Hodgson Russ Strengthens SALT Practice with Addition of Former NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance, NYC Law Dept. Attorneys

Hodgson Russ LLP is pleased to welcome Michelle Helm and Kevin Harkins as attorneys in its renowned State & Local Tax Practice. Together, they bring to the firm more than 50 years of combined experience in New York State and City tax litigation and policy. Their extensive public-sector knowledge strengthens the team’s ability to support clients in resolving complex tax disputes.

With 33 years at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, including 23 years as an attorney in the Office of Counsel, Michelle Helm brings clients an unparalleled perspective shaped by decades of direct involvement handling New York tax disputes in the administrative appeals system.

Over the course of her career, she worked closely with the Audit Division and frequently appeared on its behalf at administrative hearings before the Division of Tax Appeals. She now draws on that deep institutional knowledge to assist clients with complex residency audits and planning matters, providing thoughtful, risk-conscious guidance grounded in a thorough understanding of New York’s tax laws.

“Having spent my career at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, I am intimately aware of the reputation the Hodgson Russ State & Local Tax Practice maintains for managing complex state and local tax matters,” said Helm. “I’m proud to join such an esteemed team and look forward to helping clients navigate the audit and appeals process with clarity and confidence,” she continued.

Kevin Harkins joins Helm in strengthening the firm’s SALT capabilities. He brings a complementary perspective shaped by his experience in both public service and private practice.

Harkins offers clients a rare blend of procedural depth, trial experience, and practical understanding of New York City tax issues. His unique knowledge and insight were shaped by his role as Senior Counsel at the New York City Law Department, where he litigated for the New York City Department of Finance and oversaw the City’s Tax Lien Sale Program.

Harkins has a keen ability to guide clients through regulatory challenges, craft persuasive legal arguments, and advocate effectively in both administrative and judicial forums, giving his clients a distinct advantage, whether they are handling audits, contesting tax assessments, addressing multi-jurisdictional tax issues, or seeking penalty relief.

“Hodgson Russ has built one of the most respected State & Local Tax practices in the country, and I’m honored to be part of a team known for its depth, integrity, and results,” said Harkins. “With my background in both government and private practice, I aim to guide clients through regulatory challenges with clarity and precision, whether they’re facing audits, assessments, or complex multi-jurisdictional issues. I look forward to delivering strategic, practical solutions that reflect the firm’s commitment to excellence,” he continued.

Of Harkins’ and Helm’s addition to Hodgson Russ, State & Local Tax Practice Leader Andrew Wright said, “Michelle and Kevin each bring a depth of experience that is incredibly rare in the state and local tax space. Michelle’s decades of experience at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance give her unmatched insight into resolving the kinds of New York State tax audits and appeals regularly confronted by Hodgson Russ clients. Kevin’s years of experience at the New York City Law Department, coupled with private experience, give him a well-rounded perspective to approaching an array of state and local tax challenges faced by our clients.  Their addition enhances our ability to continue delivering the thoughtful, strategic, effective counsel our clients expect from Hodgson Russ.”

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About Hodgson Russ LLP:

Hodgson Russ LLP is an Am Law 200, New York-based full-service law firm with more than 220 attorneys serving individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions from its offices strategically placed in key markets along the East Coast of the United States and Canada, from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.

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