Specialist Tax Advisory Support for Law Firms
A trusted specialist tax partner for law firms — clear, commercially focused advice on transactions, SDLT, share schemes, IHT, HMRC disputes and tax documentation. Led by a Chartered Tax Adviser and tax lawyer with deal experience since 1999.
We regularly work with law firms — from boutique practices to top-100 firms — to provide specialist tax input on transactions, structuring and complex client matters.
Our role is to support your team by delivering clear, practical advice that can be relied upon — whether as part of a wider transaction or on a standalone advisory basis. We can also handle the drafting, negotiation and finalisation of all the tax aspects of the related legal documentation.
Common Scenarios Where Law Firms Need Tax Input
M&A and corporate transactions
You're acting on a share purchase, asset deal or group restructuring and need specialist tax structuring input — including on warranties, indemnities and tax covenants.
SDLT on property transactions
Your client is buying commercial or mixed-use property and you need SDLT guidance on reliefs, higher rates surcharge or complex structuring before exchange.
HMRC enquiries and disputes
Your client is under HMRC investigation — COP 8, COP 9, or a tribunal appeal — and needs specialist tax representation alongside your legal support.
Time-sensitive client queries
A client needs a technical tax opinion urgently — on residence, IHT planning, share schemes or cross-border matters — and your team doesn't have in-house tax expertise.
How We Work With You
We integrate seamlessly with your team, providing the specialist tax expertise needed to get matters across the line efficiently and confidently.
- Acting as a specialist tax adviser alongside your legal team.
- Providing input on transactions, restructurings and structuring.
- Supporting on client queries requiring technical tax expertise.
- Delivering advice directly to clients where appropriate.
- Working quickly and efficiently to meet transaction timelines.
- Drafting, negotiating and finalising tax warranties and indemnities.
How the Engagement Works
Initial discussion
You contact us with the scope of the matter. We assess what's needed and confirm scope, approach and fees — usually within 24 hours.
Scope and engagement
We agree the engagement terms — whether advising alongside your team, directly with the client, or on a standalone basis. Flexible fee arrangements available.
Advice and delivery
We deliver clear, practical advice within the agreed timeline — written or verbal, formal or informal, depending on the matter and your preferences.
Ongoing support
We remain available for follow-up queries, implementation support and coordination with the wider advisory team through to completion.
Areas of Support
Why Law Firms Choose Newshams
We work discreetly and collaboratively, enhancing your client offering without disrupting existing relationships. Simon Newsham is both a Chartered Tax Adviser and a tax lawyer — meaning we can advise on tax strategy and handle the legal documentation that follows.
- Commercial, deal-focused advice — not academic analysis.
- Clear, concise communication that clients and partners can act on.
- Responsive and reliable on time-sensitive matters.
- Comfortable working as part of a wider advisory team.
- Experienced in high-value and complex transactions.
- Competitive fee structures and transparent pricing.
Examples of Work
Advising on the tax structuring of a £100m+ corporate demerger.
Supporting on a £120m business disposal.
Advising on private equity-backed acquisitions.
Structuring property transactions for UK and overseas clients.
Advising on SDLT reliefs on mixed-use commercial acquisitions.
Supporting law firms on HMRC COP 8 and COP 9 investigations.
Led by Experience
Newshams is led by Simon Newsham, a Chartered Tax Adviser and tax lawyer. Simon has been advising on complex tax matters since 1999, including high-value transactions, corporate restructuring and cross-border planning.
We are used to working discreetly and collaboratively, enhancing your client offering without disrupting your existing relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you provide tax advice for a law firm?+
We typically respond to initial enquiries within 24 hours and can deliver advice on urgent matters within 2–3 days. For transaction-critical timelines, we will always confirm whether we can meet your deadline before accepting the engagement.
Do you work directly with our clients or through the law firm?+
Either approach works. We can advise directly to your client (white-labelled or identified as your specialist tax adviser), or work through your team. We are happy to be as visible or as discreet as you prefer — many law firms value having a specialist tax adviser they can bring in without disrupting existing client relationships.
What areas of tax do you cover for law firms?+
We cover corporate transactions and restructuring, SDLT and property tax, share schemes, international tax, IHT and CGT planning, employment tax, and HMRC disputes. We can also handle the drafting, negotiation and finalisation of tax aspects in legal documentation.
How are fees structured for law firm referrals?+
We offer flexible fee arrangements — fixed-fee for defined scopes, hourly rates for ongoing matters, or a hybrid approach. Ongoing fees are always agreed in advance with no surprises.
Can you help with tax aspects of legal documentation?+
Yes. Simon Newsham is both a Chartered Tax Adviser and a tax lawyer, meaning we can handle the drafting, negotiation and finalisation of tax warranties, indemnities and covenants — not just the advisory side. This is a significant advantage for law firms looking for an integrated service.
Related Services
Need Tax Input on a Matter?
We are always happy to sense-check issues or assist on specific matters. Contact us for an informal, no-obligation discussion.