Portrait of Janine M. Campanaro

Janine M. Campanaro

Principal

For over decade, Janine Campanaro has built a reputation as a formidable courtroom advocate for individuals and small to mid-sized businesses facing high-stakes disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the United States government. Her practice focuses on federal tax litigation and complex commercial disputes, guiding clients through every phase of litigation from initial filings to appeals before federal circuit courts.

Janine represents clients in U.S. Tax Court and Federal District Courts nationwide, delivering strategic advocacy in cases where the stakes are significant and the law is nuanced. She is known for transforming intricate tax and financial issues into compelling arguments that resonate with judges and juries alike. Her approach is rooted in precision, candor, and relentless representation, qualities her clients value when their financial interests and reputations are on the line.

In addition to government tax controversies, Janine handles contractual disputes involving tax-related services, particularly cases where third-party providers failed to deliver promised outcomes. These matters often involve breach of contract and financial harm, requiring a litigator who understands both the technical aspects of tax law and the practical realities of business operations.

Janine’s litigation experience spans bench and jury trials, federal appeals, and landmark outcomes. She has briefed and argued before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, co-authored a brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, and secured the only winning captive insurance case ever tried by a jury, a precedent-setting result in a field traditionally decided by judges alone. Her ability to navigate complex appellate issues and trial strategy sets her apart in the tax litigation arena.

Clients describe Janine as approachable and direct, combining confidence with accessibility. She simplifies complexity without sacrificing rigor, controls conflict rather than escalating it, and consistently delivers results forged in the courtroom. Her personal brand sits at the intersection of litigation credibility and practical client advocacy, making her a trusted partner for businesses and individuals facing powerful opposition.

    Education

    • Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.)
    • University of Florida (B.A., cum laude)

    State Bar Admissions

    • New York
    • Texas
    • Utah

    Court Admissions

    • United States Tax Court
    • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
    • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
    • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
    • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
    • United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
    • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas
    • United States District Court for the District of Utah

    Professional Affiliations

    • Texas Bar Association, Member
    • Utah Bar Association, Member
    • TRELs Home for Kids, Board Member

    Recognitions

    • Marquis Who’s Who & Recommended Attorney, 2024
    • Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates, 2016
  • Biography
  • Publications & News
  • Offit Kurman Blogs

Firm Highlights

  • Podcasts
    Artful Donations: Exploring Museum Exchange
    In this episode of The Legal Canvas, host Caryn Keppler welcomes Robert Wainstein and Michael Darling, co-founders of Museum Exchange, the first digital platform dedicated to facilitating art donations to museums and nonprofit institutions across North America. Together, they explore how technology is transforming the way collectors, artists, estates, and cultural organizations connect through charitable giving. Robert and Michael explain the inspiration behind Museum Exchange, the challenges they set out to solve, and how the platform has grown into a network of more than 400 museums. They walk listeners through the donation process—from evaluating artwork and matching donors with institutions to handling logistics, documentation, and tax considerations. Along the way, they discuss the realities of museum collecting, why many donations are declined, and how thoughtful placements can help preserve artists' legacies while expanding access to important works of art. The conversation also explores Museum Exchange's work with living artists, artist estates, hospitals, universities, and smaller regional museums, as well as the launch of the Charis Foundation for the Arts, a nonprofit designed to steward significant collections before placing them with institutions that can best benefit from them. Robert and Michael conclude by sharing their vision for the future of charitable art transactions and how Museum Exchange is helping reshape philanthropy in the arts for generations to come.