With a broad sector focus, CMS’ tax practice boasts expertise in sector-relevant tax issues from the retail, real estate, corporate, and energy sectors, among others. Co-head Stephen Hignett has exceptional knowledge of the TV, music, and gambling sectors. Hignett jointly leads the practice alongside Aaron Fairhurst. International tax expert Anna Burchner is qualified in England, Wales and Hungary. Key members of the practice also include Jacob Gilkes, who specialises in real estate transactions; Lauren Alder, who focuses her practice on the real estate sector, and Phil Anderson, who also handles the VAT and SDLT implications arising from real estate transactions. Mark Whiteside joined the firm in August 2023 from Brabners LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great links between tax, real estate, commercial, construction, litigation and debt teams with partner oversight and communication.’
‘Proactive and thorough advice - Jacob Gilkes and Lauren Alder are particularly effective.’
‘I think that the tax partner I work with, Phil Anderson, makes the difference. He knows his stuff and he can disseminate his knowledge and advice on the matter in a way that is not too technical, and which can be followed.’
‘Phil Anderson understands the commercials of transactions and can explain the tax issues in a simple way that is easy to follow. Overall, Phil understands what I am after, he explains it clearly, he is engaged, and he is reachable when I need him.’
‘Henry Bolton and Jacob Gilkes are responsive and provide clear advice. They go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. ’
‘They have good technical knowledge and understanding, and their interaction with their corporate law team makes transactions more streamlined with less duplication. Speed of delivery has always met our expectations.’
Key clients
- Landsec plc
- Aldar Properties
- Mitsui Fudosan
- M&G Real Estate
- Federated Hermes
- Archax
Work highlights
Advised Federated Hermes on the establishment of UK Nature Impact Fund.
Advised Archax on a successful change to stamp tax legislation.
Advised J Sainsbury plc on the buy-out of the balance of its £1.1bn reversion portfolio.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stephen Hignett; Aaron Fairhurst
Other key lawyers
Anna Burchner; Jacob Gilkes; Lauren Alder; Phil Anderson; Henry Bolton