Law Firms

Sullivan & Cromwell

S&C recruits Shearman tax partner to underpin City push

Author: Jeremy Hodges

Published: 04/04/2008 16:57

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Sullivan & Cromwell has ended its search for a senior UK tax partner after recruiting Michael McGowan from the London arm of Shearman & Sterling, Legal Week can reveal.

The appointment of a senior tax partner in London will be viewed as evidence of Sullivan’s ambitions to substantially expand its transactional practice in Europe.

The top Wall Street firm launched its UK corporate practice in 2006 after recruiting Allen & Overy (A&O) partner Vanessa Blackmore before last year hiring Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy M&A partner Tim Emmerson (pictured).

The expansion of Sullivan’s local law practice was further underlined by this year’s appointment of Blackmore to co-lead its London office, the first time it has handed over front-line management to a non-US lawyer.

The firm had been looking for a tax partner for some time and this addition will be seen to add valuable support to cross-border transactions.

McGowan, who resigned from Shearman today (4 April), had been with the US firm since 2001. He was previously a partner at A&O.

The news comes in the week Shearman’s long-standing London head, Kenneth MacRitchie, stood down to make way for acquisition finance partner Anthony Ward.

Commenting on McGowan’s departure, Ward said: “We obviously wish Michael well in the future. He’s made a good contribution over the years. We continue to have a strong UK practice, which is what we need to service our wide client base.”

Sullivan declined to comment.

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