ALISHA BUTANI
Oakville
Summary
Tax litigation lawyer with extensive experience representing clients in complex disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency. Skilled in drafting persuasive pleadings, conducting examinations, and advocating before the Tax Court of Canada and the Federal Court. Strong background in both tax litigation and tax planning, with proven ability to analyze complex legislation, manage high-stakes files, and negotiate favorable settlements. Recognized for exceptional written advocacy, strategic problem-solving, and client-focused solutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Associate, Tax Litigation
Beitel Tax Law
05.2025 - Current
- Advocate for taxpayers in CRA disputes at the audit, objection, and appeal stages, advancing matters strategically through to resolution.
- Draft persuasive pleadings in GST/HST and income tax appeals before the Tax Court of Canada, including notices of appeal, discovery requests, and settlement briefs.
- Prepare and file judicial review applications in the Federal Court of Canada for CERB and CRB matters, ensuring compliance with strict statutory deadlines.
- Negotiate settlements with Department of Justice counsel and represent clients at settlement conferences, achieving practical and cost-effective outcomes.
- Manage a diverse portfolio of complex tax disputes, including net worth assessments, real estate-related GST/HST and income tax issues, gross negligence penalties, TFSA and RRSP audits, director liability claims, and property disposition cases.
- Assist clients with voluntary disclosures and taxpayer relief applications, mitigating penalties and interest exposure.
- Provide tax planning advice on corporate reorganizations and restructuring, designing strategies that align with clients’ long-term business objectives.
- Collaborate on professional liability matters involving LawPRO, assisting in the resolution of tax issues arising from erroneous legal advice provided by other counsel.
- Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and articling students, guiding them on tax litigation procedures, case preparation, and strategic advocacy.
Associate, Tax Litigation
Ummat Tax Law Professional Corporation
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Represented taxpayers in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency at the audit, objection, and appeal stages, advocating effectively across multiple stages of the dispute process.
- Drafted and filed pleadings before the Tax Court of Canada, including notices of appeal, opinion letters, discovery requests, and settlement offers tailored to client circumstances.
- Conducted oral examinations of CRA auditors and prepared cross-examination questions to test the credibility and accuracy of government evidence.
- Negotiated favorable settlements with Department of Justice counsel and appeared as co-counsel at settlement conferences and Tax Court hearings in both GST/HST and income tax matters.
- Handled a broad range of tax disputes, including disallowed business expenses, unreported income, shareholder benefits, capital versus income determinations, GST/HST new housing rebate claims, net worth assessments, and gross negligence penalties.
- Advised clients by preparing detailed legal opinions, outlining strategic options, litigation risks, and likely outcomes.
- Collaborated on trial preparation, including organizing evidence, drafting written submissions, and developing case strategies.
Associate, Tax Planning
Grinhaus Law Firm
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Advised clients on the tax implications of corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance transactions, ensuring compliance with the Income Tax Act and related legislation.
- Structured and implemented complex tax transactions, including surplus strips and rollovers under ss. 51, 85(1), and 86 of the Income Tax Act, delivering tax-efficient solutions for corporate clients.
- Drafted and reviewed commercial agreements, such as share and asset purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, share option agreements, service contracts, and commercial leases.
- Incorporated and organized corporations under the OBCA and CBCA, preparing articles of incorporation, bylaws, resolutions, and consents to ensure statutory compliance.
- Provided strategic advice to clients on share vs. asset sales, guiding decision-making in the acquisition or disposition of businesses.
- Conducted legal research and prepared opinions on tax and corporate law matters, supporting both transactional and advisory work.
- Contributed to the firm’s Blockchain and Digital Asset practice, authoring legal opinions and case briefs on emerging issues in cryptocurrency taxation and regulation.
Law Student Volunteer
Pro Bono Students Canada
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Assisted Legal Aid Ontario lawyer with client interviews and drafting legal documents such as motions to change child support and affidavits.
Summer Law Student
Anurag Gupta Professional Corporation
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Drafted reporting letters for corporate transactions, researched legal issues, and prepared case briefs.
Researcher
McMaster University, Humanities Faculty
01.2016 - 06.2017
- Authored a research paper on epistemology and presented findings to faculty.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) - Business Law Concentration
University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Law
06-2021
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, Minor in Labour Studies
McMaster University
01.2018
Skills
- Legal Research & Persuasive Drafting
- Oral Advocacy
- Complex Statutory Interpretation
- Risk Assessment & Strategic Client Advice
- Leadership, Mentorship & Collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Reliable and punctual
- Problem-solving abilities
- Task prioritization
- Client relationship management
Accomplishments
- Recognized contributor on complex tax and blockchain issues with publications in Canadian Tax Foundation (Tax for the Owner-Manager), Canadian Accountant, and Law360 Canada
- Authored authoritative articles in A Practical Guide to Smart Contracts and Blockchain Law (LexisNexis, 2022) and A Practical Guide to Web3, Blockchain, and Smart Contract Law, 3rd Edition
- Authored influential articles on tax law and blockchain for Ummat Tax Law PC and Grinhaus Law Firm websites
- Invited speaker on taxation, blockchain, and legal innovation at the Canada Women in Medicine Conference and Osgoode Certificate in Web3, Blockchain, and Metaverse Law
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
Barrister & Solicitor, Law Society of Ontario (2022)
Notary Public, Law Society of Ontario (2023)
Timeline
Senior Associate, Tax Litigation
Beitel Tax Law
05.2025 - Current
Associate, Tax Litigation
Ummat Tax Law Professional Corporation
03.2024 - 05.2025
Associate, Tax Planning
Grinhaus Law Firm
01.2020 - 03.2024
Summer Law Student
Anurag Gupta Professional Corporation
05.2019 - 08.2019
Law Student Volunteer
Pro Bono Students Canada
10.2018 - 03.2020
Researcher
McMaster University, Humanities Faculty
01.2016 - 06.2017
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, Minor in Labour Studies
McMaster University
Juris Doctor (JD) - Business Law Concentration
University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Law