Macfarlanes LLP fields a ‘brilliant’ team with expertise in the full breadth of tax matters, including fund formation, transaction structuring, and dispute resolution. The group has particular strength in cross-border matters, and regularly acts on behalf of high profile and multinational clients. Team lead Damien Crossley specialises in tax matters related to investment management, and covers issues related to private equity and private credit funds. ‘Outstanding’ practitioner Ceinwen Rees advises clients on a range of tax matters, including those involved with acquisitions, disposals, and executive remuneration packages, while Jeremy Moncrieff has expertise in tax elements of high value, complex public and private M&A. Sophie Donnithorne-Tait and James McCredie are key contacts for numerous prominent fund managers on a diverse selection of tax issues. Donnithorne-Tait joined the department in October 2022 from Akin, where she was team lead. Gregory Price and Alicia Thomas are highly experienced in international tax matters, with Thomas in particular noted for her knowledge of UK-US tax relationships.

‘Market leading’ firm Slaughter and May acts for prominent multinational and UK headquartered clients on a diverse range of matters, including M&A, corporate rescues and insolvencies, and private equity. Team lead Mike Lane has broad expertise across tax issues, and is well known as a thought leader in the practice area. Gareth Miles covers private equity transactions and public and private M&A, while Dominic Robertson has expertise in the tax elements of joint ventures and corporate finance transactions, in addition to tax enquiries and disputes. Charles Osborne has a practice which includes tax consultancy matters and tax elements of a broad range of transactions, while Sarah Osprey, who made partner in May 2023, advises on tax aspects of M&A, corporate finance transactions, and disputes with HMRC, among other matters. William Watson is active in the department as a senior consultant. Senior counsel Edward Milliner is noted for his strength in the real estate and energy sectors.

Allen & Overy LLP‘s internationally experienced team has expertise in the full range of corporate and real estate tax matters, in addition to contentious issues. Financial tax is a particular area of strength, and the group acts for numerous European and global investment banks. The department is headed by Christopher Harrison, who leads the firm’s global tax practice. Senior partner Lydia Challen, who chairs the Tax Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, has experience in all aspects of corporate tax. Charles Yorke handles asset finance and capital markets transactions, in addition to his contentious practice. James Burton is a key contact for transactions in the real estate sector. Tim Harrop has experience in tax aspects of M&A, reorganisations, and equity capital markets transactions. Vimal Tilakapala, who is a Deputy Judge of the Upper Tribunal, provides support as a consultant.

Baker McKenzie's large team of tax advisors, accountants, and economists provides clients with a combination of legal and accountancy advice, with expertise in a broad range of areas. VAT specialist Mark Delaney leads the London tax practice. Alistair Craig leads the transactional tax team, and Kate Alexander focuses on the taxation of financing and intangible property, both domestically and internationally. Patrick O’Gara focuses on tax planning and transactional tax matters, while Jukka Karjalainen is a key contact for transfer pricing. Other core team members include Natalie Dunne, who is an expert in global reorganisations, and tax planning and structuring specialist Matthew Legg.

Clifford Chance LLP provides a full service tax offering, covering funds, finance, M&A, real estate, and contentious tax. Highly experienced team lead Chris Davies is an expert in securitisation and structured finance, and sits on a number of governmental work groups in these areas. David Harkness advises high profile domestic and international clients on a broad range of complex transactions and revolving disputes. David Saleh is the group head of real estate tax and indirect tax, while Richard Kalaher has experience in cross-border M&A and international private fund formation. Laura Underhill specialises in investment funds tax, Nicola Hemsley focuses on high profile M&A, joint ventures, and IPOs, and Jemma Dick covers a range of financing transactions.

Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s London team operates as part of a comprehensive international tax practice, comprised of lawyers, economists and accountants located globally. Team lead Elliot Weston has significant experience advising on tax elements of M&A, joint ventures, REITs, and financing transactions. Karen Hughes specialises in business restructurings and international tax planning, Fiona Bantock advises on tax and structuring aspects of private equity transactions and employee incentives, and Philip Harle handles tax aspects of financing matters.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP fields a team with a record of handling a broad range of challenging tax issues and transactions, including M&A, reorganisations, and contentious matters. Key names include Jonathan Kandel, whose practice covers tax issues relating to a diverse range of corporate transactions. Mavnick Nerwal specialises in public and private M&A transactions, while Ian Ferreira handles private and real estate fund structuring, and Frixos Hatjantonas covers a range of transactions and disputes. Alexander Cox, who joined from Ashurst in September 2022, has significant experience in tax aspects of investment and real estate funds.

Linklaters LLP is active for prominent private and public clients across a diverse range of sectors, with expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Team lead Lynne Walkington specialises in tax elements of public and private M&A transactions, reorganisations and reconstructions, and corporate finance. James Morgan, who is described by clients as ‘very proactive and responsive’, focuses on financial institutions and funds, while Chris Smale has expertise in private equity transactions. Jamie Coomber has a practice which includes advising on funds, M&A, and securitisation transactions.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP fields a team well regarded for their M&A expertise, with experience in a diverse range of jurisdictions, including Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Team lead James Anderson, praised by clients for his ‘incredible legal and market knowledge‘, handles public and private capital markets matters. Alex Jupp has a broad practice, which includes M&A, restructurings, and tax disputes. Also key are counsel Jisun Choi, who has broad transactions experience and key expertise in the insurance sector, and international tax specialist Joseph Hone, who was promoted to European counsel in 2023. Associate Elizabeth Spencer covers international corporate, capital markets, and fund matters.

The 'dedicated and highly motivated' Travers Smith LLP team advises domestic and international clients in a range of matters, including asset management, corporate finance, M&A, and tax disputes. Department head Russell Warren is particularly active on behalf of private fund and asset management clients, and has broad transactional tax expertise. Also key are Emily Clark, who leads the asset management team, Mahesh Varia, who is head of incentives & remuneration, and Simon Skinner, whose practice covers both corporate and individual taxation. Hannah Manning specialises in private equity and M&A transactions. Transactions specialist Madeline Gowlett, and Elena Rowlands, whose focus is the taxation of asset managers, are names to note.

Ashurst fields a team with key strength in the taxation of funds, infrastructure M&A, financial transactions, and real estate. During 2022, the group advised longstanding client Morrisons on its acquisition of convenience store chain McColls. Department head Simon Swann has expertise in all areas of corporate tax, with particular emphasis on real estate. Key team members include M&A and private equity specialist Nicholas Gardner, and Paul Miller, who specialises in the financial services industry. Also prominent are Chartered Tax Adviser Tim Gummer, and Patricia Allen, who specialises in the taxation of funds and private equity transactions.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for high profile clients on a diverse range of advisory and transactional tax matters, spanning the entire tax life cycle. Team leader and global head of tax Elizabeth Bradley has a broad practice which includes corporate M&A, funds, financing, and real estate tax. Highly experienced partner Mark Brailsford advises on complex corporate transactions, and Alan Sinyor is head of VAT within the firm. Andy West was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises a broad client base on the full range of tax matters, with areas of expertise including corporate M&A, reorganisations and dispositions, capital markets offerings, and real estate acquisitions and dispositions. Department head Sandy Bhogal, who is co-chair of the firm’s global tax practice, has experience in the full range of transactions and general tax matters. Jeff Trinklein is a key contact for US and international taxation, while Ben Fryer advises on a wide range of domestic and cross-border matters.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP fields a team with expertise in commercial transactions, tax disputes, and tax strategic and advisory work. Team lead and global tax practice head William Arrenberg specialises in real estate taxation, and advises on the full range of transactions across all real estate asset classes. Howard Murray‘s practice includes non-contentious insurance, structured finance, and M&A, while experienced practitioner Isaac Zailer handles a range of transactional, advisory, and contentious work. Investment funds specialist Aurell Taussig, real estate and funds expert Casey Dalton, and Josh Lom, who made partner in 2022, are key names.

Latham & Watkins advises premier multinational clients on the full range of corporate tax matters, and is noted for its strength in working across jurisdictions. The department is jointly led by M&A and private equity expert Sean Finn, structured finance and real estate specialist Karl Mah, and Helen Lethaby, who is highly experienced in advising on transactional matters for corporates, financial investors and asset managers. Counsel James Leslie is a key contact for equity capital markets transactions.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s full service practice is noted for its global reach, with a strong record of complex cross-border transactions. The department is jointly led by global head of tax Dominic Stuttaford, and London head Matthew Hodkin. Stuttaford specialises in M&A transactions and corporate reorganisations, while Hodkin has particular expertise in the establishment of funds and joint ventures. Other core team members include Michael Alliston, who advises on the full range of transactional taxes, and Julia Lloyd, whose focus is the tax elements of real estate transactions and funds.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields a ‘small but exceptional’ tax team, comprised of practitioners qualified in both the US and England and Wales. Yash Rupal, described by clients as ‘outstanding and second to none’, advises a broad range of prestige clients on complex cross border matters, including both contentious and non-contentious work. Sarah Lindley, who joined from Linklaters LLP in September 2022, has particular expertise in the infrastructure, technology and financial services sectors. Senior associate Caleb McConnell and highly experienced counsel Mark Kingstone are also key.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP acts for a broad client base, offering expertise in a diverse range of areas including private funds, restructurings and insolvencies, financings, and tax disputes. Oliver Walker, whose clients include private equity funds, corporate management teams, and high net worth individuals, co-leads the department alongside Jenny Doak, whose practice covers restructurings, financings, and public and private M&A. Aron Joy and senior counsel Daniella Abel, praised by clients for their ‘clear’ and ‘practical’ advice, share a specialism in private funds taxation.

Addleshaw Goddard‘s team works seamlessly across UK and international offices, with a focus upon the key areas of private equity, real estate and financial services. Team lead Justine Delroy has particular expertise in private equity transactions, and covers a range of matters including M&A, joint ventures, and reorganisations. Highly experienced partner Peter Sayer handles real estate and finance taxation, while Paul Concannon is noted for his financial services practice.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s team is well regarded for its strength in tax issues related to investment funds and private equity transactions. Jointly leading the department are Richard Ward, who is a co-managing partner for the firm in London, and New York qualified lawyer Matthew Saronson. Cécile Beurrier advises private funds on finance and structuring matters. Also key are international counsel Patrick Fasoro, who specialises in tax aspects of M&A transactions, and international counsel Jennifer Wheater, who is described as a ‘superstar’. 

DLA Piper fields a large, multidisciplinary team with expertise in both transactional and advisory work. Team lead Ben Brown is experienced in working as part of the firm’s global network on a diverse range of matters. Matthew Davies has particular expertise in international reorganisations and structuring for multinational groups, while Richard Woolich heads the VAT group. Legal director Michael Graham advises clients in the investment funds tax space.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a prominent name in the M&A insurance market, known for its role in the development of tax risk insurance. Ben Jones, who leads the department, and is co-head of the firm's global tax group, specialises in cross-border M&A, investments, and reorganisations. Paul Beausang heads a dedicated real estate tax practice, Deepesh Upadhyay leads on finance tax, and Camilla Spielman spearheads the financial services team. Associate Helen Mackey is a key name.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s London group is a cornerstone of the firm’s global offering, frequently taking a key role on high-end tax mandates. Team lead Nick Thornton, who is described as ‘excellent’, has expertise in a broad range of tax matters, including fund formations, asset purchases and sales, and corporate restructurings. Richard Pilgrim, who made partner in March 2023, specialises in cross-border acquisitions and disposals. Associates Thomas Bramall and Neema Sofaer are names to note.

Goodwin‘s rapidly growing team is noted for its strength in the tax elements of M&A transactions, and fund structuring. Team lead Laura Charkin specialises in funds taxation, and is a leading name in matters related to REITs. David Irvine, who has expertise in structuring and restructuring transactions, and Dulcie Daly, whose focus is private equity, joined the team from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in 2021. Katie Leah‘s practice includes real estate and private equity transactions, while Charlotte Haywood handles the structuring of European based private funds.

Mishcon de Reya LLP has particular strength in the real estate sector, and provide tax guidance on the full range of M&A, development and finance work. The group is also noted for its expertise in the betting and gaming, and recruitment sectors. Corporate tax specialist John Skoulding co-leads the department alongside real estate partner Jonathan Legg. Skoulding’s practice covers corporate, private equity and individual tax, while Legg’s tax focus is property investment, development, financing and funds work. Recent additions to the team include real estate tax specialist Ceinwen Hayes, who joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in September 2022.

Pinsent Masons LLP fields a team with a sector based approach, with expertise in the technology, infrastructure, energy, and financial services industries, among others. Eloise Walker leads the team, and is praised by clients for her ‘tax technical knowledge, deep experience of the financial services industry sector, overall energy and enthusiasm‘. Legal director Hatice Ismail, who previously worked as a partner at Simmons & Simmons, is a specialist in finance and investment fund taxation. Also key are legal director Penny Simmons, whose focus is corporate tax risk management, including corporate criminal tax offences, and senior associate Jamie Robson, who is additionally qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor.

Proskauer Rose LLP covers tax elements of banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and real estate transactions, in addition to particular expertise in the private equity space. Robert Gaut leads the team, and has a broad practice which includes corporate tax structuring, real estate tax matters, and fund formation taxation. Also key are private equity specialist Stephen Pevsner, and London office managing partner Mary Kuusisto, who has expertise in both US and UK tax law. Catherine Sear advises managers and investors on private investment fund taxation.

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s London tax team advises on the firm’s global level transactions, particularly in the key areas of private equity, fund formation, real estate and banking & finance. Team lead Brenda Coleman, who heads the European tax practice, is highly experienced in international tax planning. Andrew Howard specialises in financing transactions, and is a regular contributor to tax publications. Chris Agnoli has experience in cross-border M&A, employment tax issues, and real estate matters. Senior associate Benjamin Wonnacott joined from Goldman Sachs in 2021.

Sidley Austin LLP fields a tax team who ‘go the extra mile’  in key areas such as M&A, private equity, global finance and real estate. Oliver Currall leads the London department, and co-heads the firm’s wider European tax practice. Currall, who is qualified as a UK Chartered Tax Adviser, has particular expertise in private equity transactions. Jason Menzies is a key contact for M&A transactions, and Steve Quinn has notable expertise in finance and capital markets tax. Associate Avi Kaye joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 2021.

Stephenson Harwood's full service tax practice covers a broad range of both contentious and non-contentious matters. Team lead John Meehan specialises in funds, M&A, and structuring mandates. Kate Worthington, who made partner in May 2022, has particular experience in real estate transactions. Shofiq Miah joined from tax litigation boutique Joseph Hage Aaronson LLP in November 2022, and brings broad disputes expertise.

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s growing team advises on tax elements of a broad range of high value and cross-border transactions, and has notable sector expertise in the technology and life sciences, private wealth, and real estate industries. Team lead Graham Samuel-Gibbon advises multinational clients on both transactional and non-transactional tax, and has particular strength in tax issues related to IP rights. Peter Jackson is a key contact for the real estate and private wealth sectors, while Liz Wilson additionally covers private equity and technology, media, and communications. James Ross advises on M&A transactions and corporate restructurings.

Bird & Bird LLP fields a team with a strong sector focus, emphasising the energy, fintech, and retail industries. Team lead Zoe Feller specialises in corporate, asset finance and structured finance transactions, and is described as ‘simply brilliant’ by clients. Other core team members include legal directors Caroline Brown and Simon Gough, as well as associate Andrew Rink.

The ‘responsive’ and ‘experienced’ team at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP acts for high profile multijurisdictional clients on a diverse range of tax matters. Department head Adam Blakemore covers a broad range of financing transactions, and has experience in debt restructurings and corporate reorganisations. Catherine Richardson advises on a range of international debt and capital markets transactions.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advises prominent clients, including major banks and financial institutions, on a range of M&A transactions. The group works closely with the firm's international network of offices to advise on multinational matters. Team lead Richard Sultman focuses on tax elements of M&A, corporate finance, and capital markets transactions.

The ‘highly experienced tax team‘ at Clyde & Co work across the tax elements of M&A, real estate, insurance, and employment, with further expertise in tax disputes and tax professional negligence. Team lead Ray Smith, who is described as ‘a partner willing to go the extra mile for clients‘, advises on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious tax matters. David Blumenthal covers all aspects of corporate, real estate, and financing transactions. Legal director Malcolm Frost and associate Farhad Shahidi both joined the firm from positions within HMRC.

Cooley (UK) LLP's highly international tax team is extremely active in complex M&A transactions, and provides key expertise in cross-border capital markets and private equity matters. Department head Natasha Kaye's practice covers both advisory and transactional matters, and has private equity as a key focus. David Wilson advises on M&A, debt financing, and reorganisations. Associate Jack Jones is a name to note.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP fields a team of senior practitioners, with particular strength in M&A and corporate financing transactions. Department head Jonathan Cooklin, who is additionally qualified as a chartered accountant, has experience in the full spectrum of corporate tax planning. Dominic Foulkes, who made partner in July 2023, advises domestic and international clients on a range of transactions. Other personnel changes include the July 2023 recruitment of associate Patrick O’Donovan, formerly of Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP.

Dechert LLP offers key tax expertise across private equity transactions, corporate M&A, and investment management. Highly experienced department head Mark Stapleton is a prominent name in tax matters related to offshore funds and investment management, including at the international and global level. Daniel Hawthorne handles a broad range of transactions, and has additional knowledge of employee taxation. Senior associate Nicolas Kokkinos is a key name.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s tax team specialises in high profile corporate transactions, including M&A, investment fund structuring, and real estate matters. Graham Iversen leads the department, and has experience in M&A, restructurings, and financing transactions. Charles Case has key expertise in funds tax, and Ben Eaton is highly experienced in real estate tax. Clive Jones advises on a broad range of domestic and international transactions. Jessica Ganagasegaran made shareholder in 2022.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP acts on both corporate and personal tax matters for a range of international clients, offering multijurisdictional support. Team lead Kevin Cummings has expertise in capital markets, banking, and private equity matters. Sarah Gabbai made counsel in January 2023, and is particularly active on behalf of multinational technology, healthcare and life sciences clients.

Milbank has expertise in M&A and private equity transactions, in addition to notable strength in financial restructuring matters. Aviation taxation is a key niche area for the team. Highly experienced partner Russell Jacobs leads the team, and advises on a diverse range of corporate and finance transactions. Core team members include special counsels Andrew Callaghan, who has a particular focus on private equity transactions, and Alan Rafferty, whose practice includes restructurings, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions. Associates Cosmos Fung and Fareed Muhammed are key names.

Osborne Clarke LLP‘s team works with other offices in the UK and internationally to provide support in key areas such as private equity, financial services, and technology, media, and communications. The department is jointly led by Mathew Oliver, who is particularly active on behalf of IP rich companies and emerging businesses, and David Nisbet, whose focus is the private equity industry. Associate director Rob Thomas joined from Latham & Watkins in March 2021.

Paul Hastings LLP is active for major financial institutions and private funds in a range of transactions, including disposals and M&A. Team lead Arun Birla is second managing partner of the firm, and has played a key role in the development of securitisation legislation. Jiten Tank is experienced in both domestic and international tax matters, and covers a range of transactions. Associates Jee Yoon Chung and Abigail Hung are core team members.

Reed Smith LLP's tax department has sector specialisms across key areas such as entertainment & media, financial services and transportation. Caspar Fox leads the team, and has particular strength in advising on cross-border M&A transactions. Gareth Amdor has significant experience in the private equity sector. Counsel Laura Gould has expertise in employee tax incentives.

Akin fields an ‘exceptional’ team with key strength in the financial services sector. Team lead Stephen Brown has expertise in the private equity sector, and works with both domestic and international clients. Serena Lee covers a broad range of corporate and finance transactions, including reorganisations and restructurings. Matthew Durward-Thomas made partner in January 2023.

Bristows LLP advises clients on tax elements related to a broad range of transactions, and has a particular focus on the technology and life sciences, and media and brands sectors. Highly experienced practice head Miranda Cass handles transactional, advisory, and contentious tax matters. Julia Cockroft, who made partner in May 2023, advises on corporate and real estate tax matters.

Burges Salmon LLP's tax team works closely with other departments within the firm to provide key support on major corporate and real estate transactions. Team lead Ian Carnochan covers all areas of corporate, real estate, and commercial tax, and is experienced in both domestic and international transactions. Hilary Barclay has expertise in corporate and financing transactions.

Jones Day advises on tax elements of a broad range of transactions, including M&A, financings, securitisations, and restructurings. The group has long term-relationships with a number of premier private equity clients. The team is co-led by real estate and M&A tax expert Blaise Marin-Curtoud, and Anthony Whall, who is experienced in both domestic and international tax matters.

Mayer Brown International LLP‘s highly international practice has expertise in tax matters relating to M&A, debt fund structures, private equity, and a range of real estate transactions. Areas of strength for lead partner James Hill include tax aspects of M&A and corporate finance, in addition to employment matters and intellectual property tax. Solicitor and Chartered Tax Advisor Simon Rose and transactions specialist Matthew Mortimer are key contacts. Kitty Swanson has experience in complex multinational transactions.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's tax practice advises on a range of transactions and disputes, in addition to coverage of senior executive remuneration, day-to-day tax planning, and compliance issues. Team lead Kate Habershon has a comprehensive corporate tax practice, which includes advising on private investment funds. Neil McKnight and associate Grace Tan are key names. Todd Smith joined in October 2022 from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Morrison Foerster's tax practice works closely with the firm's M&A, private equity, and venture capital groups to provide key support. The department is jointly led by highly experienced partner Trevor James, who has a particular focus on the technology sector, and M&A and private equity specialist Sophie Allen. Associate Kirsten Banks is a key contact.

Shearman & Sterling LLP advises prestige clients on a range of high value international transactions. Areas of strength for the group include M&A, capital markets transactions, and structured finance and securitisations. Team lead Simon Letherman advises on a broad range of European and international transactions. Counsel Michael Ward covers finance transactions, M&A, and investment fund structuring.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises on transactions and disputes, and has key expertise in the maritime sector. Team lead Richard Stephens is a leading name for maritime tax, and advises on tonnage tax and the operations of international cruise companies. Claire Miles joined the group from Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP in February 2023.