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

Clifford Chance LLP distinguishes itself in M&A and finance-related tax, as well as real estate and funds tax work. In addition to undertaking transactional work, the group has been advising clients on the tax implications of restructurings and reorganisations, both in the context of Brexit and also COVID-19. The global head of tax, pensions and employment is Chris Davies, who focuses on the tax aspects of corporate and finance transactions. Also noted for their specialism in the tax aspects of corporate deals are Nick Mace and David Harkness. David Saleh has notable expertise in indirect tax issues and is also is the name to note for real estate transactions. Dan Neidle is the head of the London tax department.

The tax team at Allen & Overy LLP has a first-rate reputation in financial tax matters, and it also has a strong capability in corporate and real estate tax work. Although transactional work comprises a large part of the practice, the team is also well-versed in standalone advisory matters. Vimal Tilakapala, who heads up the UK tax practice, is well-known for his strengths in domestic and international finance-related tax. Lydia Challen is 'a true genius in the tax world' and specialises in M&A, corporate reorganisations and private equity tax. Christopher Harrison, who is the head of the global tax practice, predominantly advises financial institutions on banking tax and tax-related financing transactions.

The group at Hogan Lovells International LLP advises multinational companies and financial institutions on their domestic and international tax issues. It has developed a specialism in employee benefits and executive compensation tax, an area in which Fiona Bantock takes the lead. Department head Elliot Weston is a transactional tax expert, who also has experience of reorganisations and finance transactions. Karen Hughes is active in M&A, restructurings and international tax planning matters. Elsewhere, the firm is noted for its ability to field an in-house transfer pricing team.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP's practice is very much in growth mode, with the firm having recruited David Irvine and Mavnick Nerwal from Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP and Linklaters LLP respectively in 2019; the arrivals of both practitioners strengthened the private equity and funds-based tax practice. The group is regularly instructed in transatlantic deals, and it is also developing a strong domestic tax practice. The group is led by seasoned tax lawyer Jonathan Kandel, who regularly advises asset managers, sovereign funds and state-owned enterprises on their transactions in the UK. Timothy Lowe, who co-heads the team with Kandel, is a specialist in M&A tax, reorganisations, reconstructions and corporate finance. Frixos Hatjantonas takes the lead in real estate private equity tax work. Dulcie Daly is another name to note, with experience of international tax planning, debt finance and capital markets transactions.

Linklaters LLP's team undertakes the entire spectrum of corporate tax work for clients, which includes advice on M&A and demergers, finance, private equity and funds deals. It also has expertise in the technology and fintech sectors, as well as transactions involving financial institutions. Following the departure of Yash Rupal in February 2020 to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the leadership of the department was taken over by transactional tax expert Lynne Walkington. James Morgan is another key name, who focuses on the taxation of financial institutions, debt funds and alternative credit funds. Mavnick Nerwal left to join Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in December 2019, from where Chris Smale (a fund taxation specialist) joined in the same month. Mark Kingstone and Dominic Winter retired in April 2020.

Macfarlanes LLP has a strong non-contentious and tax advisory practice, with capabilities in transaction structuring, fund formation, group tax advice and operational taxes. On the advisory side, the firm has developed a niche in work for listed companies and financial services companies. Practice head Damien Crossley focuses on private equity and investment management tax, and works with Ceinwen Rees to advise the firm's key fund clients. Ashley Greenbank, who works part-time as a tax tribunal and deputy high court judge, continues to advise on domestic and cross-border corporate finance and M&A transactions. Mark Baldwin is experienced in the structuring of collective investment vehicles.

The group at Travers Smith LLP is 'approachable, knowledgeable and practical', according to one client. It is well-known for advising management teams on the tax aspects of private equity transactions. In addition, since consultant Cathryn Vanderspar joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in October 2019, the group has been increasingly active in real estate tax matters. Since January 2020, the department has been led by Emily Clark, whose recent experience includes advising local authority pension funds on the establishment of credit strategies and real estate platforms. Former practice head Simon Skinner continues to offer tax structuring advice, including cross-border tax planning. Kathleen Russ is a big name in the private equity transactional tax world, while Jessica Kemp is recommended for M&A-related taxation for public and private companies.

Ashurst's practice has a strong transactional tax capability, which is complemented by its tax structuring expertise. Other areas of focus include funds and fund structuring, as well as cross-border advisory work (often for Korean investors) and assistance with financial institutional products. The group is led by fund taxation expert Alexander Cox. Simon Swann and Tim Gummer are noted for their real estate tax expertise, with the latter also being knowledgeable about oil and gas tax, particularly in relation to licensing interests and decommissioning issues.

The London team at Dentons, which is integrated into a global network of offices, is well-placed to advise multinational corporates, private equity funds and financial institutions on their cross-border transactions. The group has a strong advisory practice, where it often assists with structuring issues. It also has a niche in advising tax risk insurers. Alex Thomas, who is a co-chair of the global tax practice (and also heads up the London team), leads on the insurance-related work. James Meakin is experienced in corporate and real estate transactional tax, while Alex Tostevin focuses on private equity deals.

Norton Rose Fulbright's tax team is a powerhouse for corporate and financial transactions. It works closely with the firm's international office network, advising on cross-border M&A, refinancings and restructurings. Dominic Stuttaford, who leads the EMEA and Brazil tax group, specialises in M&A and corporate reorganisations. Matthew Hodkin stands out for his expertise in transport and renewable energy taxation. Property, funds and retail tax are particular areas of focus for Julia Lloyd and Michael Alliston (an arrival from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in April 2019). Counsel Judy Harrison is also recommended.

Addleshaw Goddard's team is adept at advising clients in the financial services sector on transactional and commercial tax matters. In addition, it is equally capable undertaking tax work connected with the real estate and private equity sectors. The department is led by tax structuring expert Justine Delroy, who is based in the Manchester office. Peter Sayer (who is dual-qualified as a solicitor and chartered tax adviser) focuses on real estate taxation, with particular expertise in development and funds work. Paul Concannon specialises in financial services corporate and commercial tax matters. In 2019, former practice co-head Elaine Gwilt left for KPMG.

DLA Piper's UK tax team, which is a core part of a large global practice, is sought out for advice on domestic and international corporate, real estate and finance tax issues, including those arising from M&A and restructurings. The group also has strong capabilities in transfer pricing matters. The firm is particularly noted for its real estate sector work, which is an area where Richard Woolich takes the lead. Woolich co-heads the practice with Ben Brown, who focuses on corporate and finance transactions.

Investment funds taxation is a core area of strength at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, with the team being particularly strong in issues concerning real estate funds. The group is also well-versed in cross-border M&A and real estate investment structuring, as well as tax risk insurance and financial tax. Team head Ben Jones specialises in cross-border M&A, investments and reorganisations. Camilla Spielman leads on funds tax matters, while Paul Beausang has an excellent real estate tax and structured finance practice. In 2019, Cathryn Vanderspar retired from the firm and joined Travers Smith LLP as a consultant.

Latham & Watkins' tax group advises on M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions, with a notable offering for cross-border work. The group is led by Sean Finn. Karl Mah takes the lead on tax issues arising from banking and capital markets transactions.

Mishcon de Reya LLP has 'a very good specialist real estate tax offering', and is widely recognised by clients for its expertise in the sector. In addition, it has developed a strong capability handling the tax aspects of private equity transactions. The practice is jointly led by real estate head Jonathan Legg and corporate tax lead John Skoulding, with the latter having expertise in UK and international M&A, fund formation, management buyouts, corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Another seasoned tax lawyer is Gary Richards, who specialises in corporate finance, real estate and financial services taxation.

The group at Proskauer Rose LLP is most noted for its funds tax work, where the team exhibits a strength in cross-border structures. Practice head Robert Gaut has vast experience of a range of matters, including corporate tax structuring, real estate tax and fund formation. Stephen Pevsner focuses on private fund formation and private equity tax, while London office managing partner Mary Kuusisto offers US tax advice for private investment funds with investments in the UK.

The tax group at Stephenson Harwood is able to handle transactional, structuring and advisory work. It has niche expertise in share schemes, employee incentives and real estate tax, and also regularly handles tax-related M&A and finance work, as well as investment funds issues. Practice head Hugo Jenney is an expert in corporate and personal tax, and has a specialism in matters connected with transportation, real estate and asset finance. Maryanna Sharrock is noted for corporate transactions, reconstructions and structuring, and she also has significant contentious tax experience. Senior associate Kate Worthington is a name to note in the real estate tax space.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP's tax team plays a key role in private equity and corporate M&A transactions, private funds, insolvencies, group restructurings and structured finance. The department is jointly led by funds tax expert Oliver Walker and Jenny Doak, who was hired from Vinson & Elkins RLLP in November 2019. Doak has expertise in restructurings and transactional tax. Aron Joy, who recently made partner, has expertise in investment management and private funds tax.

At White & Case LLP, Peita Menon's team handles transactional and advisory tax issues for a wide range of clients, including funds and multinational corporates, as well as the tax aspects of corporate reorganisations.

Core elements of the practice at Akin Gump LLP are restructurings, investment funds, and standalone tax advisory work. Sophie Donnithorne-Tait is a tax restructuring expert, noted as 'great at quickly identifying key deal issues and developing practical and commercial solutions'. The team is led by Stuart Sinclair, who has a solid financial institutional client-base, and includes counsel Serena Lee, who has a developing practice involving funds and debt restructuring work.

Bird & Bird LLP distinguishes itself providing tax advice to technology clients, in line with the firm's broader strengths in this sector. The group has expertise in international tax, centred on European and US inbound and outbound work, the taxation of intellectual property, as well as M&A-related tax. The practice is led by Zoe Feller.

At Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, the group specialises in tax structuring for complex corporate and financing transactions, mainly in the UK and US. It is noted as 'a standout team' for securitisations and collateralised loan obligations. Practice head Adam Blakemore is an expert in a variety of financing transactions, including securitisations, hybrid capital issuances, repackagings and credit-linked instruments. Catherine Richardson, who is an international tax expert, was promoted to special counsel in 2020.

The 'very commercial and technically strong' group at Clyde & Co LLP has significant expertise in insurance sector taxation, involving M&A, underwriting and insurance premium tax. Elsewhere, the firm demonstrates strong capabilities in relation to real estate and employment taxes. Department head Ray Smith advises on tax planning and transactional matters. David Blumenthal leads on share schemes and employee incentives.

The group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP draws heavily on the firm's US presence to advise US investors on the tax aspects of fund formation, M&A, finance and capital markets transactions in the UK. The group is led by co-managing partner of the London office Richard Ward, who is a transactional tax expert. Matthew Saronson takes the lead assisting sponsors and investors on the US and international aspects of UK private equity investments.

Goodwin's tax department focuses on private equity and real estate matters, as well as work arising from the tech and life sciences space. Team leader Laura Charkin has significant expertise in fund structuring, as well as fundraisings and equity transactions. Robert Young, who arrived from Taylor Wessing LLP in September 2019, specialises in advising start-ups and venture capital investors on tax structuring and investments. Katie Leah was promoted to partner in October 2019, having built experience in domestic and cross-border private equity and real estate transactions.

Graham Iversen leads the team at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, which has notable expertise in the tax aspects of corporate transactions, as well as investment funds and real estate deals. Ben Eaton is an expert in the tax aspects of real estate transactions and investment funds. Charles Case is a funds tax expert with additional expertise in complex joint ventures with carried interest arrangements.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP advises corporates, financial services organisations and high-net-worth individuals on the tax aspects of M&A, fund formation, banking and real estate transactions, as well as contentious tax issues. Practice head James Ross is experienced in commercial tax and restructuring issues, as well as transfer pricing and international tax. Associate Sarah Gabbai focuses on corporate tax and has a wealth of experience advising clients on a full range of UK and international tax matters.

Osborne Clarke LLP's department has expertise in transactional tax, in relation to corporate and real estate deals, as well as tax structuring in the funds and private equity space. The group also handles employee benefits work. Tracey Wright has extensive experience advising on matters arising from the real estate and infrastructure sector, while Erika Jupe is an international tax expert. Mathew Oliver, who is another international tax specialist, is also instructed in corporate restructurings and intellectual property tax. David Nisbet leads the private equity offering, and has 'excellent knowledge of the real estate industry'.

Paul Hastings LLP's tax group focuses on investment funds, private equity ad structured finance work, which often has a transatlantic flavour. The department is led by Arun Birla, who has 'strong analytical and negotiation skills'. Associate Jiten Tank focuses on the tax aspects of corporate M&A, funds and real estate transactions. Associate Hannah Gray is recommended for advice on the structuring of financial products.

Ropes & Gray LLP's team has core strengths in tax issues related to private equity, fund formation, real estate, banking and finance. It has experience of handling large cross-border transactions, drawing on the firm's presence globally. Brenda Coleman, who leads the European tax practice, has a specialism in international tax planning. Andrew Howard focuses on financing transactions and private equity deals.

Taylor Wessing LLP advises private wealth clients on their UK and international investments. In addition, it is highly active in the real estate funds space, where it handles the structuring and listing of real estate investment trusts. The team notably excels in assisting international clients with the structuring and financing of investments into the UK and Europe. Peter Jackson is the head of the international tax group, which includes Graham Samuel-Gibbon. Liz Wilson joined from Squire Patton Boggs in November 2019.

Bristows LLP's group has expertise in tax issues arising from the structuring of corporate, commercial and real estate transactions. It is particularly active in the technology, life sciences, media and luxury brands sectors. Practice head Miranda Cass works with senior associate and real estate tax expert Julia Cockroft.

The corporate tax team at Burges Salmon LLP splits its time between London and Bristol. It provides tax planning and transactional advice in relation to M&A and real estate deals, as well as corporate structurings and reorganisations. Group head Sarah Lane handles contentious and non-contentious matters, and has a specialism in alternative funds. Ian Carnochan is noted for his expertise in transactional tax and has experience of the private equity arena. John Barnett leads the tax, trusts and family team. He advises individuals and owner-managed-businesses on investments, remuneration and tax planning.

The 'very approachable and practical' team at Cooley (UK) LLP has a wealth of knowledge of the life sciences and technology sectors, where it can draw on the firm's overarching expertise in private equity and capital markets transactions. The group is led by Natasha Kaye, who focuses on tax issues arising from private equity transactions. David Wilson is also recommended.

Dechert LLP's team comprises of chartered tax advisers, and they all focus on UK and cross-border tax issues. The group's numerous areas of specialism include tax matters connected with hedge and credit funds, investment management, private equity and M&A. Seasoned tax lawyer Mark Stapleton, who is the head of the department, is noted for his funds-related work. Daniel Hawthorne has notable expertise in employment and incentivisation taxation.

Mayer Brown International LLP's team often provides a support role on transactions spanning areas such as M&A, capital markets, real estate and finance. In addition, it also advises on specific projects involving tax planning and structuring. The department is led by transactional tax expert James Hill. Chartered tax adviser Simon Rose specialises in advising UK, offshore and international funds in the real estate and private equity arenas. In 2019, Ben Fryer left for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, although the tax practice was bolstered by the arrival of structured finance and M&A focused practitioner Matthew Mortimer from Milbank. Kitty Swanson, who was promoted to counsel in 2020, is also recommended.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's London-based group is embedded into the firm's global tax practice, and it plays a key role in cross-border tax matters involving financial services and investment funds. Other areas of expertise include senior executive remuneration and incentives, as well as tax advisory work for corporates and investment funds. Practice head Kate Habershon has substantial experience of public and private M&A and international tax structuring. Associate Neil McKnight has a specialism in cross-border transactions in the TMT sector.

Simon Letherman, who is the key tax partner at Shearman & Sterling LLP, works closely with the firm's other departments to assist clients with the tax aspects of corporate transactions, finance, capital markets transactions, financial products and insolvency restructurings.

Andrew Callaghan heads up the tax group at Vinson & Elkins RLLP, which is active in international tax planning in relation to the natural resources, energy and telecoms sectors. In addition, it plays a key role in cross-border private equity transactions and restructurings. Jenny Doak left the firm for Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP in November 2019.