The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: 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' 2011 review of international legal talent in the area of Tax, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Global Ranking: Tier 4

The Firm: With strong tax teams in both its US and UK offices, this firm provides tax counseling on domestic and international tax issues for an impressive client base. The firm acted as legal counsel for Bain Capital on global tax and structuring issues resulting from a major acquisition which had tax implications in the USA, Europe and Asia.

Sources say: "As a firm they are consistently excellent in just about every area."

Key Individuals: The main tax partners in the USA are Jeffrey Sheffield and Don Rocap in Chicago and Patrick Gallagher in New York. In London, Ian Taplin takes the leading role in the European tax group.

USA Ranking: Tier 2

Jeffrey Sheffield is a prominent player in M&A, venture capital and private equity-related tax work. Sources commend his commitment "to getting the deal done with his clients' best interests always his first consideration." In a highlight, he represented Teradyne on the tax implications of a USD150 million publicly issued convertible debt offering. Both Donald Rocap and he are resident in the Illinois office. Rocap is particularly well regarded for his fund formation work. He represented Energy Capital Partners in the formation of a USD3.5 billion energy infrastructure fund. Rocap also has a strong reputation in the M&A arena, where he wins praise for "consistently delivering the highest quality advice."

United Kingdom: Tier 3

Ian Taplin is head of the European corporate tax group, and highly regarded for UK and international tax planning, M&A, private equity and refinancings. He often handles transactional work across Europe and has acted for a large number of US and UK corporate groups. Noted for his broad practice, John Baldry has considerable experience in M&A, tax-based asset structure finance and fund structuring. Clients value his "personable service and practical advice."

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 — www.chambersandpartners.com.