Senior Associate

Alla Cates

alla.cates@askfrost.com

Tax Law

International Tax Consulting

Bar Admissions/Licenses

  • Maryland

Court Admissions

Background & History
Education
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Professional Organizations & memberships
awards & honors

Background & History

Alla brings combined ten years of tax controversy experience, five of which in an attorney capacity. Alla has and is continuing to work across the majority of tax controversy areas, such as collection enforcement defense, emergency assistance with seriously delinquent passport certifications, settlements, penalty abatements, employment and sales and use tax, ACA compliance and federal and state audits, including cryptocurrency audits and financial instruments litigation in the United States Tax Court.  Her extensive and high-volume practice in these areas compliments her international tax compliance work.  Alla’s experience includes tax litigation in federal and state courts. 

Over the years, Alla has worked across a variety of domestic and international tax regulation areas both in an advisory and audit defense capacity.  Alla’s international work encompasses financial accounts and pension systems reporting in a variety of foreign financial environments, including the countries of Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.  On the individual side, Alla advises on requirements pertaining to inheritance and foreign gift reportable transfers.  On the entity level, Alla works with corporation, partnership and disregarded entity reporting and the resulting entity and individual FBAR obligations.  Alla has assisted her clients with gaining compliance through voluntary disclosures and streamlined filing compliance procedures programs.  

Alla earned her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Affairs from George Mason University.

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School
    - J.D.
  • George Mason University
    - B.A. Global Affairs – 2008

Speaking Engagements & Panel Participation

Publications

Professional Organizations & Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Maryland State Bar Association

Awards and Honors

Client testimonials

I had no idea I needed a tax attorney, until I got one. Alla Cates of Frost Law has been an asset in my life! She has a great deal of professionalism along with a side of joyfulness. Alla's knowledge and confidence in protecting my best interest has been exceptional! How she deals with all issues shows her ability to go above and beyond supporting her clients.

Theresa B.

Great law firm, always available, very professional, and gets the job done! Highly recommended for your law needs!

David P.

Frost Law has handled my complex tax matter with the utmost professionalism. Alla Cates is superb. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable, responsive, and empathetic, going the extra mile to be encouraging when the inevitable complexities of such matters arise. The paralegals are very professional and supportive, as well. Aubrey Korbess, in particular, is excellent. I highly recommend Frost Law.

Elaine

It has been my company's pleasure to be represented by Alla Cates of Frost Law. Alla has worked diligently and effectively in resolving our federal tax issues. With her thorough knowledge of federal tax law and her impressive work ethic, Alla has left no stone unturned in representing us. Her work reflects high credit on the Frost Law firm. I recommend her to anyone seeking tax assistance and an understanding partner in navigating federal tax disputes.

Bob J.

Client testimonials

Thank you to Heather Posey and Frost Law for helping my client with their tax dispute. As an accountant for over 38 years, I’ve worked with several attorneys over the years, and Heather stands out far above the rest. Her command of tax law, strategic thinking, and proactive communication are exceptional. She helped us resolve a complex federal tax issue efficiently and with great results. Awesome Firm!! Thanks!

Bradley H.

Great Speakers and professional!

Cynthia O.

Working with this firm has been a great experience. Their experts are sharp, approachable, and always focused on doing what’s best for the client. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any CPA or advisor.

Ian W.

Frost Law is Amazing! They helped me personally get ahold of my finances and get a fresh start. They were friendly and courteous, and patient enough to work with a financially illiterate 60 year old male. I would recommend them to anyone. If they can help me they can help anyone.

Lenny M.

Client testimonials

Great communication made a troubling time easy def recommend

James G.

When you are having an issue with the IRS, you need professional help to communicate with the right person within the IRS that can help you with your situation. Unfortunately I was not able to find that person and my situation continued to drag on for months. I would communicate by letter and also attempted to use the phone but to no avail. The IRS did not quit working my case and their letters indicated they were getting stronger in demands.

I found Frost Law Firm paid a reasonable retainer, and they were working my case within days. I was very impressed with their contacts within the IRS and how they represented me. Lauren Mata was my attorney and she was very diligent, great at follow up and did everything she said she would do.

My case was settled not long ago, to my benefit as we were able to prove that our position was correct. Whereas I did not have the credibility with the IRS, Frost and Lauren Mata did. I believe I received good value for what I was charged.

Michael U.

I had an excellent experience working with Frost Law, especially with Heather Posey. She expertly handled my complex tax situation with exceptional thoroughness, deep expertise, and unwavering professionalism. Heather went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported throughout the entire process, demonstrating true empathy for my concerns. I was impressed by how efficiently she completed my case in a very timely manner. I highly recommend Heather Posey and the entire Frost Law team to anyone seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective assistance with tax issues.

Janet V.

I found Frost Law Firm online after desperately searching for ways to expedite the long, painful process of getting desperately needed covid-19 pandemic era tax credits in 2024. Their legal team, including Hunter Scott, of this firm literally was one of my life-jackets on the fast-sinking ship of my business. Through their work with the IRS on my behalf, I had 90% of the tax credit refunds in hand by the close of 2025, which helped me turn things around. I highly recommend their expertise when it comes to the tax laws.

Allison W.

Alla Cates

Senior Associate

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Background & History
Education
Speaking Engagements
Professional Organizations & Memberships
Awards & Honors
Senior Associate

Alla Cates

SCHEDULE A MEETING
Precision

Every detail matters in litigation

The difference between winning and losing often comes down to what you noticed that others missed. I don't overlook anything.

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Clarity

You need to understand your options

Legal jargon clouds judgment. I explain your situation plainly so you can make decisions with full knowledge of what's at stake.

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Specialties

Six practice areas, one standard

The law doesn't fit neatly into boxes, but the problems people face do. I've spent years learning what works in each arena.

Criminal

Defense when the stakes run highest

The first hours after arrest determine everything. I know how to protect your rights when it matters most.

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Family

Custody and divorce require clear thinking

Family law isn't about winning. It's about protecting what matters most to you and your children.

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Business

Contracts and disputes demand precision

Most business problems start with unclear agreements. I help prevent them before they become costly litigation.

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Appeals

Winning on appeal requires different strategy

Appeals aren't about retrying your case. They're about finding what was missed and making it matter.

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Employment

Your rights at work deserve aggressive defense

Employers count on you not knowing your rights. I make sure you do and that they're protected.

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White collar

Complex cases need someone who understands

Federal charges and financial crimes require specialized knowledge. I know how to navigate the details that prosecutors rely on.

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Writing

Thoughts on the law

Practical insight for your case and situation

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Criminal

Arrest and your constitutional rights

What happens in those first critical hours
Legal counsel
15 Jan 2024
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6 min read
Family

Protecting custody when relationships end

Your children deserve a parent who planned ahead
Legal counsel
12 Jan 2024
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7 min read
Business

Why contracts fail and how to prevent it

The agreement you ignore today becomes tomorrow's lawsuit
Legal counsel
10 Jan 2024
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8 min read
Criminal

Federal charges demand specialized defense

Complex cases require someone who knows the system
Legal counsel
8 Jan 2024
•
9 min read
Employment

Standing up for your rights in the workplace

Employers count on you not knowing what you're owed
Legal counsel
5 Jan 2024
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5 min read
Appeals

How to win when the first trial didn't

Appeals are about finding what was overlooked before
Legal counsel
2 Jan 2024
•
7 min read
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Foundation

Decades of courtroom work shaped my approach

I've seen what wins cases and what doesn't. The difference lies in preparation, clarity, and the willingness to challenge every assumption. Your case deserves someone who knows the weight of these decisions.

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Strategy that works

Every case demands a fresh look and a willingness to question everything.

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Results matter most

What you need is someone who knows how to win and won't settle for less.

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Direct and honest

No promises you can't keep, no strategies that don't serve your interests.

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Trusted by clients across every practice area

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Criminal defense

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Family law

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Business law

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Advocate

Built on experience and honest counsel

Twenty years in the courtroom taught me that the best legal strategy is the one that works. I listen first, act decisively, and never waste time on anything that doesn't serve your case.

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