Ashley Withers for the first time among the leading tax attorneys in Texas. Steve was ranked in Band 1, and Ashley was named an Associate to Watch.
Steve leads Jackson Walker’s State & Local Tax (SALT) practice, bringing decades of experience advising businesses on Texas sales tax, franchise (margin) tax, and property tax matters. Known for his deep knowledge of Texas tax law, Steve regularly advises on state tax strategy, compliance, and controversy, including audit defense and litigation. He has significant experience with data centers, renewable energy taxation, economic development incentives, and legislative programs.
In the guide, one client told Chambers, “Steve is a solution finder who never gives up and always finds a way to bring parties together in ways that are mutually beneficial.” Another interviewee praised Steve, noting that he is “an excellent attorney in all respects.”
Ashley counsels Texas businesses and organizations on strategic tax planning that aligns with their business needs and plans for the future. Ashley regularly helps businesses and organizations identify and implement tax saving opportunities, including engaging in tax-free internal reorganizations, establishing and designing tax-efficient family office structures, and qualifying for local property tax exemptions. In the face of a tax dispute, Ashley moves quickly to identify issues and creatively problem-solve.
In the guide, Chambers shared the following commentary from clients: “Ashley is a joy to work with. She is very responsive and capable.” “Ashley has been so knowledgeable and helpful in resolving a complicated issue.” “Ashley is on whatever research she needs to do and really gets involved – she is a multi-tasking juggler.”
Jackson Walker is proud of the Tax: State & Local team’s Chambers USA ranking, which stands alongside other recent first-time recognitions in Banking & Finance, Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Oil & Gas), Intellectual Property, and Water Law. For more information, view Jackson Walker’s announcement of the Chambers 2025 rankings and the firm’s Chambers profile.
About Our Tax Practice
Jackson Walker has developed a premier State & Local Tax (SALT) practice recognized for its deep understanding of Texas tax law and unmatched experience in audit defense, litigation, and incentive negotiations. Our team includes Ali Andrews and Sarah Pai, and it has advised clients on high-stakes SALT matters for more than three decades, with landmark victories including a major Texas franchise tax apportionment win before the Texas Supreme Court.
Our SALT attorneys counsel clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies on compliance and planning strategies involving Texas sales and franchise (margin) taxes, insurance premium and retaliatory taxes, aircraft taxation, and local property tax matters. We also regularly assist businesses in securing valuable tax incentives and exemptions tied to large-scale investments, data centers, energy projects, and manufacturing operations.
With a strong presence before the Texas Comptroller, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and Texas appellate courts, our team is a trusted resource for both in-state and out-of-state companies navigating the evolving Texas tax environment. We are also proud to serve as local counsel to national firms needing Texas-specific SALT expertise.
To explore our related experience, visit Jackson Walker’s State & Local Tax practice page.
