About Phillip Lee
Phillip Lee Jelsma is a tax attorney based in San Diego, California, with over 30 years of experience in real estate taxation, closely held businesses, investment tax, and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as a partner and chair of the Tax Practice Team at Crosbie Gliner Schiffman Southard & Swanson LLP (CGS3).
Jelsma received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California, which he completed in 1979. His academic background has provided a strong foundation for his extensive practice in tax law.
His areas of specialization include real estate exchange transactions, syndications, nonprofit corporations, international tax planning, and corporate mergers and acquisitions. Jelsma also focuses on tax planning for closely held businesses, investment tax strategies, and nonprofit organization tax compliance. His practice encompasses various legal stages, including negotiations, entity formation, and expert testimony in business disputes.
Throughout his career, Jelsma has been recognized for his contributions to the field of tax law. He has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2011 to 2026 and was named San Diego "Lawyer of the Year" for Tax Law multiple times. Additionally, he was featured in The Daily Transcript’s “50 Influential Leaders” in 2018. Jelsma is also the Executive Editor of the CEB Publication "Understanding Fiduciary Duties in Business Entities."
