The Legal 500

Allens represents major financial institutions, and energy and resources clients. Charles Armitage provides tax advice on capital markets transactions, and Larry Magid has a ‘particularly strong’ roster of banking clients. Katrina Parkyn is a ‘go-to’ adviser for corporate tax; she recently advised Shell on its acquisition of an interest in Arrow Energy’s assets. Cameron Rider and Grant Cathro are recommended.

Arnold Bloch Leibler advises high-net-worth individuals on cross-border transactions, land tax, venture capital and tax audits. It also handles charitable giving for both donors and donees. The excellent reputation of practice head Mark Leibler is ‘well known both to taxpayers and the ATO’. Paul Sokolowski and Joey Borensztajn are other names to note.

Greenwoods & Freehills’ large team is ‘excellent’ in a wide range of matters, with stamp duty noted as a particular strength. Andrew Hirst, Andrew Mills and Tony Frost (director), are ‘technically excellent, thorough and efficient’. It recently advised on the restructuring and recapitalisation of iMed Group, and represented GE Capital Finance in an appeal against the Commissioner of Taxation. Cameron Hanson and director Richard Buchanan are also recommended.

King & Wood Mallesons has ‘deep industry knowledge’, and remains active on tax structuring and strategy in large M&A transactions. Michael Clough – the ‘doyen of tax litigation’ – represented RCI Pty in its A$242m High Court tax appeal, and practice head Justin Cherrington advised Telstra on tax issues concerning the National Broadband Network (NBN). Phillip Davies is recommended for income and international tax, while Frank Brody handles GST and stamp duty. Richard Snowden has ‘fantastic depth and breadth of experience’.

Ashurst LLP advises clients within financial services, energy and resources, on matters such as cross-border M&A, tax planning and GST recovery. Ian Kellock has ‘good M&A and income tax consolidation knowledge’. It recently advised BHP Billiton on the expansion of its iron ore operation, while other clients include Credit Suisse and TNT. Teresa Dyson is ‘experienced’, while Len Hertzman and Vivian Chang are also recommended.

Baker & McKenzie’s ‘responsive’ group provides ‘commercial advice’ to government clients and financial institutions, including RBS. ‘Astute’ and ‘savvy’ team head John Walker adopts a ‘practical, solution-driven approach’. Walker and Tim Sherman advised Optus on the tax implications of the transition to the NBN. Amrit MacIntyre and Dixon Hearder are also recommended.

Clayton Utz recently advised Australia Pacific LNG on the tax aspects of its A$35bn project in Queensland, and represented Macquarie Bank in income tax assessments before the Federal Court. Mark Friezer is singled out for his ‘practical approach’ and ‘attention to detail’, while Allan Blaikie is ‘excellent’ for international tax. Team head Andrew Sommer is also recommended.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is ‘commercially committed’, and has a superb reputation for tax advice in the energy and resources sector; BP and Fortescue Metals Group are clients. Team leader Jonathon Leek demonstrates ‘solid technical skills’, while Gary Chiert has ‘unparalleled’ stamp duty expertise. Craig Milner’s highlights included advising a consortia of lenders (including Morgan Stanley and HSBC) to Bain Capital on the A$1.3bn purchase of MYOB. Reynah Tang acted for Foster’s Group on the taxation issues surrounding its A$12.3bn acquisition by SABMiller.

Minter Ellison’s team ‘works hard to achieve the best outcome in difficult circumstances’, and the ‘user-friendly’ Adrian Varrasso has ‘excellent technical abilities’. Karen Payne recently advised SABMiller on its takeover of Foster’s Group, and Mark Green advised Plenary Group on the tax aspects of several infrastructure projects. Rhys Guild and David Pratley are recommended.

DLA Piper Australia represents blue-chip corporates including Verizon, Mitsubishi and Tiffany & Co, on matters such as audits, tax structuring and cross-border investments. Jock McCormack and James Newnham recently advised Hastings Funds Management on off-market buybacks, and special counsel Jonathan Ackerman advised GI Dynamics on GST relating to its Australian floatation.

Johnson Winter & Slattery ‘s tax group works closely alongside the corporate team to provide a ‘first-rate’ service. Team head Richard Gelski is able to ‘devise and articulate a comprehensive strategy very clearly’, and Jane Trethewey’s experience at the ATO is a boon. Prashanth Kainthaje has ‘very strong cross-border tax structuring skills’, and Rod Cox recently advised CP2 on stamp duty and income tax for a large acquisition.

Norton Rose Australia’s team is ‘skilful’ in managed investment schemes and funds, and recently added Bank of America and China Development Bank to its client roster. The ‘brilliant’ Peter Norman ‘marshals complex material, and provides practical and comprehensible guidance’. Paul Humphreys recently joined from Clayton Utz, and is recommended along with Andrew Spalding.

Kelly & Co provides advice of the ‘highest calibre’. Gary Winter demonstrates ‘exceptional legal knowledge’ and applies it in a ‘practical, commercial manner’. Marc Romaldi is ‘technically competent’.

Maddocks’ ‘highly responsive’ team is strong on tax controversy; it remains a key adviser to the ATO, and Leigh Baring recently advised Malaysian-listed TA Enterprise on stamp duty issues. Peter Poulos is ‘knowledgeable, experienced and thoughtful’, and Angela Wood and Carmen McElwain are also recommended.

At McCullough Robertson, the ‘determined’ and ‘technically skilled’ Mark West acted for Byrne Hotels in Australian Federal Court litigation over capital gains tax. Hayden Bentley has a ‘cool head’ in complex matters, and David Marschke is also recommended.