Mr Aaron Fairhurst > CMS > London, England > Lawyer Profile

CMS‘ large team evidences deep sector expertise across real estate, energy, and pensions, with significant experience in a range of tax matters, including M&A and restructuring projects. Stephen Hignett and Aaron Fairhurst co-lead the group. Fairhurst has particular aptitude in insurance, and is deeply engaged in the oil & gas industry. Hignett covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, with key strength in the media and gambling sectors. Anna Burchner, who is qualified in England & Wales and Hungary, is an expert in international tax law, with supplementary coverage of VAT. Sam Dames focuses on the financial services, infrastructure, and life sciences sectors, and is described as ‘exceptionally bright and a subject-matter expert.’ Mark Joscelyne advises on tax aspects of a broad range of corporate transactions.

With a broad sector focus, CMS’ tax practice boasts expertise in sector-relevant tax issues from the retail, real estate, corporate, and energy sectors, among others. Co-head Stephen Hignett has exceptional knowledge of the TV, music, and gambling sectors. Hignett jointly leads the practice alongside Aaron Fairhurst. International tax expert Anna Burchner is qualified in England, Wales and Hungary. Key members of the practice also include Jacob Gilkes, who specialises in real estate transactions; Lauren Alder, who focuses her practice on the real estate sector, and Phil Anderson, who also handles the VAT and SDLT implications arising from real estate transactions. Mark Whiteside joined the firm in August 2023 from Brabners LLP.