Holding Redlich appoints senior tax controversy partner

National law firm Holding Redlich is pleased to announce the appointment of new partner Sue Williamson to its Tax Controversy Practice.

Sue is one of Australia’s leading tax disputes lawyers with more than 30 years’ experience advising public companies, high-net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit organisations on federal and state tax issues with a focus on tax risk management, dispute resolution and litigation.

Sue said she was drawn to Holding Redlich’s reputation as a leading national firm in regulatory disputes. That reputation emanates from Holding Redlich’s strategy to secure the best outcomes for clients by ensuring that regulatory disputes and litigation are run by independent lawyers with appropriate expertise and extensive experience. This strategy extends to tax disputes. 

“I am delighted to join Holding Redlich,” Sue said. “The Holding Redlich strategy that attracted me is based on two key factors: expertise and independence.

“The Holding Redlich regulatory disputes team has exemplary skills on all dispute and litigation issues relating to disputes with regulators, including evidence gathering, legal profession privilege, alternative dispute resolution and dispute strategy. Importantly, the team brings an independent assessment to  disputes , working with experts in related areas including tax, competition and intellectual property, to understand the underlying technical issues,” Sue added.   

Sue joins Holding Redlich from Ernst & Young where she developed and led the firm’s Melbourne Tax Controversy Practice.

“COVID-19 has caused major economic disruption for organisations all around Australia,” Sue said. “The ATO has not aggressively pursued tax reviews and audits during this period. However, that is likely to change as the need for revenue becomes a focus.

“In addition to the disputes that were evident before COVID-19, taxpayers can expect to see COVID-19 generated tax disputes including those relating to JobKeeper, the availability of tax losses, and transfer pricing. The best way for taxpayers to deal with these issues is to act now to make sure that they have independently assessed the risks involved and determine whether they have sufficient evidence to support their position.”

Melbourne Managing Partner, Howard Rapke, said Sue’s extensive experience in tax controversy would enhance the firm’s initiatives in deploying specialist teams to lead the response to regulators.

“Sue is renowned for her ability to translate complex issues and apply technical and strategic advice that helps clients navigate the tax landscape. Her appointment is a significant addition to our national disputes practice,” Howard said.

National Managing Partner, Ian Robertson, said the firm’s clients will benefit greatly from a partner of Sue’s calibre and knowledge joining the firm.

“Our Tax Controversy Practice is an important and fast-growing part of our firm,” Ian said. “Sue will significantly boost our national capability in this area and we’re very pleased that she has joined us.”

Sue is a member of the ATO Dispute Resolution Committee and a former President of the Taxation Institute.

Share this