06/17/2025
Lo
I am honored to share a bit of my journey as a first-generation attorney and immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago. I came to the United States with my mother when I was three years old, and growing up with limited resources shaped both my resilience and my sense of purpose. I pursued a career in law to be a resource for others, to help people navigate complex and ever-changing systems, and to foster meaningful relationships across communities and institutions. Today, I am a tax attorney at Jones Day, where I represent clients in IRS audits, administrative appeals, litigation before the U.S. Tax Court and federal district courts, and investigations by the Department of Justice. I am licensed to practice in New York, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Tax Court, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Outside of my legal practice, I am deeply committed to mentorship and leadership. I serve as Co-Vice Chair of the ABA Women in Tax Forum and volunteer with initiatives that support first-generation professionals. For me, the law is a tool to uplift others and create meaningful impact—shaped by my journey, guided by purpose, and rooted in service. Thank you to Lawyer Stories and Ben for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it inspires someone who needs to know that where you start does not determine where you end up.
Darianne De Leon, Esq.
