JUSTIN C. STEELE ESQ

Justin serves as Chief Operating Officer of Schneider Downs, where he is responsible for leading the firm’s day-to-day operations and driving operational excellence across practices and service lines. In this role, he supports the firm’s continued growth and ensures the delivery of exceptional client service.

Justin joined the firm in 2017 and most recently served as Tax Practice Leader, where he guided the strategic direction of the firm’s tax services. He developed deep expertise advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on structuring middle market transactions for closely held businesses, private equity portfolio companies and their owners.

Justin continues to advise clients on M&A transactions in his role as COO, applying his tax and legal background to support deal structuring and execution. His experience leading a major practice area, combined with his technical expertise, informs his approach to firm leadership and client service.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Justin resides in Hampton with his wife and their two children.

Education

B.A. – Accounting, University of Pittsburgh
J.D. – Duquesne University School of Law

Professional and Community Involvement

Managing Shareholder – Tax

Member—Allegheny County Bar Association – Taxation Section

Treasurer—Hampton Youth Lacrosse Association

SHARE

Do you have a hobby or personal passion?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and children and boating on the Allegheny River.

 

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat everyone like a future client.

 

People would be surprised to know that I…….

Was interviewed twice on the Gretchen Carlson Show on Fox News.

 

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?

Helping my client’s understand the tax impact of business transactions.

 

What was your first job?

Bagging groceries and collecting shopping carts from the parking lot at the local Giant Eagle.

 

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?

Spend time with my children.

 

Do you have advice for young professionals?

Be a sponge.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: High Tax Burden For Family-owned Franchisor.


Big Thinking: Comprehensive Planning For A 15% Tax Reduction.

A tax shareholder with more than 25 years of private and public accounting experience, CHRIS MCELROY joined Schneider Downs in 2017 and advises clients in diverse sectors, including consumer products and retail, healthcare, and manufacturing and distribution. Chris' team went to the aid of a family-owned retailer/franchisor that needed to reduce its tax burden to better align with the long-term vision for the business. Schneider Downs' shareholder-led service model positioned the team to have a sophisticated understanding of the client's objectives and leverage opportunities afforded by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. "We helped the client implement a structure to get requisite cash flows to the owners while taking advantage of favorable corporate tax rates, non-U.S. tax planning, and other tax provisions such as QBI and FDII,” said McElroy. “We were able to reduce their overall annual global tax burden by nearly 15% as a result." Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal Focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.

Have a question? Ask us!

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note, and we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.