Warren J. "Skip" Kessler, Tax Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, CA
Trusted tax attorney serving Los Angeles.
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Warren J. "Skip" Kessler?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Warren J. "Skip" Kessler is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Tax
- Handles Tax matters from Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026).
About Warren J. "Skip" Kessler: Warren J. "Skip" Kessler is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Warren J. "Skip" Kessler
Warren concentrates on tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Warren handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Tax cases in Los Angeles, California
Warren 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 Warren agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Warren J. "Skip" Kessler — Attorney of California tax experience
Warren J. "Skip" Kessler is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Tax.
Warren J. Kessler is a highly regarded expert in taxation, real estate, estate planning, and corporate matters. He has a national reputation in advising clients on all forms of tax-deferred 1031 exchanges including forward, reverse and build-to-suit exchanges, and on sophisticated partnership and limited liability company matters.
Experience:
Shareholder, Kessler & Kessler, A Law Corporation, 1987 to present.
President, Century 1031 Exchange Inc. and Century Reverse Exchange Inc., 2005-2012.
Of Counsel to Gilchrist & Rutter Professional Corporation, 1991 to 1994 and to Kajan & Gross, A Professional Corporation, 1987 to 1990.
Partner, Greenberg, Hennigan & Mercer / Greenberg & Kessler, 1983 to 1987.
Partner, Cox, Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles, California, 1980 to 1983. (Associate from 1977 to 1979)
Associate, McDermott, Will & Emery, Chicago, Illinois, 1973 to 1976.
Professional Presentations and Publications:
Speaker at California Society of Certified Public Accountants, 2008 Tax Update and Planning Conference: 2008 Real Estate Tax Update.
Speaker at 1st Service Solutions' Borrowers Forum, What Every Servicer and Borrower Needs to Know About Reverse Exchange Transactions, 2008.
Speaker at Lorman Education Services, Seminars on Section 1031 Exchanges, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Author, "Dealing With Distressed Real Estate Projects," Forty-Second Annual Institute on Federal Taxation, University of Southern California, January 1990.
Author, "Refinancing Real Estate," Thirty-Ninth Annual Institute on Federal Taxation, University of Southern California, January 1987.
Author, "Real Estate as an Investment," Thirty-Fifth Annual Institute on Federal Taxation, University of Southern California, January 1983.
Speaker at the 1983, 1987 and 1990 University of Southern California Tax Institutes.
Speaker at various CEB seminars on income tax topics, including real estate exchanges.
Co-author, "Sidestepping the Impact of Starker to Save Two-Party Tax-Free Exchanges," 48 Journal of Taxation 328, June 1978.
Community Activities:
Former Chair and Director, California Housing Partnership Corporation, 2001 to 2006.
St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Program.
Representative, Cornell University Development Fund.
Working with Warren on a tax matter
Warren J. Kessler is a highly regarded expert in taxation, real estate, estate planning, and corporate matters. He has a national reputation in advising clients on all forms of tax-deferred 1031 exchanges including forward, reverse and build-to-suit exchanges, and on sophisticated partnership and limited liability company matters. Experience: Shareholder, Kessler & Kessler, A Law Corporation,…
Clients Warren works with
Warren reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Warren J. "Skip" Kessler's legal education and bar admissions
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1972
Cornell University
— · 1967
Jurisdictions
Warren's state bar admissions
United States, U.S.
ACTIVE
California, Californ
ACTIVE
Illinois, State Bar
ACTIVE
United States, Los A
ACTIVE
United States, Bever
ACTIVE
Warren studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and — in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Warren completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and — in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Warren runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Warren J. "Skip" Kessler
Warren has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Supler Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Supler Lawyers (2026). Best Lawyers in America — AV rating, Martindale-Hubbell (2026).
Locations
Warren J. "Skip" Kessler's office in Los Angeles
Warren's primary office is at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California, 90067. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Warren J. "Skip" Kessler
Warren has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Warren J. "Skip" Kessler can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Warren J. "Skip" Kessler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Warren usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Warren charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Warren'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; Warren will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a tax attorney in Los Angeles, 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 Warren
Warren 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. Warren confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Warren'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 Warren J. "Skip" Kessler
How much does it cost to hire Warren for a tax case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Warren walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Warren offer a free consultation?
Warren charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Warren's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check Warren'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. Warren gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Warren take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Warren 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 — Warren 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 Warren?
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. Warren will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Warren accepting new tax clients right now?
Warren'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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Warren handles tax matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.
- 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated tax attorneys in California
If Warren's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





