Bio

Fred Adam is a trusted business advisor who helps public and private multinational, investment fund and fund portfolio companies, and early-stage emerging market companies navigate the complex tax issues they often face. In particular, Mr. Adam advises clients—including those in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, technology, private equity and financial services, real estate and retail industries—on the taxation and structuring involved in international and domestic tax planning and advisory matters, fund formation and investment transactions, private equity investments, domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, and financings and recapitalizations, as well as venture capital and early-stage investments. Mr. Adam has led countless multi-jurisdictional transactions and planning/advisory projects, and his experience includes projects and matters that have touched nearly every country around the world. Mr. Adam’s international tax experience includes international outbound and inbound tax planning, international restructurings, international tax matters relating to global business model planning, supply chain and tax efficiency projects, extensive transfer pricing experience, financial services, and pre- and post-transaction integration structuring. He also has significant experience relating to international, federal and state tax controversy matters. Mr. Adam has authored articles on IRS guidance regarding patent cross licensing arrangements, regulations regarding disregarded entities and the authority in treaty interpretation, and Section 956 tax issues involved in US financing transactions. Prior to joining WilmerHale, Mr. Adam had 27 years of professional experience, which includes having been a partner at other large international law firms with offices in Palo Alto, as well as having been a principal in a Big Four accounting firm. After receiving his Tax LL.M (NYU), Mr. Adam served as attorney-advisor to the Honorable William M. Fay of the United States Tax Court in Washington DC. He then started his private firm career—mentored by Charles Rettig, the 49th IRS Commissioner—at what was then known as Hochman, Salkin & DeRoy LLP, a premier tax boutique law firm nationally renowned for tax controversy matters. Mr. Adam serves as an Honorary Ambassador of Greater Zurich Area, a Swiss government agency that promotes foreign companies’ investment in the Zurich region. He is also a member of the Friends of Cal Crew, an endowment management organization that supports and celebrates the UC Berkeley Rowing Program. He is also an avid road cyclist.