Leanne Sobel Joins Weaver as Director in State and Local Tax Services

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 9, 2022) – Weaver, the 35^th largest public accounting and advisory firm in the United States, has added Leanne Sobel as a director in its expanding national state and local tax services practice. An attorney with more than 15 years’ experience, Sobel focuses on regulatory and transaction tax matters and related U.S. Customs regulations affecting trading of refined petroleum products and other energy commodities. She is based in Weaver’s Houston office.

Sobel’s tax experience covers advisory and consulting on issues related to excise taxes including federal and state registrations, federal and state motor fuel excise taxes and environmental fees, federal biofuel tax credits, and taxes and fees due on importation, including oil spill fees.

“As Weaver continues to expand its breadth of energy compliance capabilities for our clients, Leanne’s background will bring additional depth to our bench,” said Wade Watson, Partner-in-Charge of Energy Compliance Services.

In the area of U.S. Customs, Leanne advises clients on import and export matters relating to crude oil, petroleum products and biofuels into the United States, trade preference programs, Foreign Trade Zone issues and matters arising from the Jones Act rules regarding coastwise trade.

“Leanne will add to Weaver’s already strong presence as a provider of tax compliance and consulting services in jurisdictions throughout the United States,” said Shane Stewart, Partner-in-Charge of State and Local Tax Services. “The firm has experienced significant demand for motor fuels and excise tax services in the energy industry, and she will also expand our platform there.”

Leanne graduated with honors from St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford where she received her JD and MA. She is a member of the New York State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar