C. Brian Wainwright

Tax Law

3.0 (1 reviews)

Palo Alto, California

49+ years experience

Pillsbury

Updated: Jan 04, 2026

Contact Information

650-233-4500

https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/brian-wainwright.html

2550 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1115

Create an account to contact this attorney

Claim this profile

Are you this attorney? Claim or manage this listing by signing in or creating an attorney account.

Attorney Login Claim Profile

Bio

C. Brian Wainwright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law.C. Brian, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. C. Brian Wainwright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law.C. Brian, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. C. Brian Wainwright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. C. Brian, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

California

State Capital

Sacramento

Highest Court

California Supreme Court

Bar Association

State Bar of California

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Tax Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Tax Law
Practice Area: Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023

Education

Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1976

Get Directions on Google Maps

Reviews

Samantha Torres

3 months ago

A solid, experienced attorney for complex tax matters

I engaged Mr. Wainwright for a complex tax controversy involving an IRS audit of a family business. His deep expertise, particularly his recognition in Tax Law and Litigation, was immediately apparent. With nearly 50 years of experience and a Harvard Law background, he provided a thorough and technically sound defense strategy. The outcome was ultimately favorable. However, the experience felt somewhat transactional. While his legal analysis was impeccable, communication was primarily through junior associates, and direct responses from him could take several days. For the premium rate of a Pillsbury attorney in Palo Alto, I had hoped for more consistent, senior-level engagement. He is undoubtedly a highly competent lawyer for high-stakes tax litigation, but manage your expectations regarding accessibility and the hands-on nature of the service.