Diana Clarkson advises companies and business owners on the federal and state tax implications of sophisticated corporate transactions, including entity structuring, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, tax-free spin-offs, and debt restructuring. With deep experience in tax law, she helps clients navigate planning strategies that support business transactions—whether to new ownership or the next generations—in a tax-efficient and practical manner.
Diana also counsels employers on a broad range of business tax matters, with particular emphasis on employment tax issues such as fringe benefits, state tax withholding and related consequences. Her practice includes solving complex multistate tax issues involving sales tax, real estate transfer taxes, municipal taxes, and state income tax considerations.
Known for her exceptional time management and responsiveness, she delivers efficient, clear, and strategic guidance tailored to each client’s unique objectives.
Diana began her legal career at Harter Secrest & Emery and later expanded her experience during nearly three years with Akerman, an Am Law 100 firm, before returning to HSE.
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
- Board Chair, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 2024-present
- Board member, 2020-present
- Governance Committee Chair, 2020-2024
- Member, Women President’s Organization, Rochester Chapter, 2021-present
- Advisor, Audit Committee, Allendale Columbia School
- Audit Committee Chair, 2015-2020
- Board Member, 2011-2020
- Allendale Columbia School Alumni Association, 2008-2020
- Board Member, 2008-2018
- President, 2012-2014
- American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter
- Board Member, 2012-2020
- Board Chair, 2017-2019
- All Ivy Ball Committee Chair, Princeton Club of Rochester
- Member, American Bar Association
HONORS & AWARDS
- Recipient, Distinguished Alumni Award, Allendale Columbia School, 2024
- Recipient, “Women of Excellence” Award, Rochester Business Journal, 2023
- Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of:
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Corporate Compliance Law
- Trust and Estates
- Recipient, “Forty Under 40” Award, Rochester Business Journal, 2019
- Recipient, The Jane Fairchild Freund Volunteer Leadership Award, American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter, 2019
- Recipient, “Up and Coming Attorneys” Award, The Daily Record, 2018
- Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2017-2021
- Empire State Counsel, New York State Bar Association, 2016
