USD Law Alumnus Josh Maxwell ’07 (JD), ’08 (LLM) Receives California Distinguished Leader Award
University of San Diego (USD) School of Law applauds Josh Maxwell ’07 (JD), ’08 (LLM), managing partner of Hone Maxwell LLP, on receiving a California Distinguished Leader Award as part of The Recorder’s California Legal Awards.
Maxwell was recognized for his role in expanding the firm’s international presence, including opening offices in Singapore and Mexico and establishing a broader presence in Latin America. He was further praised for launching the firm's Global Private Counsel initiative, which incorporates the assistance of its large network of international attorneys, advisors, and other professionals to provide global representation in business, law, tax, and more.
In a Q&A with The Recorder, Maxwell shared his perspective on leadership and the future of the legal profession, emphasizing that meaningful relationships across borders are essential in an increasingly global business environment.
“Law is often viewed as a technical profession,” Maxwell said. “Technical excellence absolutely matters, but the lawyers who make the greatest impact over time are the ones who build genuine, personal relationships with clients, colleagues and mentors.”
As managing partner of Hone Maxwell LLP, Maxwell focuses his practice on international tax law and tax controversy, as well as federal, state, and local tax matters. A California certified public accountant, he brings a background in law and accounting to his work advising individuals on cross-border tax issues and has defended taxpayers during audits by the IRS and California taxing authorities. He also handles collection disputes with the same agencies, involving installment agreements, liens, levies, and wage garnishments.
This is Maxwell’s second accolade from The Recorder, following his selection as a Distinguished Law Firm Leader (2024). He has been named a Leading Advisor in Binational Tax Strategy by Revista Asesores (2026), with additional honors from Best Lawyers in America (2025, 2026) and San Diego Super Lawyers (2021–2026).
Maxwell’s passion for tax connects back to USD Law, where he has been an adjunct professor teaching Corporate Tax Reporting and Federal Income Tax Reporting.
Read Hone Maxwell LLP’s article here.
About the School of Law
Each year, USD Law educates approximately 800 Juris Doctor and graduate law students from throughout the United States and around the world. The law school is best known for its offerings in the areas of business and corporate law, constitutional law, intellectual property, international and comparative law, public interest law and taxation.
USD School of Law is one of the 88 law schools elected to the Order of the Coif, a national honor society for law school graduates. The law school’s faculty is a strong group of outstanding scholars and teachers with national and international reputations. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Founded in 1954, the law school is part of the University of San Diego, a private, independent, Roman Catholic university chartered in 1949.