Karen Ashbacher Walkenhorst

Karen Ashbacher Walkenhorst has a diverse work experience in the legal and tax field. Karen has worked at various organizations, starting in 2007 with Centara Legal Group, where they served as a Law Clerk, drafting legal documents and providing support. In 2008, they worked as a Law Clerk at USD California State Tax Clinic, advocating for taxpayers with state tax appeals. Karen also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at the Internal Revenue Service.

Since 2009, Karen has been involved in federal tax-related positions. Karen worked as a Law Clerk at the USD Federal Tax Clinic, advocating for low-income federal taxpayers with IRS disputes. From 2009 to 2011, they served as a Law Clerk to Special Trial Judge Robert N. Armen Jr. at the United States Tax Court, where they drafted opinions, performed legal research, and collaborated with colleagues on various federal income tax issues.

Karen joined the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in 2011 as an Attorney, where they litigated cases, drafted internal memoranda, and advised on appeal or certiorari of court decisions. In 2015, they worked at EY as a Tax Manager, providing consulting services for insurance companies based in Bermuda on U.S. tax implications.

Karen returned to the United States Tax Court in 2016 as an Attorney Advisor, where they continued their work on federal income tax issues. In 2019, they joined the IRS Office of Chief Counsel once again, this time as an Attorney, before eventually becoming an Assistant Deputy Counsel and currently serving as Counsel to the Chief Judge at the United States Tax Court since June 2021.

Karen Ashbacher Walkenhorst has a diverse education history. Karen obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from UC San Diego in the years 1995 to 1998. Following this, they pursued a CLAD Credential in Education at San Diego State University from 2000 to 2001. Continuing their academic journey, Karen enrolled at the University of San Diego School of Law, where they earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from 2005 to 2008. Later on, they furthered their legal education by completing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree with a focus on Taxation at the University of San Diego School of Law in the year 2008.