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Kathleen Pakenham
Chair of business department at Cooley LLP
Kathleen Pakenham is a prominent attorney specializing in tax controversy and litigation. As of January 2025, she is a partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP, where she co-heads the Tax Controversy and Litigation practice. She previously held various leadership roles at Cooley LLP, including co-chair of the Tax practice and partner-in-charge of the New York office.23
Professional Background
- Education: Pakenham earned her LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law and her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. She also holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany.1
- Career: Before joining Vinson & Elkins in 2023, she was a partner at Cooley LLP, where she was recognized for her expertise in handling complex tax disputes involving federal and state tax law.23 Her practice encompasses pre-litigation counseling, administrative appeals, and litigation in both trial and appellate courts.4
Recognition
Pakenham has been consistently acknowledged as a leading tax controversy lawyer by Chambers USA and The Legal 500. She has been named in Best Lawyers in America and has received accolades such as being listed among Crain’s New York Business's 100 Leading Women Lawyers.12
Expertise
Her work primarily involves representing clients in significant tax controversies across various sectors, including financial services, energy, real estate, and telecommunications. Pakenham is known for her strategic approach to resolving tax disputes and has represented Fortune 500 companies in high-profile cases.23
Current Role
At Vinson & Elkins, Pakenham continues to focus on tax controversy matters, particularly in light of increasing IRS enforcement activities. Her role involves both advising clients on potential tax issues and representing them in disputes with tax authorities.24


