Managing MemberSeveriano E. Ortiz

As the founder of MNF Legal, Severiano offers a comprehensive range of services in tax law, catering to a diverse clientele that spans from institutional and private entities to ultra high net worth individuals, both within the domestic sphere and on an international scale. His expertise encompasses individual and corporate tax planning strategies, with a heavy focus on cross-border transactions and the implementation of tax-efficient restructuring processes. Severiano keeps his clients up to date on tax developments that may impact their businesses globally and locally. Additionally, his work is dedicated to addressing the nuanced tax planning and restructuring requirements of individuals and families, particularly in matters of pre-immigration, expatriation, and cross-border income, gift, and estate tax, extending to offshore tax compliance. His advisory is crafted to navigate the complexities of tax law for a clientele that demands and expects the highest level of sophistication and discretion.

Severiano founded MNF Legal in response to a growing need for specialized tax related legal services amid the post-pandemic surge in mobility, remote work, and evolving regulations.

Before founding MNF Legal, Severiano worked for global law and accounting firms. First working both as an international private client and tax controversy attorney, and then for international accounting firms advising billion-dollar multinational businesses with their global restructurings, and later returning to private clients and their businesses with their cross-border income, gift, and estate tax planning needs.

Severiano is active within his local community and has served as a non-profit Director and Treasurer of the Alexandria Historical Society and as a City Council appointed Member of the Historical Alexandria Resources Commission. Further, Severiano currently serves in a leadership capacity with the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation, and is active with both the American Academy of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants (“AAA-CPA”) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”). Severiano is a frequent speaker for several organizations speaking on topics related to cross-border estate and income tax planning, as well as offshore compliance.

Professional Licenses and Designations

  • Attorney (Licensed in Washington, D.C.; New York; Virginia; and Illinois)
  • Admitted to Appear Before the U.S. Tax Court
  • Admitted to Appear Before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • A Designated Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • A Designated Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Licensed in Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Maryland; Illinois; New York; and Florida)

Professional Affiliations

  • Member - D.C., Virginia, New York, and Illinois Bar Associations
  • Member and Vice Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee - American Bar Association, Section of Taxation
  • Member and Past Education Chair - American Academy of Attorney and Certified Public Accountants
  • Member - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Member - Association Internationale Des Jeunes Avocats (AIJA)
  • Member - International Bar Association (IBA)

Education

  • Master of Laws (LL.M.), Taxation, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (2013)
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.), Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (2013)
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting and Finance, Jacksonville University (2002)
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A), French, Jacksonville University (2002)

Articles

Quotations

Speaking Engagements