Paul Asofsky
Nov. 1, 2022 — Paul Asofsky, former senior advisor and faculty member with the University of Houston Law Center’s LL.M. tax law program, passed away on Friday, Oct. 28. He was 81.
“Paul helped contribute to the prominence of the Law Center’s LL.M. tax law program by bringing high-level practice experience to the classroom,” said Leonard M. Baynes, Dean of the University of Houston Law Center.
UH Law Center professor Bret Wells said Asofsky’s reputation and influence extended nationally across the tax community, “He was instrumental in the reforms that made their way into the Bankruptcy Tax Act of 1980. He was the ABA Representative that worked with the House Judiciary Committee and the Treasury Department to draft those laws, and Paul was instrumental in setting the objectives and direction of those reforms in 1980 … After 1980 and for decades thereafter, Paul Asofsky was viewed by everyone within government and outside of government as the most knowledgeable person on bankruptcy taxation in this nation.”
Asofsky taught courses in bankruptcy taxation and tax policy at UH Law Center. He was also an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and was a fellow with the American College of Tax Counsel.
“Paul was an extremely bright and accomplished tax lawyer whose expertise and kindness enriched UHLC tax students for many years. He added a personal touch to his technical acumen that was unmistakable. In addition to teaching and counseling students, Paul took on a Herculean role in ensuring that the UHLC tax program maintained a relationship with its graduates. In brief, Paul was a thoughtful and valued colleague who unselfishly gave much of himself to this law school. He is already missed,” said UH Law Center Professor Johnny R. Buckles.
UH Law Center Professor of Practice Denney L. Wright also noted Asofsky’s enthusiastic support of the UH Law Center’s Tax LL.M. program, “He particularly enjoyed the student contacts and was always looking for ways to enhance the experiences of our students. He was also a great lawyer and recognized expert in tax law issues. Professor Asofsky will be missed. Our prayers are with Paul’s family, friends and colleagues as they deal with his passing.”
Asofsky worked for 20 years at Weil, Gotshal & Manges in the Houston office, where he was a partner and head of the tax group. His practice included the full range of federal and state tax issues, with emphasis on private investment partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, real estate investments and bankruptcy, and debt restructuring.
He was a founding member and former president of the Houston Tax Roundtable, a forum where senior tax partners and tax academics would workshop papers and discuss current tax issues.
Asofsky received his B.A. from Columbia University and earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at Temple Sanai, 13875 BrimhurstDrive, Houston, TX 77070. Click here for more information.
