Biography
Overview
Abraham “Abe” Leitner is an internationally recognized tax lawyer who handles complex domestic and cross-border transactions for clients doing business in the U.S. and internationally, including in Canada, Europe, China, and the Middle East. In doing so, he often counsels multinational corporations on cross-border mergers and acquisitions.
Abe frequently structures international joint ventures involving real estate investments in the United States and abroad, advises real estate investment trusts (REITS) on their tax matters, and advises private equity funds and other real estate investors in connection with Section 1031 and other efficient exit strategies.
Since opportunity zones were added to the tax code in 2017, Abe has been at the forefront of these first-of-their-kind transactions, representing qualified opportunity zone funds, real estate developers, and lenders.
Abe is also particularly experienced in advising foreign governments, insurance companies, hedge funds, real estate developers, assisted living providers, manufacturers, and high net worth individuals.
Abe is the co-chair of the firm’s Tax Group, and a sought-after writer and speaker. Prior to joining Goulston & Storrs, Abe was a New York-based Partner at a leading Canadian law firm recognized for its focus on business law. He is also the former Chair of the Young IFA Network Committee, IFA USA.
Accolades
- Tax Trailblazer, National Law Journal, 2023
- New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2013-2024
- Who's Who Legal, Corporate Tax - Advisory, 2022, 2023
Affiliations
- International Tax Institute
- Young IFA Network Committee, IFA USA Branch, Former Chair
- Foreign Activities of U.S. Taxpayers Committee, Tax Section of the American Bar Association
- Inbound U.S. Activities of Foreign Taxpayers and Outbound Foreign Activities of U.S. Taxpayers Committees, Tax Section of the New York State Bar Association
- International Fiscal Association
- Tax Club of New York City
Admissions
Education
- New York University (LL.M., 2000)
- Columbia University School of Law (J.D., 1996)
- Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
- Touro College (B.S., summa cum laude, 1992)