Firms To Watch: Tax

Melbourne-based firm KHQ Lawyers is home to a team with expertise in handling a broad range of tax and estate planning matters for corporate entities and high-net-worth individuals. Harry Giannakidis heads up the practice.

Tax in Australia

Allens

Allens‘ ‘high calibre‘ team has ‘strong tax technical knowledge‘, and is routinely instructed in a broad range of complex tax work. Practice head Ellen Thomas leads on major cross-border transactions. Martin Fry is ‘commercial, pragmatic and keeps it simple‘. Toby Knight is ‘a strong strategic thinker in complex tax litigation‘. Joseph Power is another key team member.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ellen Thomas


Autres avocats clés:

Martin Fry; Toby Knight, Joseph Power


Les références

‘Able to develop a coherent, robust tax litigation strategy in complex matters. Very strong attention to detail.’

‘Toby Knight is a strong strategic thinker in complex tax litigation. Martin Fry is an excellent sounding board.’

‘High calibre team. Very smart, approachable and produce high quality work.’

Ashurst

Ashurst stands out for its 'well-integrated indirect tax practice'. The 'technically very strong' team has a solid track record in advising on corporate tax planning, transactional work and international tax matters, and is also well regarded for handling stamp duty mandates. Practice head Costa Koutsis is a key contact for indirect tax and stamp duty work, which also features prominently in Sanjay Wavde's practice. Steve Whittington regularly acts for international and domestic corporations in the finance, retail, and hospitality sectors. Vivian ChangIan KellockBronwyn Kirkwood and consultant Barbara Phair are key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Costa Koutsis


Autres avocats clés:

Vivian Chang; Sanjay Wavde; Steve Whittington; Ian Kellock; Bronwyn Kirkwood; Barbara Phair


Les références

‘Technically very strong team, but also practical. One of the leading stamp duty practices in the country.’

‘They are industry leaders and practical.’

‘The Ashurst tax practice are all practical, commercial advisors. They provide useful and timely updates to clients.’

Principaux clients

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited


Macquarie


Woolworths


Oxford Properties Group


Uber


Ivanhoé Cambridge


Mirvac


Brookfield


Downer EDI


La Mancha


Judo Bank


HSBC


Latitude Financial


Northwest Healthcare


Amazon


JP Morgan


UBS


Scape


TPG


Barrenjoey


BNP Paribas


Costco


Endeavour Group


King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons' tax team has 'deep and wide ranging experience in the financial services sector and is well positioned to provide high quality tax advice in all areas relevant to this sector'. The group is also adept at assisting clients in the entertainment,  energy, and technology sectors. Melbourne-based practice head Darren McClafferty handles major tax disputes and corporate restructurings. Justin Rossetto advises on multi-jurisdictional income tax issues; cross-border transactions are a key area of instruction for Greg ProtektorJudith Taylor is active in restructuring mandates in the construction sector. Michael Perez, Tim Sherman, Michael Clough, Richard Snowden and Jerome Tse are highly regarded practitioners in the tax space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Darren McClafferty


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Perez; Michael Clough; Richard Snowden; Justin Rossetto; Jerome Tse; Greg Protektor; Judith Taylor; Tim Sherman


Les références

‘The team is collaborative and always responsive.’

‘We work with Greg Protektor a lot. He’s our trusted tax counsel as he has the right balance between ensuring we fully recognize key risk areas and making commercial calls on other issues where the risks may be low. Greg’s patience in going through each issue with us, and explaining in detail the background of his advice is very helpful. ’

‘The KWM tax team has deep and wide ranging experience in the financial services sector and is well positioned to provide high quality tax advice in all areas relevant to this sector. ’

Principaux clients

Altium


AMP


ANZ


Australian Payments Plus


Aurizon


Australian Retirement Trust


BHP


Brookfield Asset Management


BioPak


BUPA


CBA


CK William Australia


Dexus


Frasers


Endeavour Group


Envato


GenesisCare


Glencore


Investment company of HNW Australian family


Here, There & Everywhere


IAG


ICD Aspire


IOOF Holdings


Lendlease


Marsh Mercer Holdings


NAB


Police & Nurses Limited


QIC Property Fund


REA


Regal Funds Management


Shell Australia


Stockland


Tabcorp


Telstra


The Product Makers International Pte Ltd


Vanguard Investments Australia


Woodside Energy


Minter Ellison

The 'very strong tax practice' at Minter Ellison handles the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious tax matters, often for public and private sector entities. The client roster also takes in names from the financial services, energy and resources, and information technology sectors. The group has extensive experience in handling indirect tax, transfer pricing, tax structuring and tax controversy matters. Based in Melbourne, Adrian Varrasso advises on large acquisitions in the real estate sector, and jointly heads the practice with Rhys Guild, Carmen McElwain, and Craig Silverwood. Rimma Miller, Nathan Deveson, and Elissa Romanin are other key members of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adrian Varrasso; Rhys Guild; Carmen McElwain; Craig Silverwood


Autres avocats clés:

Rimma Miller; Nathan Deveson; Elissa Romanin; Craig Bowie


Les références

‘Minter Ellison has a very strong tax practice. The team conveys balanced views and is forthright in the advice they give.’ 

‘Craig Bowie is an exceptional special counsel. He is technically strong, communicates very well, and can convey risk and other issues to consider.’ 

Principaux clients

Mirvac


L’Oreal S.A


Salter Brothers Hotel Group


Mylan Australia Holdings Pty Ltd


Dexus Property Group


Aveo


Australian Taxation Office


Linamar Corporation


Total Energy Services Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Mylan Australia Holding Pty Ltd in a dispute with the ATO.
  • Advised Mirvac on its acquisition of a 47.5% stake in the Serenitas land lease business.

Arnold Bloch Leibler

Arnold Bloch Leibler's 'talented' tax team is sought after by major domestic and international corporations and businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit entities to provide support on a wide range of tax issues. Cross-border tax structurings and regulatory work are other key areas of strength for the group. Firm founding partner Mark Leibler jointly heads the practice with Paul Sokolowski and Clint Harding. Other key names to note include Shaun Cartoon and Jonathan Ortner.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Leibler AC; Paul Sokolowski; Clint Harding


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathan Ortner; Shaun Cartoon


Les références

‘The ABL tax and incentives team is second to none. Excellent technical ability and a reliable commercial application makes this team stand out amongst its peers. They remain our go to advisors in Australia. ’

‘Shaun Cartoon is an industry expert in his field. His experience and depth of knowledge makes him an obvious choice.’

‘ABL has an outstanding team of professionals with deep expertise.’

Principaux clients

National Veterinary Association


AsheMorgan


Probiotec


InstantScripts


Growing Data


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising National Veterinary Associates on the sale of VetPartners to EQT Group, a Scandinavian private equity firm.
  • Advising AsheMorgan on its purchase of an office tower and the MetCentre at 60 Margaret Street, Sydney.
  • Advising ASX-listed Probiotec on its acquisition by Indonesian-listed company PT Pyridam Farma, by way of scheme of arrangement.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie stands out for its ‘truly full-service offering‘ in the tax arena. The team has a solid track record in advising major domestic and international clients in the financial services and resources and energy sectors on the full range of tax matters. Simone Bridges handles the tax aspects of major multi-national acquisitions in the manufacturing sector and restructuring transactions, and Miles Hurst and Tom Brennan are other key practitioners to note. Former practice head John Walker left the firm in October 2024.

Autres avocats clés:

Simone Bridges; Miles Hurst; Tom Brennan; Janet Cho; Amrit MacIntyre


Les références

‘The team is well resourced and provides a truly full-service offering.’ 

‘Simone Bridges offers clients the perfect fusion of technical, black letter excellence together with a practical, solutions focused advice.’

‘Miles Hurst and Tom Brennan have provided us with outstanding service over the years as they are very knowledgeable in their area of specialty.’

Principaux clients

Kao Corporation


5E Advanced Materials


Sev.en Global Investments


Clean Energy Transfer Fund


Optimity


DoorDash


Fortress


Spotify


ResMed


Ellerston Capital


AECOM


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Tokyo-listed company Kao Corporation on its AUD 400M acquisition of Australian skincare brand Bondi Sands.
  • Advising Sev.en Global Investments on its AUD 1.5 billion acquisition of a 51% stake in ASX listed Coronado Global Resources, Inc. from The Energy & Minerals Group.

Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz‘s team is singled out for its ‘comprehensive expertise and adaptability in handling complex tax matters‘. The group has established strength in assisting major clients in the renewable energy and resources sector on a range of tax issues. Practice head Angela Wood is well known for advising major international corporations on tax-related restructurings and litigation, while Andrew Sommer handles investment work pertaining to offshore funds. With particular expertise in acting for real estate sector clients, Keshni Maharaj often advises on stamp duty issues, while Brendon Lamers assists with tax audits. Other key practitioners include Peter Feros and Andy Bubb.

Responsables de la pratique:

Angela Wood


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Sommer; Peter Feros; Brendon Lamers; Keshni Maharaj; Andy Bubb


Les références

‘Angela Wood is outstanding.’ 

‘Knowledgeable, and prepared to be constructive on finding workable solutions.’

‘Keshni Maharaj is committed to delivering value for her clients and takes a cautious yet practical approach to Australian stamp duty. She always ensures that her work generates value for her clients.’

Principaux clients

Wyloo Consolidated


Plenary and Mirvac


Plenary Group Holdings Pty Ltd


InfraBuild Australia Pty Ltd


Australian Retirement Trust


Palisade Impact Fund


Cambridge Social Infrastructure Fund


Albioma


Atmos Developments Pty Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Wyloo Consolidated on its $760 million takeover offer for Mincor Resources NL (ASX: MCR).
  • Advised Australian Retirement Trust (ART) on the establishment of the Mirvac Industrial Venture (MIV).

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The tax practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth is well regarded for its expertise in handling transactional mandates, and is also adept at advising on stamp duty issues. Cameron Blackwood heads up the practice; Melbourne-based Rhys Jewell advises on the tax aspects of M&A transactions and tax structurings; and Michael Carroll regularly acts for clients in the manufacturing sector. Mark Payne, Jennee Chan and Simon Mifsud are other highly regarded practitioners in the department. In August 2024 Luke Imbriano joined the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cameron Blackwood


Autres avocats clés:

Rhys Jewell; Mark Payne; Jennee Chan; Simon Mifsud; Michael Carroll; Luke Imbriano


Les références

‘Mark Payne displayed a combination of technical and professional expertise.’

Principaux clients

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.


Mineral Resources Limited


Stockland Corporation Limited


Southern Cross Media Group


Albemarle Corporation


North American Construction Group Limited


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Queensland Investment Corporation


ACEREZ consortium


Hall & Prior Aged Care Group


Oxford Property Group and Investa Property Group


PayPal Giving Fund Australia


Foxtel


Dollarama Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Paris Stock Exchange listed Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. on its proposed acquisition of CSR Limited.
  • Advised Mineral Resources Limited on its acquisition from Alita Resources Ltd of Tawana Resources Ltd and Lithco No 2 Pty Ltd.
  • Advising Stockland Corporation Limited on all aspects of the establishment of Stockland Supalai Residential Communities Partnership Pty Limited.

Johnson Winter Slattery

At Johnson Winter Slattery, the tax team is well known for its expertise in representing corporate, private equity, and fund management clients in work. Practice head Stewart Grieve focuses on income tax audits, while Matthew Shanahan advises on the tax aspects of setting up investment funds. Prashanth Kainthaje garners praise for being 'one of Australia's leading cross-border tax practitioners'. Kathryn Bertram and Annemarie Wilmore are other key practitioners to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stewart Grieve


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Shanahan; Prashanth Kainthaje; Kathryn Bertram; Annemarie Wilmore


Les références

‘The team has always been accessible and knowledgeable.’

‘The individuals have a great level of knowledge and passion to help clients.’

‘Prashanth Kainthaje is in my view one of Australia’s leading cross-border tax practitioners. He cares deeply about his clients. His close involvement has been instrumental for very favourable tax outcomes we’ve achieved.’

White & Case LLP

White & Case regularly acts for energy companies, private equity funds and real estate investors on the full range of contentious and non-contentious tax matters. Practice head Aldrin De Zilva is 'a leading tax practitioner'; Tim NeilsonCameron Rider, and Igor Golshtein have experience in advising on the tax aspects of asset management and tax disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aldrin De Zilva


Autres avocats clés:

Tim Neilson; Cameron Rider; Igor Golshtein


Les références

‘The team is able to provide practical and measured advice, but also able to dive into the details as necessary. The team can support small projects and large, complex projects.’

‘Aldrin De Zilva is a leading tax practitioner. His ability to provide advice on highly complex matters is highly valuable.’

‘The team is well-resourced and has a number of senior and highly competent staff which is particularly important when advising on complex tax technical matters. The team goes above and beyond for their clients, and has an excellent command of the issues.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as leading tax counsel to AusNet and the former shareholders concerning the acquisition of AusNet by Australian Energy Holdings No 4 Pty Ltd.
  • Acting as leading tax counsel to Perdaman Group in relation to the development and financing of the A$6 billion Karratha Urea Project.

Gilbert + Tobin

The team at Gilbert + Tobin stands out for its 'strong tax expertise on private equity and fund investments', and is equally well equipped to advise on due diligence issues and transactions. The 'technically excellent' Julian Cheng heads up the practice, and has experience in advising investment and wealth management firms on the full range of tax matters. Income tax matters form a key pillar of Matthew Charman's practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julian Cheng


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Charman


 


Les références

‘The practice is well-known and trusted.’

‘I rate Julian Cheng very highly. He is technically excellent, reliable and easy to work with. I have used Julian on a number of occasions on difficult and complex tax issues. He is a trusted advisor.’

‘Julian Cheng is a very qualified practitioner.’

Principaux clients

Adamantem Capital


Australian Clinical Labs


Community Housing Canberra Ltd


Rokt


Walker Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Adamantem Capital on the sale of a 100% stake in Greenland HoldCo Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries.
  • Advising on the restructuring of the Australian Clinical Labs’ reverse takeover of Healius Ltd.
  • Advising on the GST and stamp duty implications of all steps of the Community Housing Canberra Ltd – BTRTB Women’s Housing Initiative project.

Hall & Wilcox

Hall & Wilcox's tax team is regularly seen advising clients in the construction and mining sectors on land tax and stamp duty matters, and is equally strong in handling the tax aspects of high-value transactions and tax consolidation mandates. Melbourne-based Frank Hinoporos heads up the practice, and Anthony Bradica and Jacqueline McGrath advise high-net-worth-individuals on tax audits and tax structuring matters pertaining to joint ventures. Jim Koutsokostas is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Frank Hinoporos


Autres avocats clés:

Anthony Bradica; Jacqueline McGrath; Jim Koutsokostas


Les références

‘Jacqueline McGrath’s expertise in tax litigation means that cases are prepared thoroughly and thoughtfully. She provides good support to counsel which ensures the case is managed in a collaborative way.’

Principaux clients

Dandy Premix Concrete Pty Ltd


Adatree Pty Ltd


Casacir Pty Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Dandy Premix Concrete Pty Ltd on the $85 million sale of the business to Maas Group Holdings Limited.
  • Represented the Commissioner of Taxation in a complex GST matter.
  • Advised the shareholders of Casacir Pty Ltd on the tax aspects of a deal worth $68 million.

Jones Day

The Melbourne-based tax practice at Jones Day regularly assists large multinational clients with major tax disputes, restructurings, and transfer pricing matters. Practice head Niv Tadmore is well versed in handling the tax aspects of cross-border restructurings, and Simon Bowden has experience in advising on avoidance issues. An expert in tax disputes, John Walker joined the team from Baker McKenzie in October 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Niv Tadmore


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Bowden; Lauren Moses


Les références

‘Excellent knowledge and capability to negotiate in a respectful way with authorities.’

‘Outstanding client service – everyone on the team gives maximum effort to understand the client’s business and needs and provide the optimal solutions. Team members can see the big picture while advising on the detailed issues and legal points. One of the best teams with which I have worked throughout Asia-Pacific.’

‘Niv Tadmore, Simon Bowden, and Lauren Moses were the main members of the team with whom I interacted. Each of them has outstanding technical and practical knowledge, clearly communicates the issues and potential solutions, and is highly personable.’

KPMG Law in Australia

KPMG Law in Australia's tax team has 'deep knowledge and experience' in handling tax disputes. The group is very experienced in acting for domestic and international clients in the financial services sector in proceedings involving the ATO. Cross-border financing matters are another core area of instruction for the group. The practice is jointly led by the trio of Alexandra PatrickKristie Schubert and the 'exceptional operator' Keith Swan. Louise Giorgini is another name to note. Luke Imbriano departed for Corrs Chambers Westgarth in August 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Patrick; Keith Swan; Kristie Schubert


Autres avocats clés:

Louise Giorgini


Les références

‘Strong technical ability. Well resourced and good communication.’

‘Keith Swan is an exceptional operator with strong technical knowledge, and he is a great communicator.’

‘Keith Swan is excellent. He manages engagements effectively, his work is thorough and well-reasoned, and he has good judgement.’

Principaux clients

Hannover Life Re of Australasia Ltd


Morpheus Energy Holdings Pty Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a client in a complex tax dispute.

A&O Shearman

At A&O Shearman the tax team, which is situated within the firm's wider corporate practice, is led by Ka Sen Wong. Wong is well known for advising on the tax aspects of M&A transactions, acquisitions, and sustainability-linked loans, while Angela Melick is a key contact for assisting with the tax aspects of demergers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ka Sen Wong


Autres avocats clés:

Angela Melick


Les références

‘Technically very sound team. Very approachable and the partner is always available.’

‘Pragmatic and practical thinkers. Ka Sen Wong is always able to understand commercial issues quickly.’

Principaux clients

Roc Partners Pty Limited


Animal Logic Entertainment


Wesfarmers Limited


National Australia Bank (NAB)


Animal Logic Entertainment


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Asahi on the tax aspects of its acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries from Anheuser-Busch InBev.
  • Advising Port of Melbourne on the tax aspects of securing its first sustainability-linked loan.
  • Advising Animal Logic on the tax aspects of its sale to Netflix.

DLA Piper

The tax practice at DLA Piper, which is led by Jock McCormack, regularly assists with the full range of tax matters pertaining to transactions in the real estate, funds, and energy and resources sectors. Eddie Ahn handles funds transactions, while Adam Smith leads on income tax and stamp duty matters. Jun Au brings expertise in corporate structuring and M&A.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jock McCormack


Autres avocats clés:

Eddie Ahn; Adam Smith; Jun Au


Les références

‘This is an amazing team. They balance the workload well.’

‘Adam Smith is commercial, on top of changes in law and also keeps track of government and tax authority focus areas to predict what areas will become key issues in the future. He manages his team incredibly well and his turn around speeds are very fast.’ 

Principaux clients

Valparaiso Australia Pty Ltd


Cobra Instalaciones Y Servicios


Fargher Aither Pty Ltd


Technology Metals Australia Limited


Pengana Credit Pty Ltd


Hydrostor Australia Pty Ltd


Novo Nordisk A/S


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Valparaiso on the sale of its student accommodation business, Student One, to Blackstone for AUD500 million.
  • Advising Technology Metals on its merger with Australian Vanadium via a scheme of arrangement.

K&L Gates

Operating within the firm's wider corporate and M&A practice, the tax team at K&L Gates is well equipped to handle the full range of indirect tax matters for domestic and international clients. Practice head Betsy-Ann Howe is well versed in advising on restructurings and tax exemption matters, and Stuart Broadfoot is active in tax matters related to debt funds. Matthew Cridland is 'an exceptional tax advisor'.

Responsables de la pratique:

Betsy-Ann Howe


Autres avocats clés:

Stuart Broadfoot; Matthew Cridland


Les références

‘Depth of expertise across a range of fields.’

‘Stuart Broadfoot is always quick to respond and deeply knowledgeable.’

‘Matthew Cridland is an exceptional tax advisor who is able to balance commercial considerations with technical tax positions. He has established himself as one of the best indirect tax specialists in Australia. He also has a great reputation with the ATO.’ 

Principaux clients

Panthera Leo Pty Ltd


Dimensional Fund Advisors


Telstra Corporation Limited


Entertainment Partners


Kroll LLC


Agri Carbon Investments Pty Ltd


Trovio Group Limited


Immutable Pty Ltd


Mills Oakley

Under the leadership of Andrew Spalding, the tax team at Mills Oakley is well versed in advising on the stamp duty implications of proposed M&A deals, employee incentive options and warranty and indemnity matters. Craig Gibson and Melbourne-based Marina Raulings assist with the tax aspects concerning foreign investment, income tax, and transfer of assets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Spalding


Autres avocats clés:

Craig Gibson; Marina Raulings


Les références

‘Andrew Spalding is fantastic: friendly, responsive, technical but pragmatic. Couldn’t rate him more highly.’

Principaux clients

Fusion Speciality Insurance


Cooley


Viburnum Funds


Mine Superannuation Fund


Oxley Holdings Limited


Levande Retirement


Glenloch Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Fusion on warranty and indemnity insurance policies.
  • Advised Mine Superannuation Fund on the tax implications of its proposed merger with TWUSUPER.
  • Advised Oxley on tax matters in relation to a major Sydney property development.

Norton Rose Fulbright

The tax practice at Norton Rose Fulbright fields expertise in advising on tax-related corporate matters, acquisitions in the retail sector and duty aspects on investments in the energy sector. The group is equally adept at acting for asset managers in mandates. Greg Reinhardt leads the team; special counsels Stephanie Barnes and Seema Mishra have strength in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations on tax deduction matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Reinhardt


Autres avocats clés:

Stephanie Barnes, Seema Mishra


Principaux clients

AIG Australia


Beazley Pte


ESR Australia


KPMG


CC Underwriting


Haben Property Fund


Fusion Speciality Insurance


HCCI Credit Services


Liberty Speciality Markets


The GPT Group


UniSuper


Tokio Marine Insurance


Transport for NSW


Vale Insurance Partners


Zurich Insurance