Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP fields a team with ‘exceptional technical expertise and a deep understanding of the complex tax landscape’, coordinating with offices across the US and EU to cater to a prestige client base of multinationals. James Anderson, who is the firm’s European tax head, leads the team. Anderson is well regarded for his expertise in transfer pricing, capital markets transactions, and corporate transactions, in addition to his coverage of innovative areas of tax law. Patrick O’Gara joined the team from Baker McKenzie during January 2025, and brings additional strength in cross-border financing, transfer pricing, and M&A. Jisun Choi has aptitude advising on restructurings and M&A, and is well regarded for her Pillar 2 expertise. Also key are Kara Heggs and Elizabeth Spencer.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team demonstrated exceptional technical expertise and a deep understanding of the complex tax landscape surrounding the area they were advising on. They were incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and meticulous in their approach—carefully considering all available options and providing full, well-reasoned, and commercially sound advice at every stage.’
‘The individuals in this team know what they are doing. Listen carefully to the facts and respectfully consider the questions being asked of them before given due consideration to the approach and best way forward. They make themselves available when needed. In addition, they are personable and likeable people!'
‘Technically excellent professionals through all levels of seniority. Extremely practical and pragmatic advice which reflects a deep understanding of our business and the commercial realities of the markets in which we operate. Partners are always available to support our needs.'
'All members of the firm (from partners, to associates and support staff) are professional and engaging people with whom it is always a pleasure to engage.’
‘James Anderson is technically excellent and has a wealth of experience, which ensures his advice/planning is always on point and is appropriate for our business. He is engaging and is able to quickly get to the heart of a problem. He is always available for urgent matters and has the contacts to quickly mobilise the appropriate resources to tackle any instruction.’
‘Quality of people - vast range of expertise and well-connected. Resulting in relevant market knowledge shared. Great firm.’
‘Excellent market knowledge with application to our facts and overall top quality lawyers. James Anderson is a class above. ’
Key clients
- Axiata Group Berhad
- International Paper Company
- Fibre NetCo
- Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.
- Willis Towers Watson
- BlackRock
- EyeBiotech Limited
- SDC Capital Partners LLC
- The Travel Corporation
- XTX Markets Technologies Ltd
- EG Group
- Engelhart CTP Group (UK) Limited
- Zurich Insurance Group
- Blackstone
Work highlights
Advised Axiata Group Berhad on the tax aspects arising from the $6.5 billion merger of XL Axiata with Smartfren, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas, to create one of the largest telecommunications providers in Indonesia.
Advised International Paper Company on the UK and US tax aspects arising from the $9.9 billion acquisition of DS Smith plc, a leading constituent of the FTS100.
Advising on the UK and US planning and tax structuring of Fibre NetCo, a distinct national fixed network company that will underpin full fibre take up and roll out and establish the biggest dedicated fixed network challenger in the UK, offering clear wholesale choice at scale for other providers as a major alternative to BT’s Openreach.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Anderson
Other key lawyers
Patrick O’Gara; Jisun Choi; Kara Heggs; Elizabeth Spencer