Practice Areas
Industries
Education
- J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law, 1971
- B.A., Florida State University, 1969
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Distinctions
AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
The Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2008
Chambers USA, 2003-present; listed as a leading Tax lawyer in Florida
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine, 2003-2007; ranked in the top 2% of practicing Florida Bar Members
Florida Super Lawyers, 2007
Related News
Suite 1090
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
F (850) 681-6036
Quick Look
William D. Townsend practices in the areas of state and local taxation and multi-state taxation. He has represented clients in various states on issues in administrative and judicial actions relating to sales, corporate income, B & O and telecommunications taxes, as well as state taxation of intellectual property, electronic commerce taxation (E-commerce) and unclaimed property (escheat) issues. Additionally, he represents clients on legislative tax matters, including the taxation of computer services, corporate income tax issues and sales tax exemption matters.
Representative Experience
- Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP
2005-2006 - Steel Hector & Davis LLP
2003-2005 - Holland & Knight LLP
1994-2003 - Huey Guilday Kuersteiner & Tucker
1989-1994 - Florida Department of Revenue
General Counsel, 1984-1989 - Florida Department of Revenue
Deputy General Counsel, 1980-1984 - Office of the Attorney General
Assistant Attorney General, 1977-1980
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association: Section on Taxation
- The Florida Bar: Chairman, Tax Section, 2004-2005; Former Chairman, State and Local Taxation Division; Long Range Planning Committee; Secretary, 1996-1997
- Georgetown University Law School State and Local Tax Seminar: Advisory Board Member; Co-Chair, National Multi State Tax Symposium
- National Association of State Bar Tax Section (NASBTS): Executive Council
- New York University College of Law State and Local Tax Seminar: Advisory Board Member
Community Involvement
- Tallahassee Little Theatre: Board Member, 2003-2006; Treasurer, 2006-present
