“Shahzad A. Malik is a highly trusted tax partner known for steering complex M&A, private equity and cross-border transactions with technical precision and commercial insight. Equally formidable in tax controversy, he helps clients anticipate risk, structure efficiently and resolve disputes decisively, delivering clarity and confidence in the most demanding tax matters.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial, 2026

Shahzad A. Malik is a Partner in Nixon Peabody’s Corporate & Finance practice and Co-leader of the firm’s Tax team, based in Los Angeles. He advises domestic and international clients on sophisticated corporate and transactional tax matters, with particular strength in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, fund formation and cross-border transactions.

Shahzad works closely with public and private companies, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and distressed debt funds, helping them navigate complex tax considerations in mid- to large-scale transactions. He advises clients across a broad range of industries, with a particular focus on technology and medical devices.

What Shahzad Malik Does

Shahzad’s core practice centres on corporate and transactional tax planning. He advises on the tax structuring of mergers, acquisitions, private equity investments, venture capital transactions, fund formation and opportunity zone investments. His work frequently involves international elements, with significant experience advising on transactions involving Canada, India and China.

In addition to his transactional work, Shahzad has a substantial tax controversy and litigation practice. He represents clients in complex civil and criminal tax disputes and has appeared before the United States Tax Court, Federal District Court and the United States Court of Federal Claims. He also regularly represents clients in matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board.

Why He’s Different

Shahzad is known for combining deep technical tax knowledge with a practical, deal-focused mindset. Clients value his ability to anticipate tax risk early, structure transactions efficiently and resolve disputes swiftly when challenges arise.

He is also a forward-looking adviser, with a particular interest in how international investment trends, intellectual property planning and evolving entity structures shape tax outcomes for investors, executives and founders.

Representative Experience

• Advising CVS, Prime Therapeutics, Vista Equity Partners and other global clients on the tax aspects of major acquisitions, strategic investments and growth transactions.
• Advising private equity sponsors and portfolio companies on acquisition structures, exit planning and cross-border tax considerations.
• Representing clients in tax litigation and controversy matters involving IRS and California Franchise Tax Board assessments.
• Advising on SPAC transactions, opportunity zone investments and complex restructuring matters.
• Supporting technology and life sciences companies on tax structuring for growth, investment and exit.

Thought Leadership & Publications

Shahzad is the principal author of the second edition of Taxation of Securities Transactions, a comprehensive treatise on US federal income taxation. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on tax and private equity topics and has presented for organisations including the American Bar Association and industry forums.

He is regularly quoted and featured in leading legal and business publications, including Bloomberg Law, Law360, The Deal and other national outlets.

Recognition & Trust Signals

Shahzad has been recognised by Thomson Reuters as a Stand-out Lawyer in 2025 and 2026. He has also been selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Tax Law, with listings since 2023.

Background & Credentials

Shahzad holds an LL.M. from New York University, a JD from the University of Ottawa and a BSc from the University of Ottawa. He is admitted to practise in California and is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Muslim Advocates.

Location & Contact

Shahzad A. Malik is based in Los Angeles.

Phone: +1 213 629 6039 Email: smalik@nixonpeabody.com