George D. Perlman

Mr. Perlman’s cross-border practice represents and advises both high-profile international individuals and families on their private wealth matters. Mr. Perlman has covered the international tax aspects of property investments, cross-border business ventures, trusts and estate planning for over 30 years. He is particularly versed in legal matters associated with transactions between Europe, South America and the United States. In addition, Mr. Perlman has long- standing experience in tax arbitrage.

The flexibility of Mr. Perlman’s practice working within both Civil and Common law systems, has been bolstered for the last 20 years by the support of a satellite office in London to the main office in Miami. Mr. Perlman travels extensively, including regular trips to New York and London. This has helped him to maintain long-term and close relationships with his clients and their families, on which he prides himself. He has often collaborated with other lawyers and accountants in the countries where his clients operate in order to provide comprehensive and practical business solutions.

Examples of Mr. Perlman’s focus on finding practical business solutions are found in such recent work as his representation of investment groups from Argentina and Chile in their acquisition of $60 million worth of distressed debt in Miami, Florida. The conversion of this distressed debt into a portfolio loan allowed for interest to be received without any withholding tax being applied. The matter also involved the complex ancillary issue of restructuring the debtor, which required business, corporate and tax solutions.

Mr. Perlman’s international presence allowed for his representation of both US and non-US clients, in this case, as in others. For instance, he has advised clients with business ventures in Brazil, Colombia, Panama, China, England, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Israel.

He has handled pre-US residence tax and estate planning for both families and individuals. For example, Mr. Perlman restructured a Chinese family’s trusts and businesses using his unique arbitrage strategy arising out of differences between the applicable UK and US tax regulations. The strategy allowed for the conversion of over $50 million worth of accumulated income into capital, resulting in a vast saving on the potential tax liability of the family.

Mr. Perlman has also been general counsel for one of the most internationally renowned high fashion photographers for the long-time of 15 years, representing all of his international transactions and private wealth matters.