‘Responsiveness, relevance and excellence’ are the calling cards of the practice group at boutique tax firm Arkwood SCP, which is highly specialised in advising HNWI on tax planning and corporate tax mandates. Stéphanie Auféril heads up the team and specialises in corporate tax structuring between the US and France. Additional key contacts include trusts specialist Marine Dupas; Michaël Khayat, an expert in real estate and corporate tax; and Julien Riahi, who majors on advising executives, artists and sporting professionals on wealth management matters. Arnaud Tailfer left the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very nice to work with, they have an unparalleled know how and experience in cross-border, complex tax and wealth planning matters touching on French law / France.’
- ‘The team is particularly skilled in French and international taxation. They are capable of finding tailored solutions to even the most complex problems. Always available, highly responsive, with a pragmatic approach, they know when to call upon other experts.'
- ‘Two lawyers stand out in particular: Julien Riahi and Xavier Guérin. They have a remarkable ability to understand their clients' objectives and successfully guide them. They remain involved in the cases even when younger lawyers are preparing them.’
- ‘Arkwood is a genuine strength in depth boutique tax practice. The lawyers are all trained at large firms but with a boutique client service instinct. Their vision is also quite unique - to be a genuine full service firm in matters of private wealth affairs.'
- ‘Michaël Khayat - calm and clear, as technical as they come, practical when he needs to be. A real depth of knowledge. Stéphanie Auféril - the grand dame of Paris private wealth. So good with clients and a real presence in the room. Extremely well-connected. Xavier Guérin - very nimble and dynamic. Great rapport with clients, can really chart a course through complexity.’
- ‘Responsiveness, relevance and excellence in the field of personal income tax.’
Lawyers
Leading partners: Private clients
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Marine Dupas
Michaël Khayat
Julien Riahi
Practice head
Stéphanie Auféril
Other key lawyers
Julien Riahi; Xavier Guérin; Michaël Khayat; Marine Dupas