Devon Joseph Arabo

Devon J. Arabo is Of Counsel & Co-Chief of Operations at our firm, where he has worked for over 16 years. In his expanded role, Mr. Arabo also serves as Chief of Legal Operations at RJS LAW. Mr. Arabo represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Employment Development Department (EDD), and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Mr. Arabo represents clients facing tax-related issues before various state and federal taxing authorities. His thoughtful strategy and compassionate advocacy have saved his clients millions of dollars and earned them priceless peace of mind. Over the course of his career, Mr. Arabo has handled an exceptionally broad range of tax controversy matters, from routine examinations to high-stakes audits, consistently delivering results that reflect both his technical mastery and his fierce dedication to his clients.

Mr. Arabo’s audit results speak for themselves. He has achieved numerous no-change audit determinations, meaning the IRS or state agency accepted the taxpayer’s return as filed and assessed no additional tax, as well as favorable audit results where proposed adjustments were significantly reduced through skilled negotiation and advocacy. Notably, he recently saved a client over $1 million in one such complex IRS audit, where an initial proposed liability of more than $1.7 million was ultimately settled for just $450,000.

Mr. Arabo has developed particular expertise in complex IRS audits involving multiple entities. These multi-entity matters demand not only deep knowledge of tax law but also the ability to manage voluminous records, coordinate across business interests, and craft a cohesive, strategic defense, all skills Mr. Arabo has demonstrated time and again.

Among the most sensitive matters in Mr. Arabo’s practice are “eggshell audits,” or high-stakes civil audits where underlying facts could potentially give rise to criminal tax exposure. Navigating an eggshell audit requires a practitioner who understands both the civil and criminal dimensions of tax law, and who can walk that razor’s edge with precision and composure. Mr. Arabo has successfully guided clients through multiple eggshell audits, resolving each matter at the civil level and avoiding any additional criminal exposure, outcomes that represent not just financial relief, but the protection of his clients’ freedom and reputations.

He has also settled successful Offers in Compromise for pennies on the dollar, allowing clients burdened by overwhelming tax debt to resolve their liabilities for a fraction of what was owed and move forward with a clean slate. In addition, Mr. Arabo has secured penalty abatements totaling millions of dollars across a range of clients, demonstrating his ability to effectively argue reasonable cause and other relief provisions before the IRS and state agencies. His work extends to EDD misclassification audits as well, where he has protected businesses from crippling reclassification assessments by building airtight factual and legal records in support of independent contractor status.

What sets Mr. Arabo apart is not only his legal acumen but his tenacity and the strong professional relationships he has cultivated with IRS revenue agents, revenue officers, and state agency personnel over his years of practice. He approaches every matter with relentless preparation and an unwillingness to accept an unjust result, while maintaining the credibility and mutual respect with government representatives that is essential to resolving complex matters efficiently. Clients routinely describe Mr. Arabo as a tireless advocate who fights hard for them while always keeping their long-term interests at the forefront.

Mr. Arabo’s commitment to excellence and client advocacy has earned him a stellar reputation throughout the community. He is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and regularly presents to Enrolled Agents and CPAs at the California Society of Tax Consultants, sharing his expertise in tax controversy and resolution strategies. Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Arabo is also an active real estate investor. He began honing his business acumen while providing administrative assistance to Shamoun Investments Co., where he facilitated multimillion-dollar transactions, including significant property acquisitions and sales.

Mr. Arabo is a proud “Triple Torero,” having graduated from the University of San Diego with three degrees. Mr. Arabo earned his Bachelor of Accountancy with a minor in both Finance and Real Estate. As part of his undergraduate experience, Mr. Arabo was an involved member of USD’s Accounting Society.

Mr. Arabo also earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, Mr. Arabo was a member of the Tax Law Society and Middle Eastern Law Student Association. In his second year of law school, Mr. Arabo served as the American Bar Association (ABA) Chair where he assisted students with registering with the ABA, which is the largest professional organization for practicing attorneys. After graduating law school, Mr. Arabo continued his educational journey by obtaining his Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M) from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Mr. Arabo’s professional excellence has been widely recognized. He was named one of San Diego’s Top Attorneys in 2023 and in 2026; selected for SD Metro Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026; and honored as a 2025 and 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Star, a designation reserved for attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice, based on peer recognition and professional achievement.

Born and raised in San Diego, Devon is a die-hard Padres fan and an active member of his community. Off the clock, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Chanel and his son Damon.

Publishings

Preparing for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset: Strategies for Wealthy Clients – 6/3/24
Free Tax Filing for Millions: A Guide to IRS Free File Program – 2/4/24
Top 10 Overlooked Tax Deductions to Boost Refunds – 2/4/24
IRS Adjusts Standard Mileage Rates for 2024 – What You Need to Know – 1/11/23
Year-End Tax Strategies to Optimize Savings – 12/20/23
Navigating Financial Planning: Understanding the 2024 IRS Gift and Estate Tax Changes – 12/11/23

Admitted to practice before the following courts:

United States Tax Court
United States District Court for the Southern District of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
United States District Court for the Central District of California
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Supreme Court of the State of California