A&O Shearman pursues a globally oriented full-service approach to tax advice and assists a client base primarily consisting of financial service providers, corporations, real estate companies and medium-sized players with corporate and transactional tax matters, compliance, the automation of tax processes and contentious issues, including litigation and out-of-court dispute resolution. For the latter, Chair of Global Tax and practice head Gottfried Breuninger is a key contact who is often instructed by financial institutions to assist with investigations and transaction-related tax audits. Other key contacts include Heike Weber, who regularly advises players from the financial services, insurance and real estate sectors on transactions, and Florian Lechner, who has experience in capital market tax law and cum-cum and cum-ex issues. The group's competence in tax structuring of investment funds was underlined with the partner promotion of Tim Drach in May 2024. Ellen Birkemeyer, who is experienced in tax risk management systems, joined WTS in November 2023.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Very good understanding of the complex structures of the German group and very good cooperation between individual legal departments of A&O Shearman (tax, corporate law, employment law). Stable team.'
'Gottfried Breuninger offers many years of experience.'
'Senior support of complex PE/VC issues in the German-international tax environment.'
'Gottfried Breuninger: Very experienced tax partner (working in the PE/VC environment); very pleasant working style, high quality standards, highly recommended.'
- 'Heike Weber: Outstanding tax lawyer. Great client support; you know you are in the right hands with her and get an all-round, worry-free program.'
- 'The tax team provides an exceptional service. They are always responsive, client focused, reliable and have a high level of expertise and a solid understanding of market dynamics.'
- 'Heike Weber and Tim Drach always respond promptly. They bring with them a wealth of experience and have a deep insight into real estate matters.'
Key clients
- Hamburger Gesellschaft für Vermögens- und Beteiligungsmanagement mbH (HGV)
- SAP SE
- Kühne Holding AG
- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co
- Aloys Wobben Stiftung
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Florian Lechner
Heike Weber
Practice head
Gottfried Breuninger
Other key lawyers
Heike Weber; Magnus Müller; Florian Lechner; Tim Drach