Tax

Macfarlanes is widely respected for the quality and breadth of its tax work. The team advises clients on a range of matters, with notable areas of expertise including restructuring and M&A. The team is best known for its standout expertise in relation to investment fund and private client-related tax issues. It is known for its adept handling of matters for clients in the real estate, financial services and media sectors.

"The depth and breath of the entire team, from junior associate to partners, is fabulous. Each individual has a thorough understanding of the technical matters and also understands the ramifications beyond their scope of expertise."

"You get the impression that the team are thinking about your needs and interests when you are not there - a lot of value-add gets provided around the edges of matters."

"The firm has truly outstanding industry insight as well as the ability to work in multiple jurisdictions through a network of likewise excellent local providers."

"Macfarlanes have demonstrated the ability to come up with innovative solutions and handle complex areas of taxation."

Macfarlanes provided UK tax advice in respect of the structuring and fundraising of Hayfin’s flagship funds and separately managed account.

Ashley Greenbank comes recommended for his work on large-scale M&A and financing transactions. He is noted for his advice on cross-border matters as well as for his tax planning expertise.

Mark Baldwin acts for asset managers on a full range of tax matters affecting private funds. He regularly advises on the structuring of private equity funds as well as real estate joint ventures. "He has demonstrated a broad knowledge of the topic with insight on industry matters." "Mark is extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and sophisticated."

Damien Crossley is head of tax at Macfarlanes. He has extensive experience handling complex tax matters for clients in the investment funds space. Fund structuring is a key area of work for him, although he also assists clients with other matters including investments and remuneration. "Damien is a leader in his field; he's technically superb and extremely responsive. His greatest strength is the ability to focus on solutions rather than problems, and to cut through legal uncertainty rather than hide behind it when delivering advice." "He is amazing. He's pragmatic, strategic and has a commercial understanding."

Gideon Sanitt has a wealth of experience advising companies, investment funds and individuals on direct and indirect tax disputes. "He's extremely strong technically and a great tax partner. He's top notch and completely trusted." "I found him to be very knowledgeable." "I'm very impressed with his ability to cut through a lot of information and provide clear, practical advice." "Gideon Sanitt is a brilliant tax lawyer and litigator whose judgement is invariably spot on."

James McCredie is known for his work advising asset managers on the full range of tax issues affecting investment funds. "James is very impressive, very pragmatic, and he understands what we need in terms of possible outcomes. He's very good at being straightforward and helps us develop strategy." "He has a deep understanding of the asset management industry and the latest market practice."

Sophie Donnithorne-Tait advises international investment funds, asset managers and corporate clients on a wide variety of tax issues. Restructuring is another strength, and both creditors and debtors seek out her advice in that area. "Sophie is most impressive - she handles things speedily and her advice is delivered in a way you can instantly work with. She shows outstanding industry insight and commercial sophistication. She's our clear first choice in everything tax-related."

Jeremy Moncrieff has a broad practice advising investment managers and corporate clients on the tax planning and structuring of mergers and acquisitions. "Jeremy is always responsive and focused on solutions. He has excellent technical knowledge but is able to distil it in a comprehendible manner." "Taking advice from Jeremy is a pleasure. He thinks creatively around the issue for solutions, presents them clearly and is great at explaining his thinking in simple terms." "Jeremy is an absolute expert in his area and provides invaluable guidance and support in how we go about structuring transactions."