Adam Aptowitzer joins KPMG Law as charity practice head
Adam Aptowitzer has joined KPMG Law LLP, the law firm affiliate of KPMG Canada, as a partner and leader of the newly formed charities and not-for-profit practice.
Based in Ottawa, Aptowitzer brings two decades of experience as a lawyer, with a specialization in tax law for charities, not-for-profit organizations, and other non-taxable entities in Canada. His practice includes tax litigation and high-level tax planning for charities engaged in business activities, operating overseas, corporate governance, and gift planning. Aptowitzer has represented clients at the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
He joins KPMG Law from Drache Aptowitzer LLP, a boutique tax law firm he established in 2010. That firm has now dissolved, with Aptowitzer’s colleagues Alexandra Tzannidakis and Karen Cooper also joining KPMG Law.
“Charities and not-for-profits are addressing some of the most pressing social and environmental issues and face increasing demands from donors and the public,” Justin Kutyan, senior partner at KPMG Law, said in a press release. “We are excited to join forces with Adam and his team to assist these organizations to understand their legal and tax obligations and provide practical advice that supports the high ethical standards and expectations of Canadians.”
Aptowitzer has served as an associate law professor at the University of Ottawa since 2017. A frequently cited expert on the topic of charity law, Aptowitzer is the author of “Starting and Maintaining a Charity in Canada,” which was published by Hillborn Group in 2014.
He has a law degree from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Calgary.
"We have built our practice by earning and maintaining the trust of these organizations and their people, who contribute to the quality of life in our communities," Aptowitzer said. "By joining the KPMG Law family, we are able to combine our many years of specialized practice with KPMG's extensive service offering and trusted brand. This strengthens our ability to deliver a full range of quality support services to our clients."
Founded nearly 20 years ago, KPMG Law has more than 80 lawyers across offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. The firm provides services in business, employment/labour, immigration, and tax law, as well as in tax litigation and estates and trusts.
