Christopher D. Gurley, Esq.
Founder & Principal Attorney
Biography
Chris Gurley has spent more than seventeen years handling disputes with the government from every angle. He has litigated on behalf of a government, drafted opinions as a federal law clerk, and represented corporations, business owners, and individuals against the IRS and state taxing authorities. His clients get a lawyer who knows how the other side builds its case and how judges decide it.
At Gurley Law, Chris brings that experience together for his clients. He defends people in criminal investigations and prosecutions, resolves tax disputes, serves as outside general counsel to growing businesses, and advises athletes and entertainers on the deals that shape their careers. His tax and government litigation background is a particular advantage in white-collar and criminal tax matters, where civil and criminal exposure overlap.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- Tax Controversy & Tax Consulting
- Business Law & Outside General Counsel
- Sports & Entertainment Law
Education
- Howard University School of Law, J.D.
- Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M. in Taxation, Certificate in International Taxation
- Morehouse College, B.A., Business Administration (Finance)
Admissions
- California
- Illinois
- District of Columbia (inactive)
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. Tax Court
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association Section of Taxation, Former Vice Chair, Diversity Committee
- Young Tax Lawyers Committee, Los Angeles, Former Vice Chair
- John M. Langston Bar Association
- HealthRIGHT 360, Past Board Member
- Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
- Morehouse College Alumni Association, Los Angeles Chapter
- Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity
A view from the bench.
As law clerk to Judge Joseph Robert Goeke of the United States Tax Court, Chris drafted opinions and advised the court on pending cases. He saw firsthand what persuades a federal judge, and he prepares every matter with that audience in mind.
Big-firm and Big Four training.
At Mayer Brown, KPMG, and Crowell & Moring, Chris represented corporations and high-net-worth individuals in audits, appeals, and litigation before the Tax Court, federal district courts, and the Court of Federal Claims. He also advised entrepreneurs and closely held businesses on entity structure, transactions, and tax planning. He counseled nonprofit organizations on formation and tax-exempt qualification.
Government experience.
Chris began his career as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the District of Columbia, defending the District in civil litigation. He learned how government lawyers weigh risk, and he uses that knowledge when he negotiates against them.
Sports and entertainment.
For six years, Chris ran his own sports management agency as an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, negotiating player contracts and endorsement deals for professional football players. He understands the pressures athletes and entertainers face because he has represented them at the table.