In a significant move to bolster its corporate tax capabilities, international law firm Paul Hastings has launched a strategic rebuild of its London tax team with three high-profile partner hires from rival firms Weil Gotshal and Cadwalader.
Strategic Expansion in London Tax Practice
Paul Hastings has recruited partners James Knox and Nick Mace from Weil Gotshal & Manges, alongside Cadwalader partner Adam Blakemore, in a coordinated effort to strengthen its UK tax offering. The firm confirmed all three appointments this week, marking one of the most notable team moves in London's legal sector recently.
The rebuild comes as Paul Hastings seeks to enhance its capacity to handle complex cross-border transactions and tax structuring work. Both Knox and Mace bring substantial expertise from their time at Weil, where they built formidable reputations in private equity and corporate tax matters.
Expertise and Background of New Hires
James Knox, who joined Weil Gotshal in 2016, has developed a strong practice focusing on fund formation tax matters and carried interest structures. His experience particularly benefits private equity clients navigating the complexities of international tax regulations.
Nick Mace, who became a partner at Weil in 2021, specialises in UK and international corporate tax, with particular emphasis on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. His expertise complements Knox's practice while bringing additional corporate transaction capabilities.
Adam Blakemore's arrival from Cadwalader adds another dimension to the rebuilt team. His experience spans financial services tax matters and investment fund structuring, creating a comprehensive tax offering that addresses multiple client needs across different sectors.
Broader Context and Market Implications
This triple hire represents a significant statement of intent from Paul Hastings as it continues to expand its London office capabilities. The moves come during a period of increased activity in the legal recruitment market, particularly for specialists in tax and private equity.
The recruitment from two established competitors demonstrates Paul Hastings' commitment to building its tax practice through experienced hires rather than internal promotion. This approach allows the firm to quickly establish a credible and experienced team capable of handling sophisticated client matters immediately.
Industry observers note that such coordinated team moves often signal a firm's ambition to capture market share in specific practice areas. For Paul Hastings, the strengthened tax team positions the firm to compete more effectively for complex cross-border work requiring sophisticated tax advice.
The success of this strategic rebuild will likely be measured by the team's ability to attract and retain high-value clients in the competitive London legal market, where tax expertise remains in constant demand among corporate and financial services clients.
