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

Our experience with this firm was very professional and met our needs. We were pleased with all of the attorneys and staff that worked with us, but particularly Alla Cates who brought resolution to our problem/need. We would highly recommend the firm and for personalized and supportive service, Alla Cates is a winner!

Laurence S.

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.

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.

I had an issue with IRS. During the pandemic year, it took hours to get a phone call through IRS and was impossible to get a timely response. Frost Law helped me resolve the issue in my favor. They did what they promised to do in the initial consultation. Attorney Alla Cates was assigned to my case. She is very knowledgeable of my problem and worked on my case diligently and kept me informed throughout the whole time. In addition, other attorneys and administrative assistants were all very professional and pleasant to interact with.

Shujen C.

Client testimonials

We had the pleasure of working with Frost & Associates this year to prepare and file ERC returns. Everyone from their administrative staff to their paralegals and attorneys were friendly, professional and kept us informed every step of the way. Highly, highly recommend.

Crista H.

Professional and effective. Realistic, methodical planning and execution. After no luck with several companies that claimed huge results, I was referred to Frost and Associates, LLC by a friend that had gone though a similar situation. I have been impressed the whole way through. They are prepared with the next strategy when one doesn't go as planned. They are honest and up front about the possible scenarios and are great with communication.

William T.

Provided tax compliance insight to address clients whom may interests in foreign trusts

Martin J.

Very responsive and easy to talk. Good results.

Chee K.

Client testimonials

I've had the privilege to work with several attorneys with Frost Law. Every attorney has been technically proficient and provided solutions to our work. Our matter was resolved by Zachary Lyda! Highly recommend!

Lynn B.

Provided excellent, thoughtful advice, were very knowledgeable and provided me with a lot of reassurance about my situation. I would not hesitate to recommend Frost Law.

Nathalie W.

I'm an attorney in Oregon and I hired Frost Law to assist with a legal tax matter. As a legal professional, the lawyers and staff at Frost Law are top tier. I was kept informed during every step of the process, and they did what they said they would. If you need tax help, you've found the right firm. There is no need to call any where else. Frost Law will fight for you and do their best!

Aaron T.

Charles was Very professional, Took the time to answer my questions and help me understand my situation. HIGHLY recommend.

Mike

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
•
6 min read
Family

Protecting custody when relationships end

Your children deserve a parent who planned ahead
Legal counsel
12 Jan 2024
•
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
•
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
•
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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Client testimonials

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