The tax disputes practice at Ashurst is recognised for its ability to handle VAT litigation, indirect tax, employment taxes and EU State Aid and other EU tax-related contentious matters. The team routinely undertakes work within the firm’s priority industry sectors, notably financial institutions, funds, natural resources, and infrastructure. Nicholas Gardner heads up the group and has experience in tax litigation before all levels of the UK courts. Paul Miller‘s expertise has a notable emphasis on the financial services industry. Sara Mardell’s strengths lie in litigation against HMRC before the tax tribunals and higher courts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sara Mardell is a brilliant partner - really technically bright, fantastic to work with and just so able. Nick Gardner has excellent technical experience.’
‘It is the competency and customer care that makes this practice unique. They are excellent communicators, simplifying complex legislation, and they actively engage with us on a regular basis. They are also supportive in terms of budgeting and tracking costs and explaining charges.’
‘They are extremely personable and operate very much as part of a team, completely aligned with their client requirements. In particular, Sara Mardell is a very down to earth and an exceptional communicator and facilitator, bringing together stakeholders and providing clear and concise summaries of what is required.'
'Beth Serecombe also deserves a mention for her incredible capacity to remember information and apply it to the case. She has been passionate about the work and truly understands us as a business.’
‘The Ashurst tax litigation and investigations team are outstanding; just about the best there is. Massive experience; huge depth of knowledge; total commitment and engagement - they inspire trust and confidence. In what is an increasingly competitive market, the Ashurst team go from strength to strength.’
‘The two outstanding partners leading the litigation and investigations team are Nick Gardner and Sara Mardell. They have the respect of their team and their clients alike. The passion that they have for tax litigation is infectious, making them both a joy to work with. On a more junior level, one of their associates, Beth Sercombe, must be considered a rising star. Watch this space!’
Key clients
- Imperial Brands PLC
- Odfjell Technology (UK) Limited (Odfjell)
- Hastings Insurance Services Limited
- Odfjell Technology (UK) Limited (Odfjell)
- Syngenta Holdings Limited
- Wood Group Engineering (North Sea) Limited
- Government of Jersey
- Rockhopper Exploration PLC
Work highlights
Filed an application with the CJEU on behalf of Imperial Brands PLC for the annulment of a decision by the EC.
Advising Odfjell Drilling in relation to a potential employer NIC assessment for periods from 2003 to 2014.
Acting for Hastings Insurance Services Limited in relation to an appeal in the First-tier Tax Tribunal.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nicholas Gardner
Other key lawyers
Sara Mardell; Paul Miller; Beth Sercombe