At Norton Rose Fulbright, the group is engaged in a broad range of contentious tax issues, including tax authority investigations and negotiations and litigation before UK courts and tribunals, the European Court of Justice, as well as judicial reviews. Dominic Stuttaford is the head of tax for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Brazil. He leads the litigation group and is a veteran litigator with experience of major SDRT and VAT grouping cases. Michael Alliston, who joined from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in 2019, is an expert in HMRC enquiries and investigations, and also often works with Stuttaford in cases involving warranty and indemnity insurance. Chris Bates assists with HMRC investigations, risk reviews and tax governance and compliance matters.

At Norton Rose Fulbright, the team assists with indirect tax issues arising from corporate and finance transactions, in addition to handling standalone work such as VAT recovery, and contentious issues. Drawing on the firm’s wider specialisms, the group is particularly well-versed in insurance premium tax issues, as well as real estate matters. Dominic Stuttaford is the overall head of the tax practice, with Chris Bates leading the European VAT group. Matthew Hodkin is noted for his niche expertise in VAT relating to the energy generation, supply and transport sectors. In April 2019, Michael Alliston joined from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

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.