Michael Shaff, Tax Attorney in Sherman Oaks, California
Sherman Oaks, CA
Trusted tax attorney serving Sherman Oaks.
Practices in
Are you Michael Shaff?
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Quick answer
Michael Shaff is an attorney based in Sherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
- Based in
- Sherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Tax
- Handles Tax matters from Sherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026).
About Michael Shaff: Michael Shaff is an attorney based in Sherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Tax cases in Sherman Oaks, California
Michael takes tax matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Shaff — tax lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Michael Shaff is an attorney based in Sherman Oaks, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
Michael Shaff joined the firm in 2011 as Of Counsel. He is the Chair of the Tax Practice group.
Michael specializes in all aspects of federal income taxation. Mr. Shaff has served as a trial attorney with the Office of the Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service for three years. Mr. Shaff is certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California as a specialist in tax law. Mr. Shaff is a past Chair of the Tax Section of the Orange County Bar Association. He is co-author of the “Real Estate Investment Trusts Handbook” published annually by West Group.
Michael received his A.B. at Columbia College, his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association.
Working with Michael on a tax matter
Michael Shaff joined the firm in 2011 as Of Counsel. He is the Chair of the Tax Practice group. Michael specializes in all aspects of federal income taxation. Mr. Shaff has served as a trial attorney with the Office of the Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service for three years. Mr. Shaff is certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California as a specialist in tax…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax matters in Sherman Oaks and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
New York University
J.D. · 1987
Michael studied at J.D. in New York University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in New York University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Shaff's office in Sherman Oaks
Michael's primary office is at 15260 Ventura Boulevard, 21st Floor, Sherman Oaks, California, 15260. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Shaff
Michael 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Shaff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a tax attorney in Sherman Oaks, 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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael Shaff
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a tax case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Sherman Oaks?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new tax clients right now?
Michael'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 Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Michael handles tax matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.
- Sherman Oaks1,285 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
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