Tax Quarry

Shamsey Oloko, a partner at the Thorgood Law Firm, is a seasoned US Tax Code veteran.  He has been in the trenches for over twenty years representing businesses and individuals in tax controversy proceedings and performing audit activities, as well as in criminal tax prosecutions.  Many of Shamsey’s clients are either tax preparers who often inadvertently direct their clients to run afoul of the Code or who file tax returns based on interpretations of the Code that are either unpopular or simply raise the ire of the IRS.  Shamsey has often found himself working with businesses that have been established in a state other than NY, but unbeknownst to the client touches New York for tax purposes.

Shamsey, originally from Nigeria, started his career in tax long before he entered law school.  As a student in St. John’s University’s MBA in Finance program, Shamsey took a quick liking to tax after his professor declared: “the only two things in life that are definite are death and taxes”.  Coming from a country where taxes were elective, Shamsey was not immediately convinced.  However, he quickly realized that if this statement were true there would always be work to do in both of these areas.  Having no interest in working with the dead, Shamsey elected to build his career in the more exciting and sexy tax industry.

What is the most interesting part of our job?

I really enjoy dealing with individuals who feel so overwhelmed by the IRS and the tax rules.  It gives me great pleasure to be able to assist them in managing this relationship, empower them and provide solutions for their problems.

Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years?

Exactly what I am doing now.   Although I have the flexibility to work for a large firm or corporation, I’ve always known that I wanted to be self–employed.  I also really enjoy the dynamic nature of tax.  It’s such an integral part of everyday life.  I always feel challenged in my practice and regularly seek out new opportunities to grow. 

When you are not strategizing about your future as a tax professional or waist deep in client files, what do you do with your free time?

Reading.  I love to explore the world through literature.  I am also a photographer in hiding.  I carry my Canon T2i whenever I am on an adventure away from work.  I like to capture each moment of life with my camera.  Those moments can never be replicated, but they can be memorialized for the future.

Who is your role model?  Why?

Bill Clinton is my role model.  To appreciate Bill, you have to know his past.  He does not allow people to limit what he can achieve.  Bill and Hilary were, and still are, a great team.  They were both ahead of their time in many respects.

In three words or less, describe yourself?

Outgoing.  Driven.  Compassionate.

Contact Shamsey

If you want to learn more about Shamsey and his practice, feel free to contact him directly.  He would love to hear from you. 

Shamsey T. Oloko, Esq.
The Thorgood Law Firm
100 Park Avenue - 20th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017

Tel: (212) 490-0704
Cell: (347) 661-4575
Fax: (212) 490-0706

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.thorgoodlaw.com

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Written by Marsha Henry