Skadden boosts London tax group with new partner Katie Leah

Skadden has recently strengthened its London Tax Group by adding a distinguished partner, Katie Leah, to its team. Ms. Leah comes with a wealth of experience, having previously served as a partner at another global law firm, specializing in tax matters related to private equity, real estate, M&A, and capital markets transactions across the United Kingdom, United States, and internationally.

Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Leah has garnered a stellar reputation for her expertise in U.K. corporation tax, VAT, stamp duties, management packages, and share incentive schemes. She is well-versed in providing guidance on various tax aspects of transactions, such as investment, financing, development, leasing, and fund-related matters, with a particular emphasis on structuring deals that span multiple jurisdictions.

Skadden’s Tax Group in London has been on a steady growth trajectory, with the addition of prominent individuals like Patrick O’Gara, who heads the Tax Controversy Group, and Jisun Choi, who was recently promoted to partner within the Tax Group. The firm has established itself as a trusted legal advisor to companies and funds seeking comprehensive support on tax planning and implementation issues arising from complex multijurisdictional transactions. Skadden offers a wide array of top-tier tax advisory services, focusing particularly on private capital markets, catering to family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals.

Jeremy London, Skadden’s Executive Partner, expressed his enthusiasm about having Katie Leah on board, highlighting her role in enhancing the firm’s capacity to address challenging tax matters for clients at the local and international levels. James Anderson, Skadden’s European tax practice leader, commended Ms. Leah for her pragmatic and dedicated approach to handling transactional affairs, emphasizing her ability to blend technical proficiency with practical insights to meet clients’ needs effectively.

Richard Youle, Skadden’s London office head and co-head of the Private Equity Group, underlined the strategic importance of Ms. Leah’s appointment in reinforcing the firm’s commitment to expanding its leading practices and bolstering core groups in London. He emphasized her exceptional technical prowess and proven track record in advising on intricate transactions as key assets that would enable Skadden to deliver high-quality advice seamlessly across its global network.

In her statement, Ms. Leah expressed her delight in joining Skadden’s esteemed tax team, noting the firm’s strong international presence and stellar reputation in addressing both advisory and contentious tax issues. She looks forward to collaborating with her new colleagues to provide innovative solutions aligned with clients’ commercial objectives and to contribute to the firm’s continued success in delivering top-notch legal services.