Kell Alterman & Runstein, LLP

	Attorneys

503.248.1851
E-mail attorney

Practice areas

Estate planning
and administration

Real estate law

Taxation

Gary P. Compa

The firm's taxation expert since 1981, Gary Compa brings a unique perspective to tax law, having worked as an IRS lawyer in Wisconsin for five years in the late '70s. "The emphasis in the IRS isn't necessarily collections—it's about resolving things and moving cases," he explains. "If they can find a way to work something out, they usually do."

Using this knowledge and his numerous government contacts, Gary has relieved the tax concerns of countless Oregon clients. He's also calmed the fears of just as many. "If someone comes in with a tax problem, they're often scared to death," Gary relates. "I often work as a counselor as much as a lawyer—talking them through the process and calming them down. People usually expect the worst, and it rarely works out like that."

The New Jersey native joined Kell, Alterman & Runstein over offers from other firms in Los Angeles and San Francisco, citing a preference for the Portland lifestyle and the firm's small-business niche—"It's more personal than working with a client like Microsoft," he explains. His common-sense approach combined with his knowledge of the tax process has earned him renown as a topnotch estate planner.

The most important fact for taxpayers involved in a tax audit to remember, Gary advises, is that 99 percent of tax cases are settled out of court. "Very few cases go to trial," he says, "because neither the IRS or the taxpayer wants to pursue it to the end."

In his spare time, Gary is an avid golfer, characterizing his enthusiasm for the sport as a never-ending exercise in fine-tuning. "Golfers are optimistic perfectionists," he explains. "We believe that one small change can make all the difference." He also enjoys spending time with his family.

Professional and civic activities

Oregon State Bar

Admitted to practice

Oregon
U.S. Tax Court

Education

A.B., Georgetown University, 1967
J.D., Washington College of Law, 1972
L.L.M. in Taxation, New York University, 1976

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