Need Tax Advice? 

Barney Balonick advises high-income professionals and closely held businesses on structuring financial decisions before tax consequences become fixed.
 

A former criminal prosecutor and business litigator, he tried more than 400 cases in court. Years under scrutiny instilled a precise understanding of exposure — how positions are tested, how timing determines leverage, and how small structural decisions can define outcomes.
 

While maintaining an active litigation practice, he returned to law school to earn an LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law — deliberately changing his focus from courtroom resolution to structural design.

“Clients engage me to get in front of the problem — not to respond after it’s already formed.”
 

Today, he serves as strategic counsel to physicians, investors, business owners, and other professionals navigating liquidity events and significant financial transitions. His focus is not compliance after the fact, but disciplined sequencing before capital moves — so decisions are deliberate, not defensive.

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Credentials & Recognition

 

Education

L.L.M., Taxation 

Boston University School of Law

J.D.

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law (Regional Finalist- Trial Team)

Bar Admissions

California 

New York

Illinois (inactive status)

Central District of California

9th Circuit Court of Appeals 

Awards & Acheivements

Lawdragon 500 - Leading Financial Lawyers - Five Time Honoree

Top 100 Magazine - Two-Time Honoree