The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010: Tax

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2010 review of international legal talent in the area of Tax, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Tax: Corporate & Finance
USA Ranking: Tier 2

This national tax group of 54 fee earners is renowned for its expertise in private equity and bankruptcies. "If you have a complicated problem you go to them because you can rely on getting a brilliant answer," report clients. The practice continues to secure work in numerous acquisitions, high-end fund formations and bankruptcies, where it acts as tax counsel in developing innovative tax structures. The Chicago office has traditionally been the hub of its national practice and is also home to the notable talents of Donald Rocap, who has a busy practice assisting hedge funds with the tax aspects of fund formation. Jeffrey Sheffield puts his experience of tax planning for public and closely-held entities to good use in a mix of M&A and venture capital transactions. The smaller New York office adds support. Regardless of location, "all the attorneys are extremely conversant in complex transactional tax issues," sources agree. Major clients include Madison Dearborn and CVC Capital Partners.

Global Ranking: Tier 4

The Firm: This Chicago-based firm has strong tax groups in the UK and the USA. The practice tackles a considerable amount of M&A and restructuring work. Highlights include its representation of New York-based private equity firm KPS Capital Partners on its acquisition of Waterford Wedgwood following its administration. The UK team has been advising investors such as Apollo Management and TowerBrook Capital Partners on their debt investment activities.

Key Individuals: Jeffrey Sheffield and Don Rocap are among the big names in the Chicago tax department. Ian Taplin heads up the European tax operation in London, while Patrick Gallagher advises from New York.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010 — www.chambersandpartners.com.