Xenia Garofalo is a partner at a global top 10 law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, as well as a former adjunct professor at Howard University School of Law, where she routinely serves as a guest speaker. Ms. Garofalo’s practice is focused on federal income taxation, with particular emphasis on providing tax and structuring advice for a wide range of clients (including institutional and global investors, fund sponsors, and multinational companies) on US tax matters related to their structuring, operation, investment activities, and transactions.
In addition, Ms. Garofalo has extensive experience providing tax advice to issuers, underwriters, financial institution on a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactions, particularly in connection with mortgage-backed securitization, real estate finance and structured finance. She has advised sponsors, issuers and underwriters on the issuance of mortgage-backed securities issued by real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) and grantor trusts and provided ongoing advice with respect to REMIC structuring and continued compliance with the REMIC rules. She has counseled clients on the tax-efficient use of special purpose vehicles and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Ms. Garofalo also advises charities, on a pro bono basis, regarding various formational, international, and operational issues. Ms. Garofalo has been recognized as “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Washington, DC chapter for her longstanding work with human services organizations that address the causes of social and systemic inequities. She has been honored multiple times by The National Black Lawyers as one of its “Top 40 Under 40.” She has previously participated in NVFS’ Village of Impact service activities.