Michael Platner

Michael Platner serves as Senior Tax Counsel at Van Ness Feldman LLP since November 2010, providing strategic counsel on legal, legislative, and regulatory issues related to tax, energy, and international trade. Prior to this role, Michael was Tax Director at the American Petroleum Institute from February 1992 to January 2010, where responsibilities included developing strategies to address industry tax issues, particularly related to climate change, and successfully lobbying Congress against significant tax increases. Michael also acted as Tax Counsel for Senator John H. Chafee from February 1988 to February 1992, supporting tax and trade legislation, and held the position of Tax Manager at Arthur Young from September 1982 to February 1988, offering technical assistance on global tax legislation. Early in the career, Michael gained foundational experience as a Legal Intern at Daugherty Kuperman Golden. Educational qualifications include a JD from The University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.