David V. Capes

Senior Counsel

P: 314.505.5410

F: 314.505.5411

E: capes@capessokol.com

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Experience at Work

For over 40 years, David has been recognized as one of the top tax and white collar defense attorneys in St. Louis. He has significant experience defending both individuals and businesses under investigation for and/or charged with federal tax and other white collar crimes.

He began his career in the public sector, first as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, then as an Attorney-Advisor to the Assistant Attorney General, and finally as a federal prosecutor, initially for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Tax Section and subsequently at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri.

In the Community

David has been a force in the St. Louis Community. For over 30 years he has served as an adjunct professor of law at Washington University School of Law, teaching a course on tax fraud prosecutions in the graduate tax program. David also teaches a photography class at Fanning Middle School in St. Louis City as part of an enrichment program administered by UrbanFUTURE. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Photography Hall of Fame.

Practice Areas

Tax

Awards

  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly, The POWER List – Tax (2021)
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly, ICON Award (2018)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® | Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy-Tax, St. Louis (2014, 2017, 2019, 2021 & 2024)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® | Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White Collar, St. Louis (2013)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® | Criminal Defense: White-Collar Litigation; Litigation and Controversy-Tax; & Tax Law, St. Louis (2001 – Present)
  • Super Lawyers® | Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyer (2005 – Present)

Recognitions

  • Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
  • American College of Tax Counsel, Fellow

Professional Organizations

  • American Bar Association | Taxation Section
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis | Taxation Section
  • The Missouri Bar

Educational Background

  • LL.M., Taxation, Georgetown Law School (1976)
  • J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law (1971)
  • B.A., History and Political Science, Rhodes College (1968)

Speaking Engagements

  • You’ve Got a Friend: Why Male Leaders Should Mentor Women. Women in the Profession Spring CLE. The Missouri Bar. Webinar. (2022)

Publications

  • “Avoiding an IRS Criminal Investigation and Tax Fraud Prosecution: Effectively Representing Your Client in an ‘Eggshell Audit’.” St. Louis Bar Journal. (2013)

Teaching

  • Tax Fraud Prosecutions. Washington University School of Law | Adjunct Faculty

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Arkansas
  • Missouri
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Federal District Courts
    • Eastern District of Missouri
    • Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. Tax Court

Current Leadership Positions

  • International Photography Hall of Fame | Board Member

Past Leadership Positions

  • Washington University Hillel Foundation | Board Member
  • Jewish Center for the Aged | President
  • Jewish Center for the Aged | JCA Associates
  • Congregation Temple Israel | Treasurer
  • Westwood Country Club | President
  • The Anti-Defamation League | Board Member

Civic & Community

  • UrbanFUTURE
  • International Photography Hall of Fame
  • Washington University Hillel Foundation
  • Jewish Center for the Aged
  • Congregation Temple Israel
  • Westwood Country Club
  • The Anti-Defamation League

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