About Mikhail
Mikhail Baklan took a methodical route into tax law. He completed his undergraduate studies at California State University, Northridge in 2006 and earned his Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law in 2010. Those years set the groundwork for a practice concentrated on the technical side of legal work.
He is a Senior Tax Lawyer at Leading Tax Group. In that role he handles complex tax matters for a mix of clients. His position involves researching issues of federal and state tax law, preparing tax filings and reports, and advising clients on compliance obligations. He also provides support in dispute settings, including audit responses and settlement negotiations.
Baklan’s work requires attention to detail. Tax rules can hinge on small facts and tight deadlines. He spends much of his time drafting legal memoranda, preparing exhibits, and coordinating with accountants and other advisors. The aim is practical: identify the legal question, assess the risk, and present options in plain terms so clients can decide how to proceed.
Within the firm he contributes to more advanced matters that require seasoned judgment. As a senior lawyer he mentors junior attorneys and reviews technical work products. He also participates in internal strategy discussions when a case or controversy has unusual legal issues or when an aggressive position might carry exposure. His colleagues consult him on questions of statutory interpretation and procedural posture.
Practicing in California places an added layer of complexity on many files. State tax rules often differ from federal rules, and timing, reporting, and nexus obligations can affect businesses and individuals in different ways. Baklan’s practice routinely addresses those intersections, aiming to align federal positions with state filings where appropriate and to minimize unintended consequences.
Clients who work with him generally encounter a lawyer who prefers clear explanations over jargon. He designs responses intended to meet statutory requirements while preserving optional paths forward. He currently practices tax law at Leading Tax Group, representing clients on state and federal tax matters and advising on compliance, planning and dispute resolution.
