McCarter & English today announced the addition of Michael Puzyk to its Tax & Employee Benefits team. Puzyk joins the firm’s Newark office as a partner, adding depth and greater capacity to the tax law team, bringing more than 14 years of experience representing clients in a wide variety of sectors, including life sciences, manufacturing, technology, media, professional services, retail, transportation, banking and capital markets.
“It is the opportunity of a lifetime to be joining some of the most influential tax attorneys in New Jersey. I have long admired the career of Michael Guariglia, well-known to be the go-to tax attorney in the state. I look forward to his mentorship and being able to carry the torch with him at the firm,” Puzyk said. “McCarter & English’s reputation in the Garden State is second-to-none; I’m looking forward to making a positive contribution to the firm and its clients.”
Puzyk joins McCarter & English from Ernst & Young LLP, where he was a senior manager of the state and local tax group. He applies his deep knowledge of New Jersey tax law to his multi-disciplinary legal practice advising leading domestic and international corporations. He represents businesses and individuals on all aspects of state and local tax, including income tax and employment tax matters, sales and use tax, gross receipt, franchise, property tax and more. He represents clients in tax controversies, defending companies and individuals in audits and at administrative appeals in various states, assists with compliance and financial reporting, especially with respect to state and local taxation, and provides advisory services related to business transformation and restructuring, acquisitions, divestitures, and other events that may impact taxes.
There are numerous upcoming challenges set to impact New Jersey taxpayers, including the upcoming gubernatorial election, the anticipated release of regulations addressing comprehensive reform of corporate income taxation, the adoption of combined reporting, and changes to tax obligations based on taxpayers’ digital footprint.
“Michael brings a deep understanding of state and local taxation, not just in New Jersey, but nationwide. We’re thrilled he will bring his tremendous skillset to our group and our firm,” said Timothy M. Ferges, chair of McCarter’s Tax, Employee Benefits, Trusts, Estates & Private Clients practice group. “Bringing a stand-out attorney like Michael on board strengthens our already robust tax practice and our capabilities in state and local tax. Michael’s addition underscores our commitment to this practice area and to our clients nationwide.”
Additionally, Puzyk has advised and worked alongside the New Jersey Division of Taxation on numerous technical matters over the years, and has provided valuable advice on tax matters and on various policy matters, including corporation business tax reforms and proposed regulations, to the New Jersey legislature, the New Jersey Division of Taxation and industry organizations.
Puzyk received his J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School, and his B.S. from The College of New Jersey, graduating summa cum laude. Earlier in his career he served as a legal intern at the New Jersey Office of the Public Advocate, Division of Rate Counsel’s natural gas division, and as a judicial extern for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.
“Michael is an asset to our tax and benefits group. He provides incredible depth of knowledge in New Jersey and state and local tax law, which combined with his business savvy, makes him a strong advocate for his clients and a trusted advisor,” said Joseph Boccassini, McCarter & English’s Firmwide Managing Partner. “We’re thrilled he’s joined our team.”