Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner oversees a range of VAT and indirect tax matters in the context of real estate transactions, litigation, business acquisitions, and planning agreements. Other areas of focus include complex SDLT matters and customs duties disputes. Head of global tax Elizabeth Bradley and head of VAT Alan Sinyor jointly oversee the tax advice and controversy practice. Sinyor’s expertise lies in VAT, SDLT and customs duties, while Bradley’s knowledge of tax relating to finance, corporate M&A, funds and real estate is strong. Key names include Kate Ison, who is highlighted for her skills in contentious matters, and Andy West, whose work largely comes from clients in a range of real estate sectors. Kyle O’Sullivan, previously of Slaughter and May, was welcomed to the firm in April 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Technically excellent. Commercially savvy. Clear advice set within the commercial context of the transaction or issue. Likeable people who want to help solve the relevant issues rather than to add to them!’
‘Elizabeth Bradley is one of the best tax lawyers I have encountered. Technically strong, but also commercially aware and with a strong desire to understand all relevant aspects of the transaction. This sets her apart from many other tax lawyers, who can tend to sit in ivory towers.'
'Elizabeth Bradley's grip on the overall deal enables her to provide clear, commercially oriented and understandable advice.’
‘The BCLP indirect tax practice has significant experience and insight on very technical VAT issues and the ability to develop practical commercial solutions.’
‘Alan Sinyor is a very knowledgeable and experienced expert in VAT with an ability to develop unique and practical solutions. He can explain VAT analyses and issues in a very clear and easy to understand manner for those who are not experts in the area.’
‘The team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner are extremely knowledgeable. Moreover, they have the ability to explain very complex issues in plain English, so the matters under consideration can be easily understood by all our non-legal non-financial staff members.’
‘The stand-out members of the team in our opinion are Alan Sinyor and Sarah Johnson. They are extremely professional and efficient, and they are across every aspect of our business. They respond quickly to any enquiries with knowledgeable answers and sound advice.’

Key clients

KKR
Tristan Capital Partners
Blackstone/iQ Student Accommodation
Landsec
Great Portland Estates (GPE)

Work highlights

Advised KKR on the VAT and indirect tax aspects of its student accommodation portfolio at Widnes and Bristol.
Advised Tristan Capital Partners’ on the VAT and indirect tax aspects of student accommodation, creating a £750m purpose-built student accommodation platform.
Advised Blackstone/iQ on the VAT and indirect tax aspects of its student Accommodation at the University of Warwick.

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