Gray Reed congratulates Partner Tom Rhodus on being selected as the 2025 Outstanding Texas Tax Lawyer by the State Bar of Texas Tax Section. The prestigious annual award recognizes one attorney statewide for exceptional contributions to taxation law, professional excellence and service to the legal community.

Rhodus brings more than 40 years of distinguished experience in tax law and litigation, combining his early career as a government trial lawyer with more than 30 years in private practice. His career began with seven years as a trial attorney with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he prosecuted countless civil and criminal tax cases before transitioning to private practice in Dallas.

In 1990, Rhodus established Gray Reed's Dallas office, where he served as office managing partner for more than 25 years while building one of the region's premier tax litigation practices. Throughout his career, he has tried numerous landmark civil and criminal tax cases, including notable matters such as US v. Freuhauf Corp., US v. Beakley, Strangi v. Commissioner, and Belmont Interests v. Commissioner.

"Tom exemplifies the highest standards of our profession through his expertise, integrity and unwavering commitment to advancing tax law," Gray Reed Tax Controversy Partner Joshua Smeltzer says. "His ability to make complex tax concepts accessible to clients through analogies and storytelling, combined with his dedication to mentoring the next generation, makes him truly deserving of this recognition."

Beyond his litigation practice, Rhodus has demonstrated exceptional commitment to legal education and mentorship. For more than 35 years, he served as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law, his alma mater, teaching courses on federal tax procedure and criminal tax fraud. His colleagues describe his office door as "always open" to discuss current cases, tax topics and best practices with younger attorneys developing their expertise in tax law.

Rhodus is an active member of the American Bar Association, Dallas Bar Association and State Bar of Texas Tax Section. He regularly contributes to the advancement of tax law through presentations to organizations including the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, State Bar of Texas Tax Section and Dallas Bar Association, typically covering critical topics in tax controversies.

The Outstanding Texas Tax Lawyer Award is presented annually to attorneys who have devoted at least 75 percent of their practice to taxation law and demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, scholarly contributions, professional organization involvement, community service, ethics and mentorship. Recipients are selected by the Tax Section Council from nominations submitted by the Section's more than 2,000 members.

"This award represents not just individual achievement, but a lifetime of service to the tax law community," Smeltzer adds. "Tom's impact extends far beyond his courtroom victories to include the countless attorneys he has mentored and the students he has taught. He has truly shaped the practice of tax law in Texas."

About Gray Reed

As a full-service Texas law firm with a comprehensive range of litigation and transactional practice groups, Gray Reed's 150 attorneys focus on understanding our clients' businesses and industries. We are equipped to support companies and high-net-worth individuals with sophisticated legal needs. Through our subsidiary, Gray Reed Advisory Services, we extend our support with expert consultants who provide strategic business solutions tailored to each client's objectives. Discover what sets us apart at www.grayreed.com and www.grayreedadvisory.com.