Ashurst stands out for its 'well-integrated indirect tax practice'. The 'technically very strong' team has a solid track record in advising on corporate tax planning, transactional work and international tax matters, and is also well regarded for handling stamp duty mandates. Practice head Costa Koutsis is a key contact for indirect tax and stamp duty work, which also features prominently in Sanjay Wavde's practice. Steve Whittington regularly acts for international and domestic corporations in the finance, retail, and hospitality sectors. Vivian Chang, Ian Kellock, Bronwyn Kirkwood and consultant Barbara Phair are key names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Technically very strong team, but also practical. One of the leading stamp duty practices in the country.’
‘They are industry leaders and practical.’
‘The Ashurst tax practice are all practical, commercial advisors. They provide useful and timely updates to clients.’
‘Costa Koutsis is a trusted advisor, not just on technical tax issues, but also on commercial matters. His industry expertise is unrivaled and combined with his pragmatic approach, leads to making the complex less so.’
‘My main contacts are Steve Whittington and Costa Koutsis. Both are very strong and knowledgeable tax practitioners. They also bring a practical lens to problems.'
‘Exceptionally smart, commercial practitioners. Full service with a well-integrated indirect tax practice.'
‘Stephen Whittington has a tax brain. Excellent grasp of technical details but maintains perspective on commercial context. Capable of thinking outside the box and approaching issues from new perspectives to create opportunity.’
Key clients
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- Macquarie
- Woolworths
- Oxford Properties Group
- Uber
- Ivanhoé Cambridge
- Mirvac
- Brookfield
- Downer EDI
- La Mancha
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Costa Koutsis
Other key lawyers
Vivian Chang; Sanjay Wavde; Steve Whittington; Ian Kellock; Bronwyn Kirkwood; Barbara Phair