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David K. Cheng, Tax Attorney in San Francisco, California

San Francisco, CA

Trusted tax attorney serving San Francisco.

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Quick answer

David K. Cheng is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.

Based in
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Tax
  • Handles Tax matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026).

About David K. Cheng: David K. Cheng is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in San Francisco

David concentrates on tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Tax cases in San Francisco, California

David takes tax matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David K. Cheng, tax attorney serving San Francisco

David K. Cheng is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax. David works from San Francisco, California and takes on tax matters across the region.

David Cheng is the chair and managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s China and Asia-Pacific practice. He is qualified in both the United States and Hong Kong. He focuses on cross-border transactions, litigations and investigations, advising on issues ranging from acquisitions, capital financing (initial public offering), intellectual property protection and disputes to fraud, FCPA and SEC investigations. He has a client portfolio from all over the world: United States, Middle East, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong.

What do you focus on?

With a practice in international transactions and disputes and as a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney that had litigated over 90 cases in the U.S. Federal District Courts, my focus is very broad. Examples include: (1) advising on tax and corporate structures and conducting due diligence related to cross-border acquisitions and capital financing projects, assisting clients to minimize their risks and global tax impact (as part of that process, I have also advised clients on IP, employment, immigration and other local government requirements issues); and (2) representing clients in disputes and investigations potentially leading to litigations (this can range from tax or IP disputes to fraudulent acts by employees to government investigations (such as FCPA, U.S. Department of Justice, SEC and FMC)). I have also been the independent counsel of the Audit Committee in SEC investigations for various international companies based in Asia.

How David handles tax matters

David Cheng is the chair and managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s China and Asia-Pacific practice. He is qualified in both the United States and Hong Kong. He focuses on cross-border transactions, litigations and investigations, advising on issues ranging from acquisitions, capital financing (initial public offering), intellectual property protection and disputes to fraud, FCPA and SEC…

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

  • Golden Gate University

    J.D. · 1999

David studied at J.D. in Golden Gate University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Golden Gate University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

David has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions (2026). Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026).

Locations

Office locations for David K. Cheng in San Francisco, California

David's primary office is at San Francisco, California, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

San Francisco, California 94111

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David K. Cheng

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire David K. Cheng — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a tax attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every tax matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David K. Cheng

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a tax case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do tax cases in California typically take?

    Simple tax matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new tax clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Tax attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

David handles tax matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.