Australian firm Gadens appoints leading tax litigator

Australian firm Gadens has appointed Lee T. Benjamin as a Partner in its Disputes Group in Melbourne.

Mr Benjamin is a tax litigation specialist with two decades’ experience in tax and transfer pricing advisory and dispute resolution.

At Gadens, Mr Benjamin will focus on tax controversy matters, including audits, investigations, and litigation, involving corporate and international income tax, transfer pricing, and tax-related administrative law matters.

Mr Benjamin was previously with the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), where he headed-up the Tax Dispute Resolution Team in the Melbourne Office.

At AGS, Mr Benjamin led strategically significant tax and related administrative law litigation for the Commonwealth of Australia in federal Tribunals and Courts, including in the High Court of Australia. Notable cases include Commissioner of Taxation v Sharpcan Pty Ltd and Crown Resorts Limited v Commissioner of Taxation.

Mr Benjamin also served as an external legal advisor to the Australian Tax Office on some of its most important tax audit and investigation cases, including the landmark settlement involving BHP’s long-running Singapore marketing hub transfer pricing dispute.

Prior to entering public service, Mr Benjamin spent 15 years in private practice in Australia and Asia across KPMG and Baker & McKenzie, among others. In private practice, Mr Benjamin designed, implemented and defended tax planning for operations and transactions undertaken by corporations and financial institutions.

“Tax disputes in Australia have become more frequent and complex in recent years. More than ever, taxpayers need advisors who bring an understanding of tax litigation processes to every stage of a tax controversy, and emphasise early litigation preparedness as the key to avoiding the need for litigation” Mr Benjamin said.

“Gadens is a dynamic and growing law firm that offers the best fit for my practice” Mr Benjamin said.