Bozena M. Diaz is the chair of the firm’s Tax Department and a member of the Corporate group. Her experience includes advising on the federal income tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and other divestitures. Her capability also encompasses tax advice with respect to business and real estate joint ventures, restructurings and workouts, and taxable and tax-free reorganizations. Learn more about Bozena's career and background through the Attorney Spotlight below:
Why did you become an attorney?
Becoming an attorney was never even a thought for me, until I was in my third year of college and a friend of mine convinced me to take the LSATs. I did not take any prep courses and did not study for the test. I did well and ended up at Georgetown Law.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
I think my biggest professional achievement is being able to juggle this career and a family at the same time. Being a lawyer is tough, especially when the hours are really long. It takes a lot being able to be a full-time lawyer and a mom. I’m still working at it.
What activities do you participate in outside of the firm?
On a personal level, I’m an avid skier in winter and love the pool/beach and going on long hikes in the summer. I’m also a board member of the Sussex County Youth Orchestra and have played the piano for the orchestra, and traveled to Europe with the orchestra as their pianist. Playing the piano is probably my best therapy.
Favorite Quote?
“Time for honoring yourself shall soon be at an end, Highness.” From the movie Gladiator. One of my favorite movies ever.
What is your favorite thing about Cullen and Dykman LLP?
The firm’s culture and how the firm is run. We all work our best to make it a better place. Nobody worries about petty stuff, like I’ve seen at some other firms.
What has been the most impactful advice you have received about practicing law?
When I was a young associate training to be a tax lawyer, a newly made tax partner said to me: “The best tax lawyers are those who know that they don’t know everything.” This one stuck with me throughout my career.
About Cullen and Dykman’s Tax Department
Our Tax Department attorneys provide clients with innovative and practical tax solutions for their matters while learning the ins and outs of the clients’ needs and future goals. We are there to assist our clients with every step of their decision-making, from business formation and choice of entity, the tax aspects of transaction financing, to the choice of structure for the clients’ investment and exit transactions. We advise on all aspects of federal and state tax laws in transactions ranging from taxable and tax-free mergers and acquisitions and rollovers to spin-offs, reorganizations and restructurings. We also provide post-transaction counsel and planning, including with respect to the most common aspects of day-to-day business operations, to help our clients achieve the utmost success in meeting their long-term goals.
About Cullen and Dykman
Cullen and Dykman (www.cullenllp.com) has been providing legal services to institutional clients since 1850. The firm represents a wide range of clients, including banks and other financial institutions, energy, telecommunications and water companies, construction companies, insurers, educational institutions, religious organizations, and not-for-profits. With over 190 attorneys in seven offices located throughout the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions, Cullen and Dykman is strategically positioned to meet the changing needs and demands of our clients.