Tax: London

This team is praised for the "thorough and proactive advice" that it provides. Market sources recognise that the team is an "international powerhouse" and also draw attention to the "very high-quality juniors" within the team. The scale of the firm within which the team sits is a clear selling point for clients, and the global tax group houses 45 partners. The team focuses on commercial tax issues, and has the ability to advise on the full range of issues high-end clients face.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star individual Murray Clayson remains a "cut above" the majority of his peers in the market, according to interviewees. Sources are quick to acknowledge that he is one of the leading figures in the world of international tax.

David Taylor is a "leading light" in the market. Interviewees note his "technical expertise and experience," while peers state that "people will go to him for advice even if they are not using the firm."

Richard Ballard leads the London office's corporate tax team. He is noted for his commercial approach and continues to be regarded as one of the leading figures in the market.

Sarah Falk "really stands out" in the market, sources say. Interviewees highlight her "invaluable and impressive ability to cut through things" to get to the heart of the matter.

Colin Hargreaves heads the firm's worldwide tax practice. His understanding of complex international tax matters, particularly those involving emerging markets, is considered to be a particular strength.

Paul Davison is described as "a great technician" and a "class act." He is perhaps best known for his work on behalf of financial institutions.

The "tremendously bright" Helen Lethaby is "very hard working and commercial," sources say. Peers note her "collaborative" approach and clients describe her as one of the main reasons they instruct the firm.

The "technically excellent" David Haworth is recognised for his expertise in finance tax matters.

This "busy, excellent" team houses a number of "very strong people" and remains one of the most highly regarded practices in the London market. The firm's outstanding reputation in the world of finance makes it a natural port of call for clients facing high-level IPOs and transactions. The team has recently advised Anglo American on its joint venture with Lafarge, which created a £1.8 billion construction materials company. Another standout matter saw it advise Evraz Group on the UK redomiciling and FTSE listing of Evraz.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yash Rupal is a "definite star," according to his peers in the market. He heads the firm's UK tax group and is a bona fide legend in his fields of finance and transactional work.

Martin Lynchehan is a "good lawyer" who opposing lawyers are "happy to see on the other side," thanks to his collaborative and sensible approach. His practice has a strong focus on real estate and financing matters.

Michael Hardwick is an outstanding tax adviser across the gamut of corporate matters. He recently advised a trustee of the Uniq pension scheme on the restructuring of the company.

Also advising on the Uniq matter was Mark Kingstone, who is an acknowledged expert on finance matters and heads the firm's investment funds tax practice.

Lynne Walkington excels at handling high-end transactional and restructuring matters. She is described as "pragmatic" and "very good at what she does."

Dominic Winter is an "excellent all-round tax professional" who advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. On the non-contentious side, he focuses predominantly on corporate tax planning and transactional work.

Sources appreciate the fact that Elizabeth Conway "gets the deal done." Her practice focuses on restructuring and M&A work.

Peers are full of praise for this outstanding team, which has a fantastic track record in this field. Sources say that Slaughters have "always had leading individuals" and that its current team is packed with "very experienced and talented people," ensuring that it is "regularly involved in some of the biggest transactions." The team has recently been involved in a number of high-profile restructuring matters, and has also been sought out by several high-profile clients to negotiate settlements with HMRC. The team's clients include Barclays Capital, Aviva, GlaxoSmithKline and Standard Chartered Bank.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steve Edge is a legend in the market and is described as "one of the go-to guys" for high-end complex cross-border work. Peers agree that he "deserves every accolade," having been at the top of his game for a number of years.

Tony Beare is a "great practitioner" who peers see as "impressive and sensible." He heads the tax group and is especially well known for advising clients on the tax aspects of structured finance matters.

Sara Luder is admired by peers, who consider her to be a "reliable" advocate for her clients' interests. She recently advised Old Mutual on the proposed sale of its Nordic business for approximately £2.1 billion.

Graham Iversen has a broad practice which encompasses structured finance matters and corporate and finance transactions.

Peers are full of praise for William Watson's intellect, with one describing him as "desperately clever." Arguably his core area of expertise is the real estate sector, while he has recently been handling a greater number of contentious matters.

Transactional expert Gareth Miles remains an active member of the team. He recently advised GE Capital on the sale of GE Money Bank Latvia, GE Money Atklatais Pensiju Fonds and GE Money Asset Management.

Jeanette Zaman is best known for her work on structured finance transactions and corporate restructuring.

The Allen & Overy tax team is "excellent on technical matters and also excellent at bringing a commercial approach." Peers acknowledge that the team is "able, reliable and knows what it's doing." The team's strong track record means it is well placed to advise clients on developments within HMRC and its likely attitude to cases. The team specialises at advising on tax matters surrounding corporate M&A, capital markets and structured finance.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources value the fact that Mark Middleditch is "clear and concise in the way he communicates tax issues." He is best recognised for his expertise in asset finance tax matters.

Structured finance taxation expert Vimal Tilakapala continues to impress market sources. Sources say he is "very approachable, personable and deals with all matters in a timely basis."

Lydia Challen has a wide-ranging corporate practice that encompasses tax, banking and restructuring work.

David Hughes is recognised for the quality of his advice on a wide range of corporate tax matters.

With one of the largest tax teams in the London market, Berwin Leighton Paisner comes strongly recommended for its work on a wide variety of matters. As one interviewee states, the firm has "developed a talented multifaceted team to cover all mainstream business transactions." The team recently advised RBS on the structuring of Project Isobel, the disposal of commercial real estate debt to a UK fund structure. In addition to its well-recognised expertise on real estate matters, the team advises on a broad range of corporate and personal tax matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Indirect taxation specialist Alan Sinyor is described as "an academic" and a "very good thinker." He heads the VAT group at the firm.

The firm's head of tax Michael Wistow remains one of the most highly regarded individuals in the market. Sources say he is "commercially focused and business driven" and a "thoughtful and innovative leader of his team."

With "excellent tax knowledge and business acumen," clients appreciate John Overs' well-rounded advice. He heads the corporate tax team and has recently been advising Tesco on a programme of transactions aimed at realising the value of its real estate portfolio.

The "impressive" Gary Richards has built a thriving practice that focuses on corporate transactions, particularly those with a real estate element.

Neal Todd has developed a significant client following, and perhaps the standout aspect of his practice is his focus on cross-border matters.

Property and stamp duty expert Neville Wright recently advised Oxford Property Group on the tax structuring of its acquisition of Green Park business park.

Given the pre-eminence of the firm within which it sits, this team has an unsurprising focus on advising clients in the finance sector. With a "large international network and high-calibre staff," the team is well placed to advise on the most complex of cross-border matters. The team has been at the forefront of advising clients on changes to legislation in the aftermath of the financial crisis. It also recently advised Citigroup on issues arising from its acquisition of EMI.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Elman is described as "very smart" and "very able" and continues to impress with his broad knowledge of corporate and financial taxation. He recently advised RBS on the disposal of its aviation leasing unit, RBS Aviation Capital.

David Harkness heads the firm's global tax group, and is widely recognised as one of the most outstanding individuals in the market. He was a key figure in the team's advice to Citigroup on its purchase of EMI.

Etienne Wong is an expert in indirect taxation, and is described by peers as "very able." He specialises in real estate-related matters.

David Saleh is another highly regarded member of the firm's VAT group, and is a "good lawyer" with "very strong" expertise in the field, according to peers.

Douglas French specialises in advising clients on the tax issues connected to corporate and commercial transactions.

Dan Neidle is hailed as another extremely strong member of the team and has been particularly active over the past 12 months. He played a significant role in advising on Citigroup's purchase of EMI.

The "hard-working and capable" Sarah Squires is well known for her expertise in financing matters. Her work on Islamic finance matters is a key feature of her recent workload.

Anthony Stewart is "professional, organised, and approaches negotiations with the other side very well." He recently advised on the formation of Equistone Partners Europe, following an MBO and subsequent spin-out from Barclays Private Equity.

This "excellent" team boasts a "large City practice" and is noted for its ability to advise on a wide range of matters. Its areas of expertise include transactional, real estate, funds and restructuring matters. A number of the team's lawyers are qualified accountants, ensuring that they are well placed to provide commercial, well-rounded advice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Seasoned practitioner" John Watson is "extremely technically able." He has a "huge amount of experience; he's hugely commercial and identifies himself with the client." He is particularly expert in funds and transactional matters.

Richard Palmer is "responsive, thinks about solutions" and is "extremely hard working." He attracts significant praise for his advice on international taxation matters.

Real estate expert Simon Swann is a "very sensible" lawyer who has made a good impression on his peers.

Alexander Cox is "very commercial" and earns praise from clients for his solutions-driven approach. He focuses on real estate and corporate tax matters.

Peers are quick to praise this "very good" team, and consider it to be a "growing, strengthening" presence in the market. Core sector expertise includes energy, real estate and insurance. The firm's strengths, in terms of its international network of offices and leading disputes reputation, filter through to the tax team and are a real attraction for clients. The team recently advised Apache North Sea on its USD1.75 billion acquisition of Mobil North Sea.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heather Gething has a well-rounded practice and is recognised for both her contentious and non-contentious expertise. She heads the firm's tax planning and tax disputes departments.

The "impressive" Bradley Phillips recently advised G4S on the tax issues arising from its £5.2 billion proposed acquisition of ISS A/S.

Neil Warriner is "strong technically" and notable for his "commercial awareness," sources say. He is praised for his work on international real estate matters.

Isaac Zailer heads the tax group here. He has wide-ranging expertise in business-focused taxation.

Corporate tax expert Howard Murray is another well-regarded member of the team, and has notable experience in the energy and insurance sectors.

This "good-quality" team continues to attract a high volume of high-quality instructions, often acting alongside the firm's well-regarded corporate practice. Sources say the team has "considerable integrity" and praise its "business acumen." One interviewee states: "Their response times are excellent. Their advice is clear, balanced and concise, and they provide excellent value for money." The team recently advised the Virgin group on its £960 million sale of a 51% interest in Virgin Active to CVC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading partner Mark Baldwin is "commercial, technically excellent, and good at leading transactions." He recently advised Montague Private Equity on the structuring of its fourth European buy-out fund and related investor tax matters.

Ashley Greenbank earns praise for his "exceptional technical knowledge." He led the team's advice to the Virgin group on its sale of a stake in Virgin Active. He is described as "one of the best, commercially focused, tax advisers in the country."

Clients say that Damien Crossley is "very knowledgeable, and seems to find solutions to all our problems." Another interviewee adds that he is "very commercial and very practical."

This firm's international expansion has been noted by market sources, who are quick to praise the team for being "technically proficient, commercially minded and good negotiators." The team is recognised for the depth of its knowledge across several key sectors, including energy, financial services and technology. It recently advised Friends Life on a USD2.2 billion outsourcing deal. Other key clients include AXA, BNP Paribas and Santander.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dominic Stuttaford is "pragmatic and good at negotiating on the client's behalf," in addition to having a "sound technical understanding." Market sources also describe him as "one of the nicest men you'll ever deal with."

Louise Higginbottom has earned the respect of her peers, and is the firm's global head of tax. Asset and corporate finance are her key areas of expertise. 

John Challoner is a "solid lawyer" who has a "good reputation" in the market. He is an expert in stamp duty land tax.

Chris Bates is picked out as a key individual by clients, and is especially well known for his expertise in structured finance matters.

Matt Hodkin's practice focuses on transactions and has significant experience of dealing with clients in the renewable energy sector.

Stand out associate Andrew Roycroft is best known for the advice he provides in relation to restructurings and corporate finance.

The tax team of this City-focused firm has established a strong reputation in the market. Clients are full of praise for the team's "responsiveness, attention to detail and knowledge of the subject matter." Given the firm's location and focus, the team is unsurprisingly best known for its work on private equity related matters. Its client list is by no means focused on one area, however, and the team undertakes work for a broad range of corporate clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Stratton is a "very amiable tax lawyer with an eye for detail and extensive knowledge of tax issues." Sources say he "demonstrates a strong focus on finding practical solutions for problems faced by clients' businesses."

Head of tax Kathleen Russ has a strong track record in the field, and mirrors the strengths and focus of the team as a whole in undertaking a high proportion of private equity work.

The "very clever" Simon Yates meanwhile is best known for his expertise in real estate-related matters. Sources say he "has that extra edge of being commercial" and "has a real understanding of how tax law is evolving and applies that knowledge really well."

Clients appreciate the fact that Simon Skinner is "very responsive and attentive" and has the "patience to explain complicated subjects."

Partner Russell Warren meanwhile is "truly excellent," in the view of one interviewee. His practice has a strong focus on private equity work.

This transatlantic powerhouse's London office has a well-regarded tax practice that has a particular focus on corporate taxation, where it provides clients with a full-service offering. Sources praise the team's ability to find "clever solutions" to complex problems, and say the team provides a "consistently high-quality" service with "excellent response times." The team recently advised Queensland Investment Corporation on the refinancing of its 50% interest in the Merry Hill shopping centre.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "switched-on" Karen Hughes remains the team's most high-profile individual, and is praised for her broad expertise in corporate tax matters. She recently advised SABMiller on its AUD11.5 billion purchase of Foster's Group.

Kevin Ashman has a "first-class tax brain" and is well recognised for his expertise in real estate matters. He recently advised AXA on its sale of Denplan to the Simplyhealth Group.

Banking and real estate expert Philip Gershuny has a strong background in international tax, and is described as an "original thinker."

Philip Harle has a wide-ranging practice that encompasses an array of finance matters, including banking and capital markets work.

Market sources acknowledge that this team is "well established" in the market, and has earned itself a strong reputation in several fields, most notably in fund-related matters. The team's deal flow in this area has remained impressive, and it has recently advised Bain Capital and Hellmann & Friendman on tax issues relating to their USD3.4 billion acquisition of Securitas Direct. The team is also recognised for its work on general corporate matters, and restructurings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Taplin's practice focuses on the team's core strengths and encompasses corporate, funds and restructuring work.

Jane Scobie is "competent and thorough and good to deal with," sources say. Her practice has recently had a significant focus on transactional and restructuring matters.

UK peers are quick to acknowledge that the Latham & Watkins tax team is "well entrenched" in the London market, and praise the depth of quality practitioners within the team, stating that it has "quite a bit of capacity." With more than 100 practitioners, Latham's global tax team has the resources to assist clients with the most complex, high-end matters. Noted areas of expertise include complex corporate and finance matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sean Finn is regarded as a "very good" tax expert, and was part of the team that advised on the UK tax implications of Brintons Carpets' acquisition by a collection of funds managed by the The Carlyle Group.

Daniel Friel is a qualified chartered accountant and is best known for his work on complex, cross-border tax planning and transactions.

Associate Mel Adkins is "not flustered by anything" and is "very knowledgeable and very easy to work with," sources say. He specialises in international transactional matters. 

Clients judge this team to be "more commercial than most" and also appreciate the fact that the firm is willing to be flexible with its billing arrangements. The team's work dovetails with the rest of the firm, and as such it is particularly focused on key areas such as media, real estate and technology. The team recently advised F&C Reit Asset Management on the sale of St Katherine's Dock.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Mark Joscelyne has a wide-ranging practice that encompasses transactional and tax planning matters both domestically and internationally.

Sources hail Graham Chase's ability to provide "clear, commercial advice." He represents an impressive range of clients including Kaupthing and Heron.

The "very capable" Stephen Hignett attracts particular praise for his ability to "understand a client's commercial reasoning." He specialises in transactional matters, and is taking on an increasing amount of contentious work.

Interviewees are quick to praise Natasha Kaye, with one stating: "In a fast-moving deal she was extremely pragmatic which allowed us to handle issues quickly and keep the required deal momentum going."

Clients praise this team's "intellectual prowess" and also note the "quality and timeliness of its advice." The team has been in a period of growth over the past five years, and has developed a practice that is capable of handling an impressively broad range of tax matters. Among its recent highlights is the team's representation of BlueCrest Capital Management in relation to BlueCrest's USD633 million acquisition of a 25.5% stake in Man Group. Other key clients include AnaCap, Aon and The British Land Company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Hale has a wide-ranging corporate tax practice and is equally well regarded for his work on direct and indirect tax.

The "knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive" Nick Cronkshaw recently advised Aon on the integration of Hewitt Associates into Aon's group structure following its acquisition of Hewitt Associates in late 2010.

Clients appreciate the fact that Martin Shah is "very strong" in his defence of their interests and can be relied upon to be "robust in difficult circumstances."

With seven partners, this team has significant resources and has built a sterling reputation in its core areas of expertise, which include the funds, real estate and media sectors. The team's impressive client list includes the likes of The British Land Company, Universal, OFI Private Equity and Brockton Capital. One of its most notable recent work highlights was its advice to Universal Music Group on its USD1.2 billion acquisitions of EMI's recorded music division.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are full of praise for Heather Corben's "commercial awareness" and her consequent ability to discuss legal matters in business terms. She recently advised The British Land Company on its £179 million acquisition of 17 Virgin Active racket clubs from New Esporta Holdings.

Partner Stephen Pevsner is praised for providing "clear and useful advice" and for giving "straight answers to questions." 

The Skadden tax team does not have the resources of some of its larger rivals, but it nevertheless continues to attract impressive work. The team sits well within the firm's London office, and its strengths reflect those of the office as a whole. Transatlantic deals unsurprisingly form a significant part of its workload, which features a high volume of cross-border matters. Transactional work and finance-related tax advice are among the team's fields of expertise. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers rate Tim Sanders as a "very good" and "thoughtful" lawyer. He recently advised the Colfax Corporation on its USD2.4 billion acquisition of Charter International.

Private capital expert James Anderson also enjoys the respect of the market, and recently advised Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse on the redomiciling of the Evraz Group from Luxembourg to the UK.

Clients characterise this team's strengths as being "a knowledge of the funds sector, a pro-active approach to raising issues and opportunities and the timely delivery of advice." Among the team's core areas of expertise, its work on restructuring cases is particularly notable. It recently advised OMERS Private Equity on the £316 million acquisition of V.Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Priestley led the team's advice on the V.Group transaction. She is particularly well known for her representation of private equity houses.

The "very well-respected" Brenda Coleman has a wide-ranging corporate tax practice. She has been providing ongoing tax advice to Lehman Brothers Holdings and a number of its subsidiaries.

Andrew Norwood is considered to be a "wonderful specialist" in his core area of structured finance, derivatives and securitisation tax.

Winning praise for the "clarity" and "practicality" of its advice, this team is a growing force in the market. Clients are full of praise for the team's "outstanding technical skill set, and its ability to work as a team and communicate complex matters in an easy-to-understand manner." The team has recently acted as Assura Group's external tax adviser on its equity fundraising and three M&A transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Justine Delroy is a key contact.

Since publication, Edmund Jenkinshas retired from this practice.

Clients appreciate the "technical knowledge and work ethic" of this team. Sources add that it is "very technically strong, practical and provides the right answers." The sheer breadth of the firm's international network is a significant plus point for a number of clients, as is the range of advice the office provides. The team recently advised Ensco on the tax issues surrounding its USD7.3 billion acquisition of Pride International.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alex Chadwick comes highly recommended by market sources. He recently advised Sony on the tax issues arising from its high-profile acquisition of the EMI Recorded Music Division.

Geoff Kay has "excellent technical knowledge and is a pleasure to work with." He recently advised Best Buy on the tax elements of the restructuring of its joint venture with The Carphone Warehouse.

Sources say this team is "able to provide excellent advice across a broad spectrum and to assign the appropriate professional to the particular case." The team's approach is characterised as "professional, commercial and technical." Particular areas of expertise include media, intellectual property, transactional and TMT matters. The team's client list includes Warner Bros, Motorola Mobility, BBC Worldwide and Trap Oil Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are full of praise for Nicholas Noble's "technical skills." He is a qualified chartered tax accountant and specialises in business taxation.

The "really smart" Derek Hill specialises in media and broader intellectual property matters. He has recently been advising Warner Bros. on a raft of significant matters.

This four-partner London team is part of an impressive global outfit. With offices across the world, the firm is a natural choice for clients with cross-border issues. Noted fields of expertise include transactions, reorganisations, structured finance and tax planning. The team's impressive client list includes Unilever, Nomura, Lloyds Banking Group and Petrobras.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sandy Bhogal is "accessible and responds promptly," sources say. He is considered to be "sensible and focused," with one interviewee stating: "He knows his stuff, gets on with things and doesn't waste time on pointless arguments."

Peter Steiner is "a very switched-on guy," in the view of clients. He focuses on transactions and international tax planning.

This team builds upon the firm's excellent reputation in the real estate sector, and has established a strong track record of representing clients on real estate issues. The team is however seeking to diversify its practice and its recent workload shows a broader range of straight corporate work. The team has recently advised the Bank of Ireland on the EUR690 million sale of its London-based lending division Burdale Financial Holdings to Wells Fargo & Co.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Michael Cant is seen as a "very strong individual." He specialises in corporate tax, and is especially well regarded for his indirect tax advice on VAT.

Simon Rose is "very strong technically and commercially." He recently advised Grosvenor Fund Management on the establishment of its joint venture with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

Although this team does not share the resources of some of its larger peers, it nevertheless continues to attract an impressive volume of complex work. The team predominantly focuses on restructuring, transactional, finance and funds-related work. It recently advised Western Union on its purchase of Global Payments, which was valued at approximately £600 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Drew Scott's "ability to understand the needs of business and to draft agreements which anticipate and protect clients against future disputes." He led the team's work on the Global Payments transaction.

Graeme Harrower is particularly focused on the structuring of complex financial transactions.

This "high-quality" team handles a diverse range of tax structuring work on real estate, transactional and funds-related matters. One recent example saw the team advise financial services client Duff & Phelps on the tax implications of its acquisition of MCR. Other notable clients include KPMG, Petrobras, Seera Investment Bank and Aberdeen Asset Management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Hugo Jenney is highly regarded by peers, and has developed an excellent reputation in his core field of asset finance tax.

Maryanna Sharrock focuses primarily on transactional work, and led the team's advice to Duff & Phelps on the MCR transaction.

This team continues to handle an impressive range of work, though it is perhaps best known in the market for its indirect tax expertise. The impressive breadth of the firm's network of international offices means it is a natural choice for clients requiring cross-border advice. In addition to indirect taxation, the team advises on real estate, transactional and finance matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Croker "knows what he is talking about," say sources. His practice encompasses both direct and indirect tax work. Peers say he is a "nice guy" with whom they can have a "good working relationship."

VAT specialist Peter Mason is another well-regarded member of the team and continues to attract praise from the market.

This team has carved out a significant niche in the market place, and has been particularly active on advising fund managers. The firm's set-up ensures it is well placed to advise clients on issues with an international element, and it is particularly strong at handling transatlantic deals. The team recently advised PhotoBox on its £120 million acquisition of online greetings card provider Moonpig.com.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Stapleton is "solid and pleasant to deal with," say sources. Praised for his "depth of knowledge," Stapleton takes the lead on much of the team's complex cross-border work.

David Gubbay is "commercial and willing to take a decision for a client." His practice encompasses corporate, real estate, funds, finance and financial services taxation.

This team earns praise from clients from the depth of talent on offer, with one interviewee praising its "excellent juniors and trainees." The team's partners meanwhile have led it through another successful year, building on its established reputation in the energy sector and also diversifying the practice by taking on more disputes work. The team has a well-established reputation for handling international work.

Subsequent to publication, SNR Denton LLP, Salans LLP and Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP merged to form Dentons in April 2013.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Alex Thomas has developed a profile in the market for his work on a range of commercial and real estate matters.

This "business savvy" team has earned a significant client following, and sources praise the team for being "very much on the ball." The breadth of experience and depth of resources the firm offers is considered to be a real draw for many of its clients. The team recently advised Deutsche Bank on the disposal of structured ROSCO assets to a new fund.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers appreciate Richard Woolich's "collaborative" approach, and describe him as a "nice guy" who is "well informed." He chairs the firm's international VAT group.

Simon Gough has a broad-ranging practice that covers transactional work, structured finance and VAT work.

Sources are full of praise for this team's "excellent commerciality." One interviewee states: "The staff are pleasant to get along with" and praises the "efficiency and reliability of advice provided." Core areas of expertise for the team include real estate and investment funds work. The team recently advised Legal & General on its £305 million purchase of the Rolls Building, which houses the Chancery Division, the Admiralty and Commercial Court and the Technology and Construction Court.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clive Jones is a key contact.

This team has earned itself a strong reputation in the London market, and is particularly known for its expertise in international taxation matters, with transatlantic issues a clear strength. The team's knowledge of finance matters is also recognised as a key asset. The team advised Virgin Media on the £338 million sale of its stake in UKTV to Scripps Networks Interactive.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Gaut is a strong member of the team. He recently advised Goldman Sachs on its USD70 million acquisition of a one-third share in the IT company AppSense Holdings.

This team continues to enjoy the respect of well-placed market sources, and is especially well thought-of in the real estate and structured finance fields. Clients describe the team as "professional, practical and receptive to alternative fee arrangements," and also note that it has a "great breadth of experience in other jurisdictions." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charlotte Sallabank is described as "practical and efficient" and is well regarded by peers thanks to her "pragmatic and reasonable" style. She recently advised Ryder System on the tax aspects of its acquisition of Hill Hire.

Blaise Marin-Curtoud recently advised ENRC on structuring and tax exposure issues connected to its USD1.25 billion acquisition of the Kolwezi Tailings Project and Frontier and Lonshi Mines, and a number of related exploration interests.

Clients are full of praise for this team, describing it as "very good, responsive and available." One interviewee adds: "They are client friendly and very commercial." The team has a particular focus on tax structuring across the European jurisdictions, where it works closely with other key departments in the London office. The team has recently advised the Sahara Group on its £470 million acquisition of the Grosvenor House Hotel.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Russell Jacobs is "technically very good, very commercial and has built an ongoing personal relationship with us," according to clients. He played a key role in the team's advice to the Sahara Group on the matter outlined above.

Clients are quick to praise the "very good" service provided by Matthew Mortimer. He specialises in handling structure finance-related matters.

Clients endorse this team's capability, saying that it "offers consistently good advice, which is easy to understand and apply to the matter in hand." Another interviewee adds: "They're very approachable, and they work very long hours. There's always an expert on hand no matter what we ask them." The team recently acted for MC Income Plus Fund on its restructuring.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eloise Walker is "technically very good. She's commercial as well and she doesn't fight battles for the sake of it." Her practice takes in a wide range of corporate taxation matters.

Peers acknowledge this team to be "very experienced" and highlight the fact that it is "well respected in cross-border work." In addition to its widely recognised strength in terms of transactions, the team is also highly regarded for its advice on structured finance and funds matters. The team recently advised Silver Lake Capital and Skype Global on the USD8.5 billion sale of Skype Global to a subsidiary of Microsoft.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael McGowan is a "very good operator" who "knows his stuff," peers say. He recently advised ING Groep N.V. on the sale of its real estate investment management business ING REIM.