Professional Biography
Image of Robert L. Mahon

Robert (Bob) L. Mahon Partner

Firmwide Chair, Tax Practice

  • Seattle

    D +1.206.359.6360

    F +1.206.359.9000

    Seattle

    1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900

    Seattle, WA 98101-3099

    +1.206.359.6360

    RMahon@perkinscoie.com

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Overview

Bob Mahon, chair of the firm's Tax practice, focuses his practice on helping clients minimize state and local taxes and comply with state and local tax laws. Bob represents clients in state and local tax audits, refunds, appeals, and litigation, as well as assists clients with tax planning and business transactions. Bob is the past president of the Tax Section of the Washington State Bar Association and teaches State and Local Tax as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington School of Law. He is also a frequent speaker and author on state and local tax issues.

Ranked by Chambers USA 2023

Tax

Professional Recognition

  • Ranked by Chambers USA as “America’s Leading Lawyer” for Tax, 2023
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Tax Law, 2012 – 2024
  • Named Best Lawyers' Seattle, "Tax Law Lawyer of the Year," 2015, 2018
  • Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Washington Rising Stars;" Listed as Super Lawyer, 2023

Professional Leadership

  • Firmwide Chair, Tax, Benefits, & Compensation Practice, 2017 – present 
  • Firmwide Chair, State & Local Tax Practice, 2010 – present
  • University of Washington School of Law, Adjunct Professor, 1999 – present
  • Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trustees, 2018 – present
  • Washington Department of Revenue Business Advisory Council, 2018 – present
  • Washington State Bar Association, Tax Section, 1996 – present
    • President, 2008 – 2009
    • State & Local Tax Committee Chair, 2004 – 2008
    • Legislative Committee Chair, 2010 – 2015
    • Executive Committee, 2004 – present
  • American Bar Association, Tax Section, State and Local Tax Committee, Member, 1996 – present
    • Executive Committee, 2011 – present
    • ABA Sales & Use Tax Deskbook, Editor-in-Chief, 2011 – present
    • Publications Committee, Chair, 2017 – present
  • Institute for Professional in Taxation, Member, 2018 – present
    • ABA/IPT Advanced Sales/Use Tax Planning Committee, Co-Chair, 2013 – present
  • Washington Research Council, Board Member, 2018 – present
  • American College of Tax Counsel, Fellow, 2022
  • Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives
    • Editor-in-Chief, 2012 – 2017
    • Author, U.S. Supreme Court Update column, 2003 – 2012

Community Involvement

  • City of Seattle, Ethics & Elections Commission, Chair, 2009 – 2012; Commissioner, 2004 – 2012
  • City of Seattle, Campaign Public Financing Advisory Committee, Member, 2008
  • Montlake Community Club, President, 2005 – 2006; Trustee, 2004 – 2008
  • City of Seattle, Public-Private Partnership Panel, City Council Appointee, 2000 – 2001 
  • Northwest Women's Law Center, Legislative Committee, 2000 – 2006

Related Employment

  • Bogle & Gates P.L.L.C., Bellevue, WA, Associate, 1996 – 1999

Experience

News

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RELATED INFORMATION

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Washington

Education

  • University of Washington School of Law, LL.M., Taxation, 1996
  • The University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., with high distinction, 1995
  • Grinnell College, B.A., with honors, 1992