Alison Maxwell

Alison Maxwell

Partner
US Chair and Global Co-Chair, Tax Practice
Alison is a proactive and forward-thinking adviser, seeing the bigger picture while maintaining an eye for detail.
— Chambers USA
Seattle
About

Alison (Ali) Maxwell, Chair of the US Tax Practice, concentrates her practice in international tax with a focus on operational structuring, global expansion, transfer pricing, valuations, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, pre- and post-acquisition planning and integration, and legal entity rationalization. Ali has assisted a wide range of clients, from startups to multi-billion-dollar multinationals, ensuring that the final international structure efficiently meets both US and foreign compliance requirements as well as aligns with all non-tax objectives (e.g., employment, IP, regulatory).

Her particular ability to combine US domestic tax knowledge and international expertise, enables her to provide comprehensive, global advice - a rare and valuable skill set for navigating complex cross-border issues.

Ali integrates highly technical tax guidance with broader geopolitical and global supply chain strategies. This approach goes beyond standard legal counsel, helping clients understand the underlying causes and potential future trends in global affairs (e.g., tariffs, trade issues) to better anticipate and adapt their business models, as highlighted in her recent discussion with Lord David Cameron.

Client testimonials consistently praise Ali for her ability to "translate technical knowledge into pragmatic advice" and her commitment to client satisfaction. Clients note her skill in assembling and leading expert, cross-functional teams to ensure a "smooth, quality and efficient product," indicating a rare blend of leadership, technical prowess, and focus on practical outcomes that meet specific client expectations. In October 2025, Ali was recognized as "North America Tax Practice Leader of the Year" at the ITR Americas Awards.

Ali is a frequent speaker on international tax and international corporate reorganization (ICR) matters. She is also the coach of her sons' baseball teams.

Areas of FocusInternational Corporate ReorganizationsTaxTransfer Pricing and ValuationInternational Tax and Structuring
Bar admissionsCaliforniaWashingtonWisconsin

Awards and recognitions

Chambers USA

  • Band 3, Washington Tax, (2024 – 2026)
    "She is a strong talent." – Client, Chambers USA 2024

The Legal 500 United States

  • Leading Partner, International Tax, (2023 – 2026)
    "Alison Maxwell has great knowledge of our pending matters and our company. She combines technical knowledge with the ability to translate it into pragmatic advice." – Client, The Legal 500 2024
    "Alison Maxwell has been our go to partner. She is willing to make sure we get what need on large or small projects. It’s always about making sure the client is satisfied." – Client, The Legal 500 2023
    "Alison Maxwell, client partner, did an outstanding job. She assembled a top team of experts across several different domains in the US and international team. She led the engagement and efficiently determined when to get involved to ensure a smooth, quality and efficient product that met her clients' expectations. She was very good at listening to her client and making adjustments to deliver the planned outcome. She coached team members to make course corrections and looped in expert resources with the appropriate skill sets at the right time." – Client, The Legal 500 2023 
  • Recommended, US Taxes: Non-contentious, (2024 – 2026)
Additional Recognitions
  • North America Tax Practice Leader of the Year, International Tax Review Americas Awards, (2025)
  • Recognized as Highly Regarded, General Corporate Tax, International Tax Review World Transfer Pricing, (2025 edition)
  • Short list, Euromoney Legal Media Group Americas Rising Star Award, (2018)
  • 40 Under 40 Honoree, Puget Sound Business Journal, (2016)
  • Washington Rising Star, (2014 – 2019)
Education
  • J.D., The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
  • B.S., International Business, University of Akron

Bylines

  • "Six Key Considerations for a Successful Post-Acquisition Integration," Tax Notes International, April 8, 2019

Seminars

  • ''International Tax and Trade Policy Roundtable,'' held by Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle and DLA Piper, September 2015

Media Mentions

  • "DLA Piper Elevates 5 Attys To Office Managing Partner Roles," Law360, March 4, 2021
  • "UK's digital tax plan could complicate things for Silicon Valley," Corporate Counsel, November 2, 2018

Prior Experience

Prior to joining the firm, Alison worked in Deloitte's San Francisco tax office, where she focused on international tax matters including tax planning, provision and compliance.

My latest insights

Publication

Tax in a Time of Transition: Navigating the shifting global tax policy landscape

10 December 2025

News

DLA Piper further expands its Tax practice with addition of Bernhard von Thaden

2 December 2025

News

DLA Piper named Tax Law Firm of the Year by International Tax Review

29 October 2025

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Phone

+1 206 839 4878
(Work, Seattle)
+1 650 391 5683
(Mobile)