About the Authors

Robert Bloink worked to put in force in excess of $2B of longevity pegged portfolios for the insurance industry’s producers in the past five years. His insurance practice incorporates sophisticated wealth transfer techniques, as well as counseling institutions in the context of their insurance portfolios and other mortality based exposures. Professor Bloink is working with William Byrnes, Associate Dean of Special Projects of Texas A&M School of Law, on development of executive programs for insurance underwriters, wealth managers and financial planners.

Previously, Mr. Bloink served as Senior Attorney in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, Large and Mid-Sized Business Division, where he litigated many cases in the U.S. Tax Court, served as Liaison Counsel for the Offshore Compliance Technical Assistance Program, coordinated examination programs audit teams on the development of issues for large corporate taxpayers, and taught continuing education seminars to Senior Revenue Agents involved in Large Case Exams. In his governmental capacity, Mr. Bloink became recognized as an expert in the taxation of financial structured products and was responsible for the IRS’ first FSA addressing variable forward contracts. Mr. Bloink’s core competencies led to his involvement in prosecuting some of the biggest corporate tax shelters in the history of our country

William H. Byrnes, Esq., LL.M.

William Byrnes is the leader of National Underwriter’s Financial Advisory Publications, having been appointed in 2010. He is a professor and an associate dean of Texas A&M University School of Law. He is one of the leading authors and best-selling authors in the professional markets​ with 30 books that have sold in excess of 100,000 copies in print and online, with thousands of online database subscribers. His National Underwriter publications include Tax Facts, Advanced Markets, and Sales Essentials.

Mr. Byrnes held senior positions of international tax for Coopers & Lybrand and has been commissioned and consulted by a number of governments on their tax and fiscal policy. He has served as an operational board member for companies in several industries including fashion, durable medical equipment, office furniture and technology.

He pioneered online legal education in 1994. In 1998 he developed the first online program to achieve American Bar Association acquiescence. His Master, LL.M. and doctoral programs are leveraged by wealth managers, financial planners and life insurance underwriters.

Lead Contributing Editor

Alexis Long, J.D.

Alexis Long formerly practiced corporate law as an associate with the business transactions group at Schulte Roth & Zabel in New York City. She was a corporate, securities and finance editor for the Practical Law Company before moving to Thomas Jefferson School of Law as publications director. Alexis is currently publications director at the Texas A&M School of Law. She holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.