Eversheds Sutherland strengthens global tax capability with senior tax disputes partner

A highly experienced regulatory and tax disputes lawyer, Robert joins Eversheds Sutherland’s London office from law firm RPC.

He will lead the global law firm’s UK tax disputes capability, now comprising three partners and four associates.

Robert’s experience is in tax disputes, regulatory investigations and public law challenges and has advised on some of the most high profile tax disputes in recent years.

He advises on all aspects of corporate tax and has particular experience in relation to group association and group litigation matters, acting for both corporate and private clients.

Robert focuses on cross-border disputes, devising strategies in international disputes and working with foreign lawyers to implement clients’ aims. He has practised at all levels of the UK courts and tribunals as well as the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Ranked by both legal industry directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, Robert is praised by Chambers and Partners for his ’excellent knowledge and technical skills’ and is described by Legal 500 as ’a superb strategist with excellent client skills and remarkable attention to detail’.

Ben Jones, Partner and Co-Head of Global Tax, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Robert; our next step in a strategic drive to increase our focus on tax disputes across our international tax group and an appointment that tangibly illustrates how we constantly strive to tailor our existing capability to meet our clients’ global needs in an increasingly complex international tax landscape. Robert is a leading tax disputes professional who will leverage our existing global footprint and cross-border presence to further develop the capability we are able to offer to our multinational client base in their dealing with tax authorities globally.”

Mark Davenport, Partner and Co-Head of Global Litigation & Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“Robert’s track record of successfully navigating complex tax litigation significantly strengthens our current client offering, and underpins our ability to meet the varying and increasing needs of our clients within the realms of disputes and litigation. I have no doubt that he will be a valuable addition to our clients, our wider cross-practice teams and the firm.”

Robert Waterson, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“This is a great opportunity to further develop the firm’s global client offering. In addition to providing assistance in domestic disputes and enquiries, the level of cooperation between tax authorities around the world is such that the practice of tax disputes increasingly requires dynamic global solutions.

“Eversheds Sutherland’s network across the US, Asia and Europe is the ideal platform from which to handle the challenges faced by multi-nationals and I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with Ben and the wider teams to meet that client demand.”

Eversheds Sutherland’s tax disputes offering was recently shortlisted by International Tax Review (ITR) in the category of ‘Tax Disputes Firm of the Year’ for the publication’s annual EMEA Tax Awards, 2024.

More widely, the knowledge and capability of the Eversheds Sutherland tax group has been recognised year-on-year with awards from multiple industry publications, including:

Best International Tax Team – Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2024 (UK)
EMEA Indirect Tax Firm of the Year 2023 - International Tax Review Awards (EMEA)
Best VAT/Indirect Tax Practice - Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2023 (UK)
Tax Practice Group of the Year 2023 – Law360 (US)
Best Corporate/Business Tax Practice - Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2022 (UK)
Tax Practice Group of the Year 2022 – Law360 (US)