
On Tax
On Tax brings together professionals in the Cravath network for conversations about their life and work in the world of tax. Hosted by Cravath partner Len Teti, the show focuses on the often-forgotten human side of tax, highlighting the people, connections and stories that make the space such a fascinating and dynamic area of practice. Learn more about On Tax at cravath.com/podcast. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is a premier U.S. law firm that has been at the center of many of the world’s most significant transactions and disputes for more than two centuries. Learn more about the Firm at cravath.com, and explore its bicentennial at 200.cravath.com. (On Tax is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does not establish an attorney-client relationship between any person or entity and Cravath.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Oct 22, 2024 • 47min
JoAnn Chávez of DTE Energy
JoAnn Chávez is the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at DTE Energy. In this episode of On Tax, she and Cravath partner and host Len Teti discuss how a willingness to advocate for her own ambitions led JoAnn to pursue an unusual path to leadership through the tax world. She also reflects on the power of making the right choices for oneself and her commitment to uplifting young Latinos just beginning their careers in law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2024 • 23min
Jim Piazza, formerly of Deloitte
Jim Piazza, recently retired as a Senior Marketplace and Tax Partner at Deloitte, shares insights from his remarkable career. He reflects on how his auditing background and relationship-building skills led to his success in tax. The power of teamwork shines through as he recounts a billion-dollar gain achieved through collaboration. Jim also highlights his philanthropic efforts supporting children in need and discusses the significance of mentorship. Now in retirement, he's focusing on golf and giving back while reminiscing about his journey.

Sep 10, 2024 • 24min
Ali Denning of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Ali Denning, a partner in the Trusts and Estates Department at Cravath, shares her journey from exploring various interests to finding her calling in tax law. She discusses the nuanced differences between corporate law and estate planning, highlighting the importance of effective communication and tailored client relationships. Ali also emphasizes the value of experiential learning for young lawyers and addresses common misconceptions in estate planning. Beyond law, she talks about her passions for running, historical fiction, and crafting with her family.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1min
Welcome to Season 8 of On Tax
On Tax returns for Season 8 on Tuesday, September 10. This season, tune in as Cravath partner and podcast host Len Teti talks to professionals in the world of tax about their varied careers and the decisions they made along the way. Next week’s guest is Cravath trusts and estates partner Ali Denning, who discusses how her diverse interests as an undergraduate led her to test out different paths and eventually pursue a service-oriented career in law. Learn more about On Tax at cravath.com/podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2024 • 21min
Matthias Scheifele of Hengeler Mueller
Matthias Scheifele, a partner at Hengeler Mueller in Munich, shares his fascinating journey through Germany's legal education system. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and faith in young lawyers while navigating early career challenges. Matthias discusses balancing the intricate details of tax law with broader business perspectives. He also highlights the value of teamwork and staying updated with legal developments, giving a glimpse into life beyond law. Tune in for valuable insights from this seasoned tax professional!

Jun 4, 2024 • 33min
Albert Chang of RBC Capital Markets
Albert Chang, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, discusses his journey from tax law to investment banking, highlighting the value of keeping an open mind in law careers. He contrasts the roles of investment bankers and tax lawyers, emphasizing the importance of strong client relationships and holistic problem-solving in tax law.

May 14, 2024 • 23min
Karie Roers of Vista Outdoor
Karie Roers is the Tax Director at Vista Outdoor. In this episode of On Tax, she and Cravath partner and host Len Teti talk about her experience growing up in a farm family in South Dakota and how her early interest in business led her to public accounting and the tax field. They also discuss the role that key mentors played in her decision to move in-house. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2024 • 23min
Daniel Hemel of NYU School of Law
Daniel Hemel, a Professor at NYU School of Law, dives into his unexpected journey into tax law academia. He shares reflections on pivotal law school moments that shaped his passion and commitment to teaching. The conversation explores evolving capital taxation dynamics and welfare initiatives, spotlighting the impact of capital gains rates on economic policy. Hemel also offers advice to early-career lawyers and emphasizes the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal passions for a fulfilling life.

Apr 2, 2024 • 29min
Brett Cornell of Danaher Corporation
Brett Cornell is the Senior Vice President of Tax, Treasury & Finance at Danaher Corporation. In this episode of On Tax, he and Cravath partner and host Len Teti talk about how Brett’s early interest in accounting led him to tax positions at several global companies. They also discuss the broader responsibilities of his current role and the importance of tax across business functions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2024 • 22min
Amanda Gold of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Amanda Gold, a partner at Cravath specializing in executive compensation and benefits, shares her inspiring journey from Arizona to New York's legal scene. She discusses how her background in economics shapes her approach to tax law. Key traits of effective tax lawyers are highlighted, particularly their knack for simplifying complex regulations. Amanda also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies in legal teamwork and shares insights from reading Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking Fast and Slow' to enhance negotiation skills.