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.

Alla Cates

Senior Associate

alla.cates@askfrost.com

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Senior Associate

Alla Cates

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Tax Law

International Tax Consulting

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

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.