Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP hosts a wealth of contentious tax expertise, with its experience spanning disputes regarding personal tax, employment tax, indirect tax, direct business tax, international tax and commercial tax. Its team is knowledgeable of an array on sectors, notably energy, financial services, real estate and TMT. Nick Clayton is responsible for overseeing the practice and has ample experience handling large tax disputes for UHNWIs, financial institutions and corporates. Michael Hunt is a standout member of the team and is experienced at handling contentious matters relating to worker status and the tax implications of internationally mobile employees. Dawen Gao is also a highly regarded member of the team and brings extensive knowledge of tax disputes across the banking, insurance, energy, real estate and TMT sectors to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The HSF dispute resolution team are a dedicated client facing team with excellent attention to detail. We have worked with the team for more than 10 years, and they have seamlessly guided us through the litigation process.’
‘Highly skilled and technically brilliant.’
‘Michael Hunt is a safe pair of hands.’
‘First-class team who provide excellent knowledge, advice and service. We know our case is in good hands with everything taken care of.’
‘Michael Hunt and Dawen Gao are trusted and valued advisors to our business. Always available and prompt, working to the highest standards. Both are friendly, approachable and easy to work with.’
Key clients
- Orsted
- Bernie Ecclestone
- Neptune Energy
- Moorfield
- PacifiCorp Inc. (a Berkshire Hathaway company)
- Berkeley Group
- Virgin Media O2
Work highlights
Acting for Ørsted in its successful appeal in the Court of Appeal on the availability of capital allowances on offshore windfarm development costs.
Acted for Bernie Ecclestone in civil and criminal proceedings brought by HMRC and CPS in respect of investigations into Mr Ecclestone's UK tax affairs.
Acting for the Berkeley Group on an appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) against HMRC's assessment of a Berkeley subsidiary to stamp duty land tax ("SDLT") in respect of an intragroup transfer of land.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nick Clayton
Other key lawyers
Michael Hunt; Dawen Gao; Avi Haffner