Tax: Contentious
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has a strong tax litigation group that is known for the wide range of issues it tackles for its clients, including cross-border and UK-focused tax disputes. Its lawyers are able to advise on private wealth-related tax disputes, in addition to VAT, SDLT and customs duty disputes. The firm offers clients in-depth commercial knowledge of tax law in the energy, finance and real estate sectors.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Axiata in ICSID arbitration proceedings brought under the 1993 UK-Nepal bilateral investment treaty, regarding Nepal's imposition of USD900 million in alleged capital gains tax on an Axiata subsidiary.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They deliver prompt responses and high attention to detail."
"They deliver prompt responses and high attention to detail."
Notable Practitioners
Nick Clayton acts for clients in tax disputes and investigations by HMRC. Asset managers, corporate clients and high net worth individuals form much of his client base, and he works with these clients on their most significant disputes.
"Nick did a tremendous job getting the result for the client."
"He's very good and charming."
Michael Hunt represents clients in a wide range of contentious tax matters. He appears in cases relating to employment tax, double tax treaty disputes and VAT.
"Michael is an excellent adviser and very reliable."