NEWS AT EPSTEIN, SHAPIRO & EPSTEIN





Much has changed in the ten years since the publication of the first edition of Women-at-Law. But, unfortunately, much has also stayed the same. Women are still confronting issues of promotions and equal pay, while also struggling to maintain a healthy work/life balance. But no woman is alone in the legal profession, and Women-at-Law, Second Edition is the guide that proves it. This updated edition includes:

  • Wisdom and experience from women lawyers sharing their life experiences
  • Taking a time out from a legal career—and making a comeback
  • The intricacies and rewards of juggling a personal and professional life
  • If the option of part-time work is right, and how to make it work
  • Updated research on topics like attrition of women lawyers, schedule demands, and the unique focus women can bring to the profession

Women-at-Law provides women with ideas and suggestions about how to deal with their professional and personal goals and challenges and make the compromises required to “have it all”—even when “having it all” can be different for each individual. You’ll learn that, with some effort, a woman can redirect her career, home life, and interests in the long journey that is a successful life.

The book is available at: http://shop.americanbar.org/eBus/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?productId=211403312

An article about the book by Ed Silverstein in ALM InsideCounsel can be found here: http://www.insidecounsel.com/2015/11/10/new-edition-on-careers-of-women-attorneys-profiles

See also: http://www.lawtechnologytoday.org/2015/10/supporters-mentors-and-role-models/



November, 2024

After over 40 years we have moved our offices. Not far. A block away to 1628 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1901, Philadelphia, PA 19103. This was a big decision but it will insure the longevity and success of our law firm. You may or may not be aware, but since COVID-19, office occupancy in Center City Philadelphia has fallen. Many offices closed, people have become used to working remotely and the demand for space is down. This has impacted where we are and propelled us to make the move. But… we are very excited about our new location. It is bright, new and it has ample space for all of us. We hope to see you there in the near future. Please come visit. Same telephone number 215-563-1200 and same email addresses.


July, 2023

Phyllis Horn Epstein was recently appointed to the American Bar Association Law Practice Division, 2023-2024 Book Publishing Board Member, and Women Rainmakers Committee Member.


December, 2020

Phyllis Epstein published an article in the January 2021 edition of The PA Lawyer titled “Working From Home or From Your Home Office?” addressing many of the tax issues facing those who are working from home during the pandemic.


September, 2020

Phyllis Epstein spoke on the subject of Home Office Tax for the ABA Tax Section’s Committee for Individual and Family Tax and the Wilmington Tax Group. With more people working from home due to the pandemic the tax implications of those arrangements were timely and topical.


September, 2019

Phyllis participated in an educational panel discussion on September 26, 2019 at the offices of the Internal Revenue Service Philadelphia Campus for New Revenue Officer Hires. IRS has recently hired an additional 600 collections officers and training has gotten underway. This session provided Revenue Officers with a practitioner perspective and allowed for a lively and information discussion of what happens in the “real world” of collection representation.


February, 2019

Phyllis Horn Epstein Spoke at the Philadelphia Tri-County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Tax and Accounting Professionals (PTSPA) on February 1, 2019 on Estate Planning, Family Tax Planning and the elimination of the Alimony Deduction all under the New Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.


January, 2019

Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at the ABA Tax Section’s mid-year meeting in New Orleans this January 18, 2019 on the motivating tax policy behind the Tax Controversies and Jobs Act of 2017. Some topics covered elimination of the alimony deduction and the impact of rate changes on individuals and families.


December, 2018

Phyllis Horn Epstein, partner at Epstein, Shapiro & Epstein, PC traveled to Washington, D.C. on December 13, 2018 to attend the American Bar Association’s Tax Section’s conference with Internal Revenue which included a meeting with IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig and various leading department deputies. Among the topics discussed was the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the new and revised income tax form 1040, and recommendations for IRS Guidance. The conference is part of an ongoing dialogue between the ABA Tax Section and IRS to improve tax administration for IRS, taxpayers, and practitioners.


November, 2018

Phyllis Horn Epstein was an instructor for the ABA Tax Section’s Webinar held November 19, 2018 -You’ve Got to Know When to Hold ‘em; Know When to Fold ‘em: Know When to Walk Away; Know When to Run: Tax Issue-Spotting for Non-Tax Lawyers. The Program, moderated by former Chair of the Section Karen Hawkins, covered the new tax act’s impact on family law strategies in particular those involving alimony; b) the new Tax Act’s impact on the taxation of damages and settlements; and c) managing tax controversies/disputes.


May, 2018

Phyllis participated in the 17th annual Eastern Pennsylvania Working Together Conference on May 23, 2018 as a moderator on IRS Collections and as a Speaker on recent developments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Working Together Conference is a Joint effort of public and private tax professionals including representatives of IRS, the PA Department of Revenue, and accountants.


May, 2018

Phyllis was a speaker at the ABA Tax Section meeting in Washington D.C. on May 10, 2018 on the subject of how the 2017 Tax Can impacts low income families. The program included the views of the office of the National Taxpayer Advocate and a few regional Low Income Taxpayer Clinics.


March, 2018

Phyllis was featured in the March 5, 2018 edition of the Pennsylvania Bar News in an article entitled “Tax Simplification at Its Worst.” The article is based upon an interview with Phyllis and her review of many of the changes brought about by the new Tax Act of 2017.


February, 2018

On February 5, 2018, Phyllis addressed members of the Philadelphia Family Law Section and the Family Court in a program entitled: The Impact of New Tax Law on the Practice of Family Law. During the program, Phyllis reviewed the impact of the new tax law on the practice of matrimonial law and, in particular, the change that makes alimony no longer deductible for agreements entered into after December 31, 2018.


October, 2017

Phyllis Epstein has become a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Phyllis has been appointed a member of the Nominating Committee for the American Bar Association’s Tax Section.


2017 Leadership Conference of the National Association of Women Lawyers in Philadelphia

May, 2017

On April 27, 2017, Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at the 2017 Leadership Conference of the National Association of Women Lawyers in Philadelphia (NAWBO) on the tax implications of hiring employees and independent contractors.


June, 2015

As the new Chair of the Individual and Family Tax Committee, Phyllis Horn Epstein participated in the ABA Tax Section Webinar: “Compliance Begins at Home: Tax and Immigration Issues Related to Household Employees”. Ms. Epstein discussed the technical requirements for tax filing that each homeowner needs to become acquainted with. This informative panel was designed to help individuals understand whether they were required to pay employment taxes for their nanny or household help and if so, how.


ABA Tax Section Committee on Individual and Family Taxation

May, 2015

Phyllis Horn Epstein, has been appointed Chair of the ABA Tax Section Committee on Individual and Family Taxation.


Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar: “The Family of Laws”

April, 2015

On April 24, 2015 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s seminar “The Family of Laws” highlighting the tax aspects of a family law practice. Ms. Epstein spoke about the innocent spouse relief from IRS obligations, dependent care credits, the tax implications of filing joint or separate returns, the tax impact of alimony and property transfers and the potential for tax liability for separated and divorced couples.


ABA Tax Section Meeting in Houston, Texas

January, 2015

As Vice Chair of the Individual and Family Tax Committee, Phyllis Horn Epstein served as moderator and organizer of a panel discussion at the ABA Tax Section meeting in Houston, Texas on January 30, 2015 on “Breaking up is hard to do: Protecting divorcing spouses from the IRS and each other.” The presentation covered tax controversy issues relating to divorce including strategies to consider before, during, or after marriage.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at PBI Seminar

June, 2014

On June 6, 2014 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s seminar “The Family of Laws” highlighting the tax aspects of a family law practice. Ms. Epstein spoke about the innocent spouse relief from IRS obligations, EITC impact on divorcing couples, the tax implications of filing joint or separate returns, the tax impact of alimony and property transfers and the potential for tax liability for separated and divorced couples.


Special Achievement Award

May, 2014

Phyllis Horn Epstein, Esquire is the recipient of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Presidential Special Achievement Award for her dedicated service as PBA Treasurer from 2011 – 2014. The award was conferred at the PBA House of Delegates Meeting May 16, 2014 and is in recognition of the extensive amount of work and dedication she contributed as PBA treasurer for the past three years, including reviewing and choosing the investment advisor for the PBA as well as revising the investment policy and the board and staff expense policies, thus ensuring the best financial security for PBA members.


Spring ABA Tax Section Meeting in Washington, D.C.

May, 2014

As Vice Chair of the Individual and Family Tax Committee, Phyllis Horn Epstein served as moderator and organizer of a panel discussion at the ABA Tax Section meeting in Washington, D.C held May 9, 2014 on Taxation of Settlements and Damage Awards under Section 104 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code with comment and recommendations from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.


NBI Business Tax Planning Conference, Philadelphia

December, 2013

Phyllis Horn Epstein was a speaker on the subject of New and Expiring Business Tax Laws at the NBI Business Tax Planning Conference held December 9, 2013 in Philadelphia.


Fall ABA Tax Section meeting in San Francisco, CA

December, 2013

As Vice Chair of the Individual and Family Tax Committee, Phyllis Horn Epstein served as moderator and organizer of a panel discussion at the ABA Tax Section meeting in San Francisco, California held September 21, 2013 on Foreign Earned Income Credit which included a discussion of FBAR and other taxpayer reporting requirements of foreign assets and income.


Phyllis Horn Epstein Elected Fellow of American College of Tax Counsel

June, 2013

In May 2013, Phyllis Horn Epstein was elected a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.


Phyllis Horn Epstein Moderates Panels at ABA Tax Section Meeting

February, 2013

Phyllis Horn Epstein was the moderator and organizer of two panel discussions at the ABA Tax Section meeting in Orlando, Florida held January 25, 2013. Representatives of the IRS chief counsel office and Low Income Taxpayer Clinics throughout the United States spoke on Proposed Changes to the Guidelines for Innocent Spouse Relief and Vanishing Time Limits for Equitable Relief under the Internal Revenue Code.


Phyllis and Earl Epstein Author Chapters in new E-Publication

February, 2013

Phyllis & Earl Epstein are the authors of chapters on the Personal Tax Liabilities of Corporate Officers and Directors found in the new e-publication:

CORPORATE LAW LESSONS FOR CEOs: Top Professional Corporate Lawyers Share What They Know Best, published by Execsense (October 24, 2012) and available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com:80/dp/B009WY0XVG. The Epsteins’ chapter may be accessed at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Liabilities-Corporate-Directors-ebook/dp/B009F2B0IK/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356125301&sr=1-2


Phyllis Horn Epstein and PBA Commission on Women in the Profession

February, 2013

As of August 2012 Phyllis was appointed co-chair of the Governance Committee and At-Large member of the Executive Board of the Commission on Women in the Profession of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.


Phyllis Horn Epstein Elected to PBA Executive Board

February, 2013

This November 2012, Phyllis Horn Epstein was elected to a three year term on the Executive Board of the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.


Phyllis Horn Epstein Lectures at PBI CLE Program

February, 2013

Phyllis Horn Epstein participated in the PBI CLE program “The Nuts & Bolts of Running a Family Law Practice” held November 27, 2012 lecturing on employer tax requirements and the choice of form of business.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at National Business Institute seminar

June, 2012

On June 4, 2012 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at a seminar sponsored by National Business Institute on the subject of non-profit organization management and the receipt of donations in the form of cash, artwork and other property. The impact of Sarbanes Oxley on non-profit management and internal policy making was discussed along with guidance on developing investment policy.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at PBI seminar

May, 2012

On May 22, 2012 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s seminar “The Family of Laws” highlighting the tax aspects of a family law practice. Ms. Epstein spoke about the tax implications of filing joint or separate returns, the tax impact of alimony and property transfers and the potential for tax liability for separated and divorced couples.


Phyllis Horn Epstein appointed to Executive Council of PBA Business Law Section

January, 2012

Phyllis Horn Epstein was appointed to the Executive Council of the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association starting January 2012.


Phyllis Horn Epstein appointed to Executive Council of the ABA Individual and Family Tax Section

July, 2011

Phyllis Horn Epstein was appointed to the Executive Council of the Individual and Family Tax Section of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association.


Phyllis Horn Epstein contributes to ABA publication: The Road to Independence

July, 2011

Ms. Epstein is a contributor the The Road to Independence published in 2011 by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession which charts the careers of 101 women attorneys who started their own law firms.


Phyllis Horn Epstein elected Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Bar Association

May, 2011

Ms. Epstein was elected Treasurer of the 27,000 member Pennsylvania Bar Association at its annual meeting in Philadelphia on May 6, 2011.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at Powerful Women Paving the Way conference at PSU

April, 2011

Ms. Epstein participated as a speaker at the Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference held April 15, 2011 at the Penn State University Smeal College of Business on employment and equity issues facing women in the workplace. The conference is a professional development opportunity for students, teachers and alumni. For students the conference is an opportunity to interact with other successful alumni and connect with the next generation of women leaders


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at LLC seminar

December, 2010

Ms. Epstein participated as a speaker and course planner for the Seminar “LLCs: From Formation to Special Uses” for the National Business Institute this past December 7, 2010. Her presentation included a discussion of complex tax issues affecting the use of LLCs.


Phyllis Horn Epstein named as a Vision 2020 Ambassador

April, 2010

Phyllis Horn Epstein was named as a Vision 2020 Ambassador to participate in a decade-long national project inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting the right of suffrage to women. The goal of Vision 2020 is to move toward gender equality and to inspire new generations of leadership.

She has also been named editor of the newsletter for the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at Characteristics of Successful Women conference

October, 2009

On October 22, 2009, Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke in Philadelphia at the 10th Annual Characteristics of Successful Women sponsored by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.


Phyllis Horn Epstein chairs conference at University Park

November, 2007

Phyllis Horn Epstein, co- chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Commission on Women in the Profession, chaired a conference on November 16 and 17 at University Park, jointly sponsored by the Penn State Smeal College of Business which was also attended by students at the Penn State Dickenson Law School and the Smeal College MBA women. The program featured three CLE panels titled, In-House Counsel exploring a variety of issues from the perspective of in-house counsel, corporate counsel in private firms and business leaders; Financial Aspects of Law and Business. Understanding and Interpreting Financial Statements: What is that Company really worth? and Lifecycle of a Small and Solo Law Firm and Business. Ms. Epstein was recently appointed to a term on the PBA House of Delegates.


Phyllis Horn Epstein elected as Co-Chair of the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession

March, 2006

Phyllis Horn Epstein, a shareholder in Epstein, Shapiro & Epstein, P.C., has been elected as Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks on Alternative Careers in Law

February, 2006

Phyllis Horn Epstein, author of Women-At-Law: Lessons Learned Along the Pathways of Success, published by the ABA Law Practice Management Section, spoke on Alternative Careers in Law: Opportunity or Exploitation at The Thirteenth Annual CLE ConferenceUpdate for Feminist Law Professors held at the University of Pennsylvania Law School on February 11, 2006.


J. Earl Epstein named as a Pennsylvania Super-Lawyer

June, 2005

Earl Epstein was named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2005 in the Tax category by Law and Politics, published by Philadelphia Magazine. Pennsylvania Super Lawyers are chosen by a blue ribbon panel from lawyers nominated by ballots from Pennsylvania attorneys who are asked to make their nominations only from those they had personally observed in action.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at seminar for flextime lawyers

June, 2005

On June 8, 2005 Phyllis Epstein was guest speaker at a seminar for flextime lawyers, entitled Women in Law and in the Mommy Wars.


J. Earl Epstein and Phyllis Horn Epstein participate in Judicial Conference of the United States Tax Court

April, 2005

On April 20-22, 2005, at the invitation of the Chief Judge, both J. Earl Epstein and Phyllis Horn Epstein participated in the Judicial Conference of the United States Tax Court held at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania.


Phyllis Horn Epstein conducts seminar on Life Long Learning at Temple U.

March, 2005

On March 23, 2005 Ms. Epstein conducted a seminar on Life Long Learning at Temple University’s Ambler Campus and will be continuing her speaking engagements as a guest speaker with Flextime Lawyers and will also speak on tax and ethical issues relating to divorce settlements as a part of the Continuing Legal Education program Equitable Distributions in Divorce Settlements in Pennsylvania; Valuation, Tax and Other Issues sponsored by the National Business Institute.


Phyllis Horn Epstein and J. Earl Epstein present CLE seminar at Gratz College

December, 2004

On December 1, 2004 Phyllis Horn Epstein and J. Earl Epstein presented a continuing legal education seminar on “Women, the Workplace, and the Law”, hosted by Gratz College.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks about her book: Women-at-Law

October, 2004

On October 5, 2004 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke to the Women’s MBA Association of the Smeal College of Business Administration of the Pennsylvania State University about her book, Women-at-Law: Lessons Learned Along the Pathways of Success and its application to all women professionals.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at CLE seminar sponsored by the National Business Institute

September, 2004

On September 14, 2004 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke on Ethical Considerations and tax matters relating to pension plans and Qualified Domestic Relation Orders in Pennsylvania divorces as a part of the continuing legal education seminar “Once of Prevention, Pound of Cure: Critical Financial Mistakes Made in Divorce in Pennsylvania,” sponsored by the National Business Institute.


Phyllis Horn Epstein publishes book: Women-at-Law: Lessons Learned Along the Pathways to Success

June, 2004

In June, 2004 the American Bar Association Press released a new book authored by Phyllis Horn Epstein, Women-at-Law: Lessons Learned Along the Pathways to Success, after interviewing over 100 women lawyers of all ages in a wide variety of practice settings nationwide to discover how women today are meeting the challenges of competing in an often all-consuming profession without sacrificing their desire for a multidimensional life. Ms. Epsteins book is now on the shelves of dozens of law libraries around the country and in a number of foreign countries and was a finalist for Book of the Year in the Career category by Foreward Magazine. It is available through the American Bar Association, at bookstores nationwide, and at Amazon. To order through the American Bar Association please click on the book below.

Women-at-Law: Lessons Learned Along the Pathways to Success

Ms. Epstein has been invited to speak about her book at various meetings around the country, including the Womans Bar Association of New Hampshire, as well as in Philadelphia. A second printing is now under discussion.


Phyllis Horn Epstein elected Secretary of PBA Commission on Women in the Profession

May, 2004

In May, 2004 Phyllis Horn Epstein was elected as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Bar Associations’ Commission on Women in the Profession and was reelected for a second term in May, 2005.


J. Earl Epstein and Phyllis Horn Epstein participate in Judicial Conference of US Tax Court

April, 2003

On April 23-25, 2003, at the invitation of the Chief Judge, both J. Earl Epstein and Phyllis Horn Epstein participated in the Judicial Conference of the United States Tax Court held at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Among the items on the agenda were discussions about New Laws on Corporate Governance, Use of E-mail and Other Electronic Evidence in tax matters, Ethical Considerations in Settlements, and Legislative and Regulatory Developments in Corporate Tax Shelters. Both Earl and Phyllis Epstein are heavily involved in representing clients in Federal Tax controversies, both before the Internal Revenue Service and in the courts.


Phyllis Horn Epstein speaks at National Business Institute CLE Program

January, 2003

On January 21, 2003 Phyllis Horn Epstein spoke on “Forensic Accounting and Valuation Issues in Divorce Matters” at a seminar on “Complex Divorce Issues for the Pennsylvania Practitioner”, a Continuing Legal Education program sponsored by the National Business Institute. Ms. Epstein maintains a busy practice in divorce matters which involve the discovery and valuation of business assets.