
Tax
Europe Guide 2026 : UK
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Linklaters advised Thames Water on the tax aspects of its GBP22 billion balance sheet recapitalisation transaction.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Linklaters is simultaneously technically informed, practically minded and fantastic business advisers.
Tax respondentEuropeThe team is technically strong, but what sets it apart is its interest in and understanding of its clients, which results in pragmatic, commercially focused advice and support.
Tax respondentEuropeLinklaters' tax team showed a real ability to get to the key issues quickly and clearly. They brought real-world solutions and didn't waste any time on matters that weren't relevant.
Tax respondentEurope
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 3 
Band 3 
Lynne Walkington
Lynne Walkington advises on tax issues relating to M&A, corporate restructuring and capital market deals. Her client base includes insurance companies, professional services firms and investment funds. Band 5 
Band 5 
Chris Smale
Chris Smale is a corporate tax expert who advises clients on a range of matters including M&A, finance transactions and restructurings.
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
Alexei Franks
Alexei Franks has a broad practice that sees him advising on real estate matters, M&A and joint ventures. Alexei is very thorough, and you always feel like he has your very best interest at heart. He is very commercially aware and clear in his communication.
Tax respondentEuropeAlexei always has a positive can-do attitude and makes himself available whenever there is a client need.
Tax respondentEuropeAlexei has very detailed knowledge. He's very commercial, thinks through the strategy from a tax perspective and considers all aspects.
Tax respondentEurope
Ranked Individuals at Linklaters (3)
Linklaters has rankings in the following guides
What success is built on
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.