Alan Barr > Brodies LLP > Edinburgh, Scotland > Lawyer Profile

Brodies LLP fields a team of dedicated, full-time tax specialists who advise across an array of real estate and corporate transactions in addition to related disputes. Isobel D’Inverno fronts the practice and is particularly knowledgeable of both Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and is particularly well placed to support on the structuring of inward investments; she regularly serves as advisor to the Scottish Government and Revenue Scotland alongside Alan Barr, an authority on the full array of personal and business tax matters. Other standout names include Karen Davidson, an expert in respect of the private equity and corporate transactions, as well as senior associate Heather Gibson who often advises overseas corporates on arising tax responsibilities.

Based in Aberdeen and led by the dual-qualified Mark Stewart, Brodies LLP fields an ‘impressive and very competent team’ covering estate planning for wealthy families, succession planning, tax planning and executrices for a steady roster of high-net-worth clients. The group is also active in setting up family investment companies. Tax planning matters are led by Alan Barr, who is singled out for his expertise in property tax issues including land and buildings transaction tax. In Glasgow, Norman Kennedy‘s practice covers inheritance tax mitigation, trusts and incapacity planning. Also of note is Susanne Batchelor, who specialises in complex estate planning and receives regular instructions from English law firms on cross-border issues.

Brodies LLP has a well-regarded private client practice which combines its strength in commercial litigation to offer an extensive contentious trust offering. Spread over four locations in Scotland, the team covers disputes pertaining to business assets, validity of wills, winding up of estates and executry disputes. The Aberdeen-based Mark Stewart leads the practice with Christine O’Neill, which features tax specialist Alan Barr, and Susanne Batchelor, who focuses on complex estate planning matters. Other areas of activity include handling claims of breach of trust and actions to remove trustees. Over in Glasgow, Angela McCulloch acts for trustees, executors and individuals on estate planning.