Tax litigation and investigations

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP fields ‘an outstanding proactive team’ with a strong reputation acting in tax disputes both domestically and internationally. Areas covered by the department include indirect tax and employment tax disputes, as well as the full scope of direct business tax issues. Nick Clayton, who leads the team, offers expertise in both civil and criminal tax matters, with a record of acting on behalf of UHNWIs, financial institutions, and corporates. Working with Clayton is Michael Hunt, who is dual-qualified as a solicitor and chartered accountant with particular strength in employment tax issues. Dawen Gao is a key name with broad experience across the banking, insurance, and energy sectors, among others.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Great depth and breadth.’
‘An outstanding proactive team.’
‘Nick Clayton is a dynamic and intelligent lawyer with exceptional forensic judgment.’
‘The team continues to be truly impressive and lovely to work with. They always go above and beyond, and we could not ask for more.’
‘Michael Hunt is a trusted advisor, approachable and helpful. He goes above and beyond and makes us feel like valued clients.'
'Dawen Gao is a pleasure to work with and makes everything easier for us. She has an impressive understanding of our business, and we know our case is in good hands.’

Key clients

Bernie Ecclestone
Axiata Group Berhad
Neptune Energy
Moorfield
PacifiCorp Inc.
Orsted
Berkeley Group

Work highlights

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 Orsted in a case heard in the Court of Appeal, on the availability of capital allowances on offshore windfarm development costs.
Acting for Moorfield in an appeal to the first-tier tribunal relating to the application of transitional rules for the new carried interest tax regime that was introduced in 2015.