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Karen Smith Bryan, IRS Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on IRS, M&A, and Real Estate

AttorneyatLatham & Watkins LLP

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing irs in Los Angeles since 1979.

47+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Karen Smith Bryan is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on IRS, M&A, and Real Estate. Karen has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 47 years
Known for
IRS · M&A · Real Estate
  • Handles IRS, M&A, and Real Estate matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Karen Smith Bryan: Karen Smith Bryan is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on IRS, M&A, and Real Estate. Karen has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Karen Smith Bryan

Karen concentrates on irs, m&a, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

IRS cases in Los Angeles, California

Karen takes irs matters in Los Angeles, 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 Karen agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in Los Angeles, California

Karen takes m&a matters in Los Angeles, 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 Karen agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Los Angeles, California

Karen takes real estate matters in Los Angeles, 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 Karen agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Los Angeles, California

Karen takes tax matters in Los Angeles, 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 Karen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Karen Smith Bryan — Over 47 years of California irs experience

Karen Smith Bryan is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on IRS, M&A, and Real Estate. Karen has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Karen Smith Bryan is a lawyer practicing mergers & acquisitions, real estate, federal taxation and 5 other areas of law. Karen received a A.B. degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1972, and has been licensed for 47 years. Karen practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

Karen's approach to irs cases

Karen Smith Bryan is a lawyer practicing mergers & acquisitions, real estate, federal taxation and 5 other areas of law. Karen received a A.B. degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1972, and has been licensed for 47 years. Karen practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

The kind of cases Karen takes

Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for irs, m&a, and real estate matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Karen Smith Bryan's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Southern California, Gould School of Law

    J.D. · 1979

  • Bryn Mawr College

    A.B. University · 1972

Jurisdictions

Karen's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Tax Court

    1981 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1979 · ACTIVE

Karen studied at J.D. in University of Southern California, Gould School of Law and A.B. University in Bryn Mawr College.

Law school and academic background

Karen completed J.D. in University of Southern California, Gould School of Law and A.B. University in Bryn Mawr College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Karen Smith Bryan's office in Los Angeles

Karen's primary office is at 355 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Latham & Watkins LLP

355 S. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Karen Smith Bryan

Karen 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 Karen Smith Bryan — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen'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; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a irs attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many irs 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 Karen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every irs 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. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Karen Smith Bryan

  • How much does it cost to hire Karen for a irs case?

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

  • Does Karen offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do irs cases in California typically take?

    Simple irs 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. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Karen take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

    Karen 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 — Karen 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 Karen?

    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. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Karen accepting new irs clients right now?

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

Areas served

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

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

More counsel

If Karen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these irs attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.