Corporate tax in London

‘The Clifford Chance team work collaboratively in order to provide exceptional service. We have relied on their expertise on a number of potential tax litigation matters and in all areas, they have provided great technical and practical advice. They provide all around technical expertise, litigation strategy and handling advice. I particularly appreciate the fact that I can rely on all members of the team and they are all up to speed with the issues so I am not reliant on one individual.’

‘Dan Neidle – by far the most approachable and technically able tax law partner I have worked with. Approachable and fiercely intelligent.’

‘The CC team make themselves available regardless of position in the business, from trainee to partner, and are happy to go the extra mile to explain matters, especially when the clients that are engaging CC are not UK institutions who don’t understand / have much dealings with UK tax legislation.’

‘Chris Davies is a whizz on securitisations – client friendly and good at explaining tax points to non-tax specialists.’

‘The Corporate Tax practice provides outstanding deal support – the team is technically excellent and alive to all potential opportunities, and risks, whilst remaining pragmatic and commercial in its advice. Compared to other firms the team took greater ownership of the deal process, and managing liaison with commercial colleagues, which is a more efficient service model, particularly when working under time pressure.’

‘It was a pleasure to work with the Slaughters Tax team – William Watson and Charles Osborne stood out for us across several deals. In addition to their technical excellence, I particularly valued the following qualities: (i) they were alive to all deal issues and were constantly looking to add points of value; (ii) they communicated brilliantly and clearly noted areas where client time/review should focus; and (iii) they were great to work alongside and remained calm and collected under pressure.’

‘Responsive and produce work of a high-standard efficiently and swiftly.’

‘Sarah Osprey provides excellent corporate tax advice in a clear and concise manner and with a transparency that exceeds the service provision found elsewhere. Sarah’s depth of knowledge and ability to understand the business and market in which we operate is exceptional while their appreciation of the commercial reality of the deal as well as my risk appetite has proven to well exceed expectations.’

‘The team brings a strong commercial and practical approach to their work, as well as first class technical capabilities.’

‘They provide a fantastic service on M&A transactions.’

‘We have worked with Mike Lane and Charles Osborne – I would be happy to work with both again and would highly recommend them. Mike’s insight and knowledge of a very wide range of tax matters is very impressive.’

‘Solutions driven and able to identify and focus on the key commercial points, they provide practical and efficient advice that is not overcomplicated.’

‘Highly intelligent and succinct. Good availability and always a pleasure to speak to.’

‘A solid awareness of all potential issues. Calm and measured. Responsive. Personable and good-humoured.’

‘We turn to Hogan Lovells for almost all of our major tax advice. Partner-led, more creative, better service, and significantly better value-for-money.’

‘Elliot Weston has the ability, unique among tax advisers for big corporates, to present his advice in a digestible, user-friendly way. He does not equivocate and is frequently able to provide his 80% view on the fly, which is immensely valuable in many instances. He is smart, responsive, creative, and clear. I would not hesitate to recommend him and frequently do.’

‘The HL real estate tax team are exceptionally strong technically on UK tax matters and always come with well-considered conclusions. HL are clearly one of the leaders in RE Tax matters and provide good value, commercial advice.’

‘Elliot Weston leads the team very well, always listening closely to client needs and delivering appropriately. He is very well supported by Aaron Burchell and other senior members of the team. The team are well represented across the industry lobbying groups.’

‘They are very well able to connect input from counsel in various jurisdictions and to translate this into structuring solutions taking into account all these multi-jurisdictional elements. They make you feel you are their only client, which is really extraordinary.’

‘Ian Ferreira – technically excellent, with an understanding of the particular issues faced within the PE industry.’

‘This team is very strong technically, have very good market insights and are very responsive. Additionally, we rely on them because their network in Europe and across the globe is very strong.’

‘Very approachable and nice people to work with.’

‘Damien Crossley is exceptional at providing clear and commercial advice. He is different from competitors due to his willingness to ‘get off the fence’ and his unwillingness to over-complicate matters unduly. His knowledge of the investment management sector (not just private equity) is also close to unrivalled.’

‘We have found the team to be very thoughtful and commercial. They give clear advice and back it up well.’

‘Jeremy Moncrieff is very good. He is not afraid to stick his neck out and give an opinion, which is always well reasoned and carefully explained. He is also very responsive and always makes time to help.’

‘The Travers Smith Corporate Practice has strength in depth, excellent technical knowledge and is keen to fulfil their client’s requirements.’

‘Their technical knowledge, willingness to assist and their understanding of the commercial rational for solutions.’

‘The key thing that really sets the Travers team apart is that they approach the delivery of their advice as if they are a part of the in-house team. They don’t seek to hide behind caveats and where items are complex or uncertain they bring the item to the attention of the tax team early.’

‘Emily Clark is extremely thoughtful about both technical matters and client service matters. Emily leads from the front with calm, clear and concise delivery on technical and challenging commercial points and real care from a client service perspective.’

‘They respond very quickly and they are very knowledgeable in the subject matter that we have hired them for. Most of the answers or opinions are fairly comprehensive and with high level of certainty.’

‘The team is pragmatic and pro-active in their approach and focused on getting the right answer for their client.’

‘Simon Swann is a go to person for advice on real estate tax issues. He carefully explains his advice, with its rationale and advantages and highlights potential pitfalls. His support team are good at taking forward the advice.’

‘Alex Cox is an all round adviser, his tax advice is clear and precise.’

‘Paul Miller is the tax partner that we generally work with. He is very knowledgeable and very responsive to our questions.’

‘I have known a number of the lawyers at BCLP for many years, so I rate them highly in a number of different categories. For our real estate practice, particularly on acquisitions, they are fast and efficient, highly dependable in their due diligence, and commercial in negotiations with other firms.’

‘I admire Alex Tostevin’s technical capabilities greatly and enjoy collaborating with him and his team.’

‘The level of service provided by Dentons is outstanding. The team’s professional approach, industry exposure and capabilities make them unique.’

‘Throughout our relationship with Dentons, the entire team is always well prepared and will always carefully listen to our queries. The team’s expertise allows them to deliver the perfect analysis and solutions to our problems.’

‘The individuals we work with have always provided us with the highest quality of service and their effort is highly valued and appreciated. Whenever we have a strict timeline, the team are prepared to go the extra mile to accomplish all the tasks.’

‘Julia Lloyd is a star. She is very commercial and practical. Her advice is clear and relevant. She gives solutions not problems.’

‘They are very knowledgeable with the energy industry and M&A deals, together with being very approachable. We are able to have pragmatic discussions which help in getting deals done.’

‘The team is able to draw on a wide range of deep technical expertise to deal with a varied range of questions and issues.’

‘Michael Alliston is technically brilliant and can perform thorough research and analysis at speed.’

‘Always helpful and pragmatic in dealings with us. Clear succinct email advice with helpful recommendations. A good understanding of our business and advice clearly tailored to our specific circumstances and need. Good awareness of changes in legislation and HMRC guidance/treatments.’

‘Paul Concannon is always helpful, explains clearly, highlighting potential issues and suggesting what we should do.’

‘The team has excellent market knowledge and current market practice to ensure their clients are kept at the leading edge. Partners are always responsive to new requests and deliver in a timely manner.’

‘Matthew Saronson is the main partner we deal with and has a far-ranging knowledge of US tax together with Richard Ward.’

‘Very strong overall tax advice. Commercially relevant and to the point. They understand our needs well, and have made an effort to understand key issues affecting our business. They are flexible and have a deep bench, and are very responsive.’

‘Debevoise has an excellent UK tax practice, particularly in the areas of fund formation and private equity deals. They concentrate on what they do best.’

‘Richard Ward is an outstanding tax lawyer. He his highly experienced and has a deep knowledge of the tax aspects of funds and PE deals. Jenny Wheater is truly remarkable. She has an amazing insight into the latest developments in HMRC thinking and the latest structures available. Jenny and Richard are a real pleasure to deal with.’

‘A very responsive, high-quality, team who understand their clients’ needs and customise their product accordingly.’

‘Ben Jones and Helen Mackey are truly outstanding tax practitioners. They seamlessly blend technical excellence with commercial and practical advice, providing critical support to our business. They are also responsive and go above and beyond to ensure they deliver timely advice in user-friendly format.’

‘Ben Jones makes time for his clients and has a great grasp of detail and always responds promptly. Helen Mackay is technically strong and gets things done.’

‘Strong experience and excellent client empathy in fund formation work.’

‘FF very much works with an integrated fund/reg and tax team and provides tailored advice, tax solutions that work from a regulatory perspective and vice versa.’

‘Nick Thornton – extremely sharp and pragmatic and a fun person.’

‘Nick Thornton is a very skilled lawyer and knows what is going on in the market.’

‘Responsive and great breadth of services covered.’

‘Sean Finn – responsive, clear understanding of rules in a variety of tax matters. Able to work on private equity, infrastructure transactions as well as various non-corporate tax matters.’

‘Very strong on real estate tax.’

‘Jonathan Legg – excellent technical lawyer.’

‘Speed of response and an ability to make common sense of tricky and ever changing tax rules.’

‘Jonathan Legg is reliably good and nice to work with and has a good and growing team.’

‘The Proskauer Rose private equity tax team offers very strong technical capabilities coupled with very insightful and practical business solutions. This is not very common for tax professionals. Often you hear the technical description of a tax law or regulation with very little practical guidance or insight. The tax team can help solve business problems.’

‘Mary Kuusisto is the best tax attorney in private equity. The combination of her experience, tax expertise, and business acumen make her a clear standout in this field.’

‘Robert Gaut is an outstanding tax adviser. He gives advice which is very practical.’

‘Deep understanding of fund formation-related tax issues.’

‘Stephen Pevsner is my primary point of contact. He is responsive, user friendly in his advice, diligent and commercially minded. My go-to person when it comes to standalone UK corporate tax advice.’

‘Ropes & Gray tax team are very good with all-round tax knowledge benefiting private equity houses with a range of expertise on relevant tax topics.’

‘Excellent client service, clear advice, technical know-how, problem solving, integrated within the legal process, fund and deals tax advice.’

‘Excellent tax technical knowledge, deep PE industry experience, client service awareness – they know what matters to clients and are always at the end of a phone being super responsive. Oliver Currall and Jason Menzies are key names to note.’

‘Maryanna is incredibly “user friendly” – both commercial and pragmatic.’

‘Always receive excellent detailed advice.’

‘I have worked with WG&M for more than 15 years across multiple specialisms / product areas and it is not an understatement to say that everyone I have worked with has been incredibly capable, trustworthy and most importantly a pleasure to interact with. Their team culture and respectful, common-sense approach is something I have always valued highly and why I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as a team.’

‘Aron Joy and his team provide excellent support on tax issues arising during the fund establishment and fund raising process. They are always on top of the issues and willing to make themselves available at short notice.’

‘The team is superb and the strongest I have ever encountered in the industry.’

‘Akin Gump’s corporate tax practice is really broad compared to many firms – they have a combination of a depth of knowledge across a broad range of corporate tax issues which makes them stand out from other firms. This is especially so in relation to international tax matters and restructurings and transactions involving a number of tax jurisdictions.’

‘Sophie Donnithorne-Tait has been very impressive. The team are clearly at the top of their game and know tax law back to front. Serena Lee has been the lead lawyer on our matters and has been, frankly, perfect. She is bright, insightful, hardworking and easy to work with.’

‘Encyclopaedic knowledge of UK and EU tax rules and tax treaties, insightful analysis and practical solutions to difficult problems.’

‘The Cadwalader tax team are ahead of the pack! They are at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge tax advice on precedent-setting deals and act for all large financial institutions and market operators on a wide variety of credit deals.’

‘Adam Blakemore is extremely knowledgeable and has a strong grasp of both direct and indirect taxation! Catherine Richardson is a rising star!‘

‘The team are extremely knowledgeable on all areas related to my specific area of concern, taxation of institutional real estate investment funds and the advantages and disadvantages of the range of available fund structures from a tax perspective.’

‘Adam Blakemore is a highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable tax expert in the field of institutional investment funds, recognised and respected by peers as an industry leader.’

‘Adam Blakemore and Catherine Richardson deserve specific mention. They are a pleasure to work with, always interested in finding the best solution for clients, complimented by excellent technical knowledge and depth of experience.’

‘The individuals at the firm are extremely knowledgeable regarding their area of practice and are able to explain complex matters in a simple and understandable way.’

‘I have worked with Ray Smith and David Blumenthal. I find them to be highly competent in simplifying technical nuances in a way that is easier to understand. They are also very commercial in their approach and help me to ensure that I have the bases covered. They are responsive, always deliver, and are very pleasant to work with and engage with.’

‘Richard was very good at brainstorming ideas with me, which was very helpful in preparing for Court. He is also excellent in understanding the clients’ commercial needs and in explaining in client friendly terms what the various choices and issues during litigation are. Maud Murcia is an efficient and hardworking associate.’

‘Really strong set of partners, with Richard Woolich the standout individual.’

‘The team is very professional and the advice given is very good.’

‘Ben and his team are high calibre. What set’s them apart from other law practices in this field is their in-depth knowledge of the business and strong technical competence. Their attitude to their clients is positive and they are on hand to solve problematic issues with practical solutions. They are extremely commercial in their approach and in my view they are some of the best in the market currently.’

‘Ben Eaton, Partner, is highly experienced in all areas of real estate tax. He is always on hand with very commercial solutions and you can have complete confidence in his advice. He is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Charles is deeply insightful on the international market’s approach to fund formation.’

‘James Ross and his team are experts for international tax and are particularly responsive and on point. Even complex questions in the context of transfer pricing or VAT are in the best hands with them. For us a swift response to our inquiries is often key.’

‘I have found them to be rigorous, responsive and highly expert in all my dealings with the firm.’

‘Sarah Gabbai stands out for her all round tax law expertise and exceptional level of client care. This equally applies to her pro bono work which epitomises what pro bono work should be about. She has provided invaluable support to our charity over several years, and is unfailingly diligent and responsive in providing highly expert advice on a wide range of tax law and related issues. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

‘The team are knowledgeable and commercial.’

‘Technically excellent; also were very committed to the work.’

‘Peter Jackson; technically very strong and he works with enthusiasm.’

‘Tom Jarvis and his team were incredibly responsive and gave excellent advice.’

‘Tom Jarvis has a deep understanding of his subject matter and is able to advise on complex tax problems in a way which is practical and easy to understand from a non-tax-lawyer perspective. He conveys a sense of genuine interest in the issues he is advising on and a sense that he cares greatly about the outcome from the client perspective.’

‘Richard Stephens has a considerable amount of knowledge and experience in the area of tax with which we were concerned. His expertise extends from not just technical but to commercial also. This was particularly relevant on the asset disposal that he was advising on. He was able to resolve queries and issues promptly and to the satisfaction of all shareholders.’

‘Laura Hoyland is extraordinarily able and is proving to be an essential member of the team – valued for her technical excellence as well as her approachable style.’

‘Always available, approachable and very responsive. They meet all my deadlines and I feel confident in their advice.’

‘This team is very responsive and engaged. Each member is current as to changes in applicable legislation and can advise on appropriate disclosure related to the same. The team is also very commercial and practical, which makes working with them effortless, including how that approach can diffuse potentially lengthy and sterile theoretical debates in negotiation.’

‘Each team member is engaged and invested. It is clear they understand the overall transaction and the context in which they are giving advice. Each team member is responsive and reliable, both in reverting with comments and the quality of those comments and input. Very pleased to be continuing my collaboration with Miranda Cass and Julia Cockroft. We rely on them heavily and they never disappoint.’

‘Burges Salmon are quick to respond to my questions with practical and accurate advice. They don’t waste time telling me what I already know, so they always add value.’

‘The team is quick to understand what I need from them, and they tailor their advice accordingly. They are practical and commercially aware.’

‘Cooley is clearly a tight-knit, collegiate firm with a strong sense of team, and lawyers who enjoy working with clients and each other on challenging, transformative opportunities. The tax team interacts seamlessly with other Cooley functions, offering an integrated perspective and deeply informed perspective for clients. They are natural problem solvers, highly motivated in partnering with clients on complex matters, and always retain a client-centric commercial outlook.’

‘David Wilson (Partner, Tax): effortless ability in translating complex cross-border tax and restructuring matters to informed, succinct, and pragmatic guidance, in the face of pressing time constraints. Extremely bright tax counsel who is meticulously researched for every discussion, and always appreciates the life sciences angle. Well-respected and tactful negotiator with opposing counsel which greatly streamlined our overall engagement.’

‘I have worked a lot with Dan Hawthorne over the last 4 or 5 years and I have always found him very knowledgeable, but also very commercial and pragmatic in his approach and thinking.’

‘Mark Stapleton is the tax partner that we generally work with. He is very knowledgeable and fairly practical.’

‘Deep knowledge and expertise in the asset management sector. The team has the ability to coordinate global projects.’

‘Mark Stapleton is a very experienced UK and international tax professional advising across a number of corporate specialisms including funds. He combines this with a very personable approach and fast response which is very important in high value time sensitive matters. Dan Hawthorne is similarly very approachable and his clients appreciate his very personal approach to all matters. His experience is similar to Mark’s and further he has particular expertise in employee taxation and incentivisation matters.’

‘MLB Tax have an in depth knowledge of our global structure and funds and therefore are excellently placed to provide constructive knowledgeable advice on a pro-active basis.’

‘The team very quickly get up to speed with complex technical issues and provide speedy and clear advice and ways forward. They make themselves available at whatever time suits the client dealing with multiple time zones and potentially unsociable times.’

‘The team we work with (Kate Habershon and Neil McKnight) display a great level of expertise, they are very friendly and amenable but always demonstrate the highest level of professional standards. They make our company feel confident that we have the best team fighting our corner!‘

‘The team are very pro-active and want to understand your business so they can give the best possible advice.’

‘Kate Habershon is a superstar partner, delivering highly technical advice in an easy to understand way.’