A&O Shearman covers all aspects of corporate, financial, and real estate tax, with a strong reputation for acting in both UK and international mandates. Team lead and global head of tax Christopher Harrison is particularly active on behalf of financial institutions, advising on tax-related financing transactions. Lydia Challen covers tax matters relating to M&A, corporate reorganisations and private equity, as does James Burton, who additionally handles tax issues relating to financing transactions. Charles Yorke is particularly active in asset finance and capital markets transactions, with key strength in project finance. Finance tax specialist Esther Lemmon is a name to note, as is Tim Harrop, whose areas of particular strength are private equity, technology, and infrastructure. Gareth Banfield covers all aspects of corporate tax, and leads the firm’s VAT practice. Simon Letherman joined the team in May 2024, as part of the merger with Shearman & Sterling.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Adept at dealing with complex matters and distilling complex issues into manageable pieces.’
‘Charles Yorke is a complete genius.’
‘Very capable practice.'
‘Chris Harrison is a very experienced partner. Knowledge, capable and truly listens to his clients and always aiming to do even better.’
'Lydia Challen's clarity of thought and ability to explain the most complex topics in the clearest fashion is unparalleled.'
Key clients
- BNP Paribas
- Quilter Plc.
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Société Générale
- UBS A.G.
- Coventry Building Society
- Marks & Spencer
- Worldpay
- WPP
- Investec
Work highlights
Advised Direct Line Insurance Group on the tax aspects of the sale of its brokered commercial insurance business to RSA Insurance.
Advised a global real estate investor, on its joint venture acquisition of 50% of the shares in a JVCo which already indirectly owned a 60% interest in 17 operating NHS medical facilities.
Advised a global financial institution headquartered in Canada on the sale of the European asset servicing activities of its subsidiary, RBC Investor Services.
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.
Christopher Harrison
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Charles Yorke
Practice head
Christopher Harrison
Other key lawyers
Lydia Challen; Charles Yorke; James Burton; Tim Harrop; Esther Lemmon; Vimal Tilakapala; Simon Letherman