Respected tax lawyer, Sue Williamson, joins Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz has appointed well-known tax specialist Sue Williamson as a partner in its Melbourne office, strengthening its capacity to provide high-end taxation services to clients in the Melbourne market.

Ms Williamson joins Clayton Utz after 12 years as a tax partner with Allens Arthur Robinson. Her experience, which includes six years at Price Waterhouse (now PwC), spans income tax, capital gains tax, GST, stamp duty and tax disputes. She has represented a range of Australian and international clients including BHP Billiton, ANZ, Brown Brothers and the eBay group.

Ms Williamson is also a member of the National Tax Liaison Group, chaired by the Commissioner of Taxation, and will take up the position of President of the Taxation Institute of Australia in 2008.

Clayton Utz Melbourne managing partner Brad Vann said Ms Williamson’s appointment reflected the firm’s ability to attract first-class lawyers. “Sue’s skills and experience will give our Taxation practice even greater ability to support our Corporate, Banking & Financial Services, Major Projects and Energy & Resources teams. We are pleased to welcome a lawyer of Sue’s standing and talent to the firm,” said Mr Vann.

The head of Clayton Utz’ national tax practice, Sydney partner Allan Blaikie, said Ms Williamson joined a mature and substantial tax team. “Our Sydney practice is long-established and we are pleased to be able to build on that capability in Melbourne, with Sue joining the excellent Niv Tadmore, ” said Mr Blaikie.

Dr Tadmore, who heads the Melbourne tax practice, said he looked forward to working alongside Ms Williamson. “Sue’s arrival will strengthen the team’s ability to provide clients with outstanding advice in relation to their transactional, ongoing and contentious tax affairs.”