Macfarlanes LLP fields a team praised by clients for its 'deep technical tax knowledge', with a strong record acting as lead tax adviser in a diverse range of highly complex tax matters. Areas of strength include VAT, transfer pricing, valuation, and employee incentives and mobility. The department is led by Damien Crossley, who is a leading figure in private capital tax. Sophie Donnithorne-Tait is active in both domestic and international tax mandates, and is particularly active on behalf of private capital managers, as is James McCredie. Ashley Greenbank and Mark Baldwin are active in the department as advisers. Jeremy Moncrieff is a 'a stand-out performer', with key strength in high value M&A. Gregory Price is a contact for strategic tax matters such as group structuring and relationships with tax authorities, while Alicia Thomas advises fund managers in a range of matters. Sarah Shucksmith joined the partnership in May 2023, and has expertise in real estate tax.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes this practice unique is the deep technical tax knowledge throughout their tax team, along with a strong commercial understanding and deal focus. Their technical opinions on areas of tax uncertainty are of a very high standard.’
‘Jeremy Moncrieff leads the tax team supporting our transactions. He is approachable, with a deep understanding of tax technical matters and industry practice. This blend of experience enables him to advise on unique technical risks and offer solutions supporting the commercial objectives.’
‘The team is unique in the London market in its strength and depth. By contrast to other City tax practices, they are expanding the number of lawyers, rather than shrinking. They can also deal with a greater variety of issues than other teams - corporate, private client/personal, funds, transfer pricing.’
‘Sophie Donnithorne-Tait is an impressive tax lawyer - smart, thoughtful and commercial. She's also very easy to work with.’
‘One of the key attributes is availability and also a detailed understanding of our history and risk tolerance. Work is thorough, delivered promptly and in the manner best suited to us.’
‘Jeremy Moncrieff is a stand-out performer, always available and calm and clear in his advice. He presents the relative risks concisely and accurately.’
‘The team are always available to deal with any key issues that arise from across our structure / deals. Their diligence and hard work doesn't go unnoticed from across the wider team. Their knowledge of the key issues that we face on an ongoing basis is unparalleled.’
‘Jeremy Moncrieff is a joy to work with, always seems able to leap ahead to what the answer to a given situation will be.’
Key clients
- Aermont
- Investec
- Abrdn
- AlbaCore
- Patron Capital
- Charterhouse
- Cross Ocean Partners
- Hayfin
- L&G
- Partners Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Aermont Capital on the sale of an initial 50% stake to Keppel Corporation Limited.
- Advised Investec on the merger of Investec Wealth & Investment Limited and Rathbones Group plc to create the UK’s leading discretionary wealth managers.
- Advised abrdn on the sale of its European-headquartered private equity business to Patria Investments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Damien Crossley
Other key lawyers
James McCredie; Ashley Greenbank; Mark Baldwin; Jeremy Moncrieff; Gregory Price; Alicia Thomas; Sophie Donnithorne-Tait; Sarah Shucksmith