The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > London > Corporate tax

Clifford Chance LLP is well-placed to advise multinationals on Brexit-related restructurings, US tax reform and mitigation and compliance with the Criminal Finances Act 2017. The group also stands out for transactional matters, including project financings and M&A. Department head Chris Davies specialises in taxation for corporate and financing transactions, with a focus on structured finance and international tax. The group also includes veteran tax lawyer David Harkness whose practice includes restructurings and international tax planning. Harkness advised HSBC and ICBC as lenders on the tax aspects of the restructuring, short-term financing and administration of House of Fraser.

Linklaters LLP's tax group excels in a number of areas, notably: corporate demergers and group unifications; M&A transactions; securitisations and structured finance; funds and private equity work. The group also has significant Fintech expertise, with experience advising major financial institutions on the tax implications of interbank blockchain technology. The team is led by Yash Rupal, who clients rate for his ability to handle commercial transactions in addition to managing tax controversies. Other key team members include financial institutions taxation expert James Morgan and Mavnick Nerwal who is an expert in the global financial sponsors sector. In November 2019, Chris Smale joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Slaughter and May's notable strength in depth enables it to advise on the full spectrum of transactional tax matters and securitisations, as well as offering strategic advice on restructurings and international tax issues across a range of sectors, including private equity, real estate, retail,  energy and manufacturing. The department is led by Sara Luder, who has substantial experience in contentious and non-contentious issues. Steve Edge is another key name and is often instructed in transatlantic matters. Dominic Robertson, whose 'technical knowledge is second-to-none' is noted for his experience advising clients in the technology space.

Allen & Overy LLP advises  on corporate, financial and real estate tax matters, covering all of these from both a transactional and advisory perspective. The department often draws on the firm's international presence to offer clients a full cross-border service. Financial services tax is a key area of expertise, under the leadership of group head Vimal Tilakapala, and clients include a mixture of banks and other financial institutions, particularly in relation to financings, capital markets issues and structured finance. Christopher Harrison leads the global tax practice and James Burton stands out for real estate tax work.

Baker McKenzie's tax practice stands out for its strong cross-border offering due to the firm's extensive  international presence. In addition to its traditional corporate transactional tax practice, the firm  offers  tax planning and transfer pricing capabilities, as well as VAT and indirect tax expertise. The department's strength is evidenced by a stellar client list, including Body Shop, Hitachi and Unilever. The group is led by Mark Delaney and includes London office managing partner and international tax planning expert Alex Chadwick, Richard Fletcher, who co-leads the UK transfer pricing group alongside Nigel Dolman and James Smith who takes the lead on transactional tax matters.

Hogan Lovells International LLP's team uses the firm's global office network to advise clients on the tax aspects of complex cross-jurisdictional transactions. This advice is augmented by a strong transfer pricing service that includes compliance and disputes capabilities. Other areas of expertise include real estate and finance-related taxation. The department is led by Elliot Weston, who principally advises institutional investors, lenders, corporations, and investment managers in the real estate sector. Co-head of the global tax practice Karen Hughes focuses on tax related to commercial transactions. Philip Harle, who led the London team until 2018, has extensive experience in acquisitions and disposals.

Key areas of expertise for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP's 12-partner tax group include private equity transactions, real estate, credit transactions, restructuring and fund formation. Drawing on the firm's transatlantic presence, the group is most noted for advising US clients, but it also handles work for clients based in the UK and Europe, with a focus on private equity and financial sponsors. In 2018, the group, which is led by Jonathan Kandel, welcomed Alan Walker from Linklaters LLP, cross-border private equity and M&A specialist Jan Hobbs from Clifford Chance LLP. In November 2019, Chris Smale left to join Linklaters LLP.

Macfarlanes LLP's tax department is divided into teams handling investment management, M&A, real estate, remuneration and group tax. Particular specialisms for the firm include VAT, employment and mobility taxes, tax policy, operational tax, transfer pricing and share valuation. The group has a niche in advisory work for listed companes and financial services groups, particularly in relation to cross-border matters. Department head Damien Crossley focuses on alternative investment fund taxation, Ashley Greenbank is experienced in the corporate tax aspects of UK and cross-border corporate finance and M&A transactions and group tax planning. Ceinwen Rees, who joined from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in May 2018, is an expert in funds taxation.

Addleshaw Goddard's tax team plays an integral part within  the firm's other offerings across real estate, financial services and private equity. The firm handles tax advisory and structuring work alongside a  particular strength  in transactional tax work. The tax and structuring team is led from Manchester by Justine Delroy, while Elaine Gwilt is the key tax contact for the London office; with expansive experience in the private equity space.

Ashurst's team combines tax generalists with sector-specific expertise to offer clients a strong service on both domestic and international tax issues. The department is led by Alexander Cox, who focuses on funds and M&A; Paul Miller is noted for financings and restructurings; Simon Swann is a real estate tax expert; and Nicholas Gardner advises on taxes related to energy and infrastructure, as well as general corporate tax.

Isaac Zailer is the global head of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's tax group, which has a strong international focus and advises clients on the tax aspects of M&A deals, private equity, fund formation and restructuring. Particular niche specialisms include upstream energy taxation and insurance-related tax. Other key names include corporate and tax planning specialist Howard Murray and William Arrenberg, whose focus include real estate, oil and energy tax matters. In 2019, Neil Warriner retired, while Michael Alliston left the firm for Norton Rose Fulbright.

Norton Rose Fulbright's tax expertise encompasses the range of corporate and finance transactions, drawing on strong and wide-ranging sector expertise, including in the niche areas of new technology and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), renewable energy and Islamic Finance.  Dominic Stuttaford is head of tax for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Brazil, and is focused on M&A transactions and corporate re-organisations, with a particular emphasis on the insurance, banking and technology sectors. Associate Judy Harrison has expertise in tax matters for financial institutions and clients in the transport, technology and energy sectors. In 2019, Angela Savin left the department to join KPMG United Kingdom, however the group gained Michael Alliston as a partner from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

Simmons & Simmons' tax group handles transactional, advisory and contentious matters, as well as transfer pricing for a broad client base of equity investors, asset managers and financial institutions. The London and international tax groups are led by Darren Oswick, who is supported by M&A tax expert Nick Cronkshaw and Martin Shah, who leads the financial services tax practice.

Core strengths for the team at Travers Smith LLP include the tax aspects of private equity, asset management and investment funds, as well as corporate finance, M&A, real estate and employee incentives. Department head Simon Skinner has an active transactional and advisory practice; Russell Warren specialises in advising private equity houses, as does Kathleen Russ. Jessica Kemp is noted for her expertise in M&A-related taxation in both the public and private sectors.

White & Case LLP's team offers transactional, advisory and structuring advice to clients including governments, sovereign wealth funds, multinationals and family-backed businesses. Peita Menon leads the London tax team and is experienced in corporate M&A and reorganisations. Michael Wistow is noted for his expertise in real estate-related tax. Laura Hoyland was promoted to partner in January 2019 and advises a variety of funds and private equity houses.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP stands out for its expertise in the interplay between US and UK tax regimes, predominantly advising on fund formation, M&A, financing and capital markets tax issues with US-UK aspects. The team is jointly-led by London co-managing partner Richard Ward and Matthew Saronson, whose practice consists of advising sponsors and investors on the US and international tax aspects of private equity funds and their operations.

The group at Dentons is able to draw on a substantial global office network to advise on tax matters with an international element across the private equity, corporate, real estate, and structured finance sectors. In addition, it has developed a niche in FinTech, advising clients on the tax consequences of blockchain technologies, anti-hybrid rules, corporate interest rate restrictions and compliance with the Criminal Finances Act 2017. Alex Thomas is head of the UK team and co-chair of the global tax practice. He specialises in corporate and real estate tax issues. Tax generalist James Meakin joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in March 2018.

DLA Piper's team handles a range of transactional and advisory tax work in relation to corporate, real estate and financial services matters. The firm also advises more broadly on international taxation, which sits alongside a strong transfer pricing practice. The team include international VAT expert Richard Woolich, who 'has a very wide range of knowledge in all areas of tax'.

Cathryn Vanderspar leads the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which has a broad offering in investment fund taxation, cross-border M&A, real estate investment, finance tax and tax risk insurance. The team includes funds taxation specialist Camilla Spielman and real estate tax expert Paul Beausang, who joined the group from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in May 2018.

Finance and M&A-related tax are key areas of expertise for the team at Latham & Watkins, which has a strong transactional focus and a specialism in private equity-related work. The group also regularly supports other departments in the firm on issues such as IPOs and technology-related taxation. Transactional tax specialist Sean Finn and Karl Mah (who is the principal tax contact for the London office's banks and capital markets departments) co-head the team.

The team at Pinsent Masons LLP stands out for its transactional work and structuring  advice, for which it is able to provide a cross-border service via the firm's international network of offices, as well as a strong transfer pricing practice. The team is led by Eloise Walker, who often works closely with the German tax team advising UK investors on tax issues across the EU. Following the retirement of John Christian in 2018, the group was joined by dual-qualified lawyer and chartered tax adviser Peter Morley from Squire Patton Boggs and real estate tax expert Richard Croker from CMS

Stephenson Harwood's key areas of tax sector expertise are funds, transportation and asset finance. The group is often called upon to advise on M&A, financing and real estate matters and is also able to assist clients with the restructuring of complex tax planning arrangements. Department head Hugo Jenney handles corporate and personal tax; Maryanna Sharrock is a business tax expert; senior associate Kate Worthington has particular experience in real estate transactions.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP 's City tax team  counts a strong private equity leaning  among its strengths as well as handling the  tax aspects of  corporate M&A,  private funds,  insolvencies  and  group restructurings. It  is able to draw on the firm's  office  network across  North America and Europe  to  handle cross-border tax matters. The  team also  advises on  the tax  aspects of  structured financings, leveraged financings and management incentivisation schemes. Oliver Walker leads the department and has significant experience in transactional tax matters and complex reorganisations.

Akin Gump LLP's main focuses are restructurings and investment fund taxation, drawing on the firm's wider expertise in financial services. Department head Stuart Sinclair handles a variety of structuring and transactional work. Sophie Donnithorne-Tait is noted for experience in major restructurings and reorganisations, and also leads on pro bono support provided to the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone, alongside counsel Serena Lee, who is experienced in investment funds and restructurings.

In keeping with the firm's wider insurance expertise, Clyde & Co LLP stands out for insurance taxation matters, including public and private insurance for M&A transactions, underwriting and insurance premium tax. The group is also regularly instructed in real estate deals, as well as on a variety of M&A transactions. Ray Smith leads the team, advising on tax planning and transactional tax issues.

Goodwin's team focuses on private equity and real estate taxation. working closely with the London office's other departments to provide clients with a full service. On the funds side, a particular strength of  the  City office , the group assists clients with the formation of funds and their transactions. Following the departure of Sarah Priestley, who left to co-found PriestleySoundy in December 2018, Goodwin's tax team is led by private investment fund taxation expert Laura Charkin, who also leads on European tax, and has experience in structuring Luxembourg-based funds. Senior associate Katie Leah is noted for transactional tax matters. In June 2019, the group welcomed venture capital and real estate tax specialist Rob Young from Taylor Wessing LLP.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP's core UK tax practice focuses  on advising on M&A transactions, fund formations, banking-related tax work, real estate matters and litigation, engaging in disputes with tax authorities including HMRC. The group is able to draw on the firm's global office network to cater to the needs of international clients in cross-border tax matters. Tax generalist James Ross leads the team and has particular experience in transfer pricing and double tax treaty issues.

Mishcon de Reya LLP's advisory- and transaction-focused team has deep expertise in property tax, advising on all aspects of real estate investment, including student accommodation. Many of  these matters are led by department co-head Jonathan Legg. In addition, the team has experience in insurance-sector deals and fund formation taxation. John Skoulding, who is the other co-head, focuses on transactional advice around domestic and international M&A, fund formations and corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Gary Richards is noted for tax planning and transaction structuring.

Arun Birla leads Paul Hastings LLP's London corporate tax offering, which is instructed on major deals, often with international aspects. The group also excels in standalone advisory work for clients such as financial institutions ad private funds - as well as advising on  matters involving collateralized loan obligations and the real estate sector.

Proskauer Rose LLP is geared towards advising funds and asset managers on across all of their tax issues, with the team drawing on strong cross-practice cooperation with the corporate, banking and real estate practices. As a US-headquartered firm, the tax team is well-placed to advise on transatlantic deals. Department head Robert Gaut's practice spans complex corporate tax structuring, real estate tax counsel and fund formation taxation. Matt Pincus, who joined from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in 2018, is a go-to name for US tax issues.

Corporate and private equity tax expert Brenda Coleman leads the group at Ropes & Gray LLP, which excels in transactional tax for clients with operations in the UK and across the EU. Private equity, fund formation, real estate, banking and finance remain core competencies for the department.

At Shearman & Sterling LLP, the team handles the full spectrum of traditional corporate tax matters for a variety of domestic and international, public and private sector clients. It also often works closely with the firm's international private capital industry group to advise on complex structures. Simon Letherman leads the team and is a real tax generalist.

The team at Taylor Wessing LLP has a strong transactional and advisory offering, with experience in the private wealth sector, real estate funds and inward investment structuring and financing. The tax group also works closely with the firm's corporate technology team, advising both start-ups and venture capital investors. The department is jointly-led by international tax expert Peter Jackson and Robert Young, who focuses on incentives.

Drawing on a strong transatlantic presence, Vinson & Elkins RLLP's main focus is international tax planning, with a particular emphasis on the natural resources, energy and telecoms industries. The team also advises on cross-border acquisitions by private equity funds, as well as restructurings.

Bird & Bird LLP's team works closely with the firm's M&A department, predominantly advising on the tax aspects of transactions. The group also has expertise in tax issues relating to intellectual property, as well as international tax, particularly for European and US inbound and outbound work. Zoe Feller leads the tax practice and has experience of corporate, asset finance and structured finance transactions. Legal director Simon Gough is noted for banking and funds work.

Burges Salmon LLP 's tax practice  offers advice on  corporate restructurings, real estate transactions and investment funds for clients including The Crown Estate. Following the retirement of Nigel Popplewell in 2019, the group is led by Ian Carnochan and Sarah Lane, who joined the firm from an in-house position at FTI Consulting in March 2018, and has a practice that includes M&A, treasury tax and real estate tax  work.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is most noted for its cross-border structured finance practice.  The London  tax group regularly advises domestic and multinational companies and financial institutions on the tax aspects of transactions and deal structuring. Adam Blakemore leads the practice and has particular experience assisting clients with restructurings in solvent and distressed debt situations and  corporate reorganisations.

Cooley (UK) LLP's team has a transactional focus, supporting the firm's private equity and capital markets teams on taxation matters relating to firm-wide  key sector specialisms  in life sciences and technology. Natasha Kaye leads the practice, with expertise in private equity transactions; acting for both institutions and management teams. David Wilson, who joined the firm from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in May 2018,  has extensive experience in finance transactions, often with cross-border aspects.

Dechert LLP's team really stands out for its work in the UK and cross-border private equity, funds and investment management spaces, but it is also instructed on M&A and executive incentives matters. Mark Stapleton leads the team, with substantial experience advising offshore funds and investment managers, in addition to offering structuring and tax advice on collateralised loan obligations (CLOs). Jane Scobie , who is  recommended for her expertise in  private equity taxation, left  the firm for Willkie Farr  & Gallagher in  2019.

Derek Hill leads the team at Fieldfisher, and specialises in tax-structured finance transactions. The group has a variety of experience, but is most noted for advising clients in the TMT, life sciences and financial services sectors.

Jones Day's tax department has a heavy real estate focus, under the leadership of Blaise Marin-Curtoud. Drawing on the firm's international presence and strong transactional practices, the group also handles M&A and financing taxation. Charlotte Sallabank left to join Katten in October 2018.

The group at Mayer Brown International LLP works closely with the firm's international offices, primarily providing transactional support. In addition, it is often called upon to advise on tax planning and structuring work, which it can provide across several jurisdictions. It  has a particular niche in the taxation of employee share incentives, an area of expertise for department leader James Hill.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's team draws on the firm's global reach to advise multi-national clients on the spectrum of transactional and tax structuring work. Department head Kate Habershon focuses on M&A, international structuring, corporate finance, private equity and executive compensation. In 2018, real estate tax expert Paul Beausang left the team to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.