Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Sarah Pai has joined the firm’s Austin office as Senior Counsel in the Tax practice group. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in state and local tax compliance, litigation, and policy, strengthening the firm’s ability to provide comprehensive tax counsel to clients across Texas and beyond.
“Sarah’s knowledge of Texas tax law and her success in navigating complex compliance and litigation matters make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Brian Dethrow, chair of the Tax practice. “Her background advising both government agencies and private clients will be invaluable as we continue building a best-in-category state tax practice across both litigation and transactional matters, and as we help our clients navigate evolving tax challenges and opportunities.”
Sarah’s practice focuses on advising clients on a broad range of state and local tax issues, including enforcement, compliance, and litigation. She has served as Senior Counsel for Tax Compliance at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, where she provided legal analysis and advice to multiple divisions, including Account Maintenance, Criminal Investigation, Enforcement, and Revenue Accounting. Sarah has also worked closely with the Office of the Attorney General on complex tax litigation, drafted and analyzed legislation and administrative rules, and conducted internal trainings for enforcement and audit staff.
In addition to her government service, Sarah has experience representing corporate taxpayers in tax court litigation and during IRS administrative proceedings. Her work includes drafting pleadings, managing discovery, and preparing witnesses for interviews and hearings. Sarah’s expertise extends to drafting and reviewing rules and private letter rulings, as well as providing technical tax analysis on matters involving federal constitutional and income tax questions.
“I am excited to join Jackson Walker’s highly respected Tax practice and work with such a talented group of professionals,” said Sarah. “My experience in the public sector gives me a unique perspective to help clients navigate state and local tax law and achieve their business objectives.”
Sarah received her B.A, with highest honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.