Dispute resolution
A&O Shearman specialises in corporate, financial, and real estate tax, with aptitude in both transactional support and general advisory work. The group benefits from the firm’s extensive international network, facilitating seamless cooperation across a range of complex global mandates. Christopher Harrison leads the London team, and is the firm’s global head of tax. Harrison is particularly adept in tax aspects of securitisations and capital market transactions. James Burton has a focus on the real estate sector, while Lydia Challen covers disposals, joint ventures, and financings, among other matters. Charles Yorke‘s emphasis is structured finance and debt capital markets transactions, with additional strength in contentious matters. Tim Harrop is a core team member, as is Esther Lemmon. Harrop is highly experienced in the private equity, infrastructure, and consumer fields, while Lemmon is focused on the private credit and financial institutions sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very engaging and collaborative team that often feels like an extension of our own.’
‘Lydia Challen is excellent. Has the knowledge, experience and confidence to indulge in the fast-paced what-if scenarios that I throw her way. But at the same time, still keeps hold of the bigger picture and commercial objective.'
'Tim Harrop is straightforward to work with and doesn't unnecessarily embellish. Quietly but surely helps make the breakthroughs needed when negotiating transaction documents.’‘Technical expertise and intellectual rigour combined with a commercial and practical approach. The ability to use the combination of these skills to problem-solve sets them apart from other firms and results in a premium service.’
‘Charles Yorke is excellent - he is a seasoned advisor and is technically proficient but also very practical in his approach.’
Key clients
- BCP IV UK Fuel Holdings Limited BNP Paribas Coventry Building Society CYVN Holdings LLC Investec KCA Deutag Kyowa Kirin International (KKI) Marks & Spencer Nationwide Building Society PIMCO Quilter Plc. Royal Bank of Scotland Societe Generale UBS A.G. United Overseas Bank Worldpay WPP
Work highlights
Advising Lone Star on its partnership with Ares Management in a GBP 755 million preferred equity investment into Quintain, the development and asset management company which owns and manages the Wembley Park estate in London.