CMS‘ ’exceptional industry profile’ sees it able to advise on VAT and indirect tax matters coming from a variety of sectors, including TMT, infrastructure, betting, media, hotels and leisure, energy and real estate. Lauren Alder and Aaron Fairhurst are the duo that jointly head the practice. Alder brings significant real estate knowledge to the team, and Fairhurst matches this with equal strengths in the energy, infrastructure, corporate recovery and private equity spaces. Anna Burchner excels in VAT and IPT matters in the fintech space. Jacob Gilkes and Phil Anderson are both excellent real estate practitioners with a particular focus on REIT clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Technically strong and good client commitment.’
‘Creative and balanced approach to giving advice.’
‘Exceptional industry profile.’
‘Lauren Alder - rising star, incredibly hard-working and personable, gets the job done, technically great, I always want her on my side. A human being in the tax world.’
‘Very strong all-round team. Covers all the bases very well. Able to deal with different taxes across industry sectors.’
‘Key individuals include Jacob Gilkes, Phil Anderson and, on the disputes side, Nicola Hine.'
Key clients
- The People’s Pension
- Equinor UK Limited
- Heim UK
- Charles Street Building Group
- AccorInvest
- Student Homes Management
- BP Plc
- Assura Plc
- Matter Real Estate LLP
- J Sainsburys Plc
- Landsec |Plc
- EasyJet Plc
- Baring Asset Management Limited
- Savills Investment Management
Work highlights
Advised The People’s Pension on the move of £15bn of Scheme assets under management into climate aware investment strategies.
Advised Equinor UK Limited on its 50/50 corporate joint venture with Shell UK.
Advised Heim UK on the tax structuring in relation to the establishment and operation of a real estate fund developing and investing in UK residential property.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Lauren Alder; Aaron Fairhurst
Other key lawyers
Anna Burchner; Jacob Gilkes; Phil Anderson; Henry Bolton; Nicola Hine