Biography
Liesl Fichardt, who specialises in complex tax, finance and debt related investigations and disputes was most recently recognized in the Chambers & Partners Global Guide, ranking Band 1 for Tax: Contentious. Chambers wrote, "She is first-class; she is a very good international lawyer who is highly respected, extremely hard-working and a brilliant strategist and tactician." "She is a very practised, skilful and determined litigator.". Further, Liesl has been recognized by Legal 500 in the Tax Litigation & Investigations Hall of Fame. Legal 500 wrote, “Liesl Fichardt is a superb lawyer, for whom there are not enough superlatives. Technically brilliant in the principles and details of domestic and international taxation law, she has a fantastic strategic nous and great skill and experience in dealing with tax authorities.”. Liesl was also listed in the Hot 100 List by The Lawyer. She has been recognized by Who’s Who Legal: Corporate Tax.
Liesl leads this international practice from London. Previously, Liesl was head of the Tax Investigations and Disputes practice at Clifford Chance. She is one of the leading experts advising corporates and multi –nationals and high net individuals. Her experience is wide-ranging as solicitor, advocate, arbitrator and former acting judge.
Given the complex and sensitive nature of the work, she often provides strategic guidance to Boards and how to assess, manage, minimize or mitigate risks and exposure. In the past few years, she has been very active in the following areas: tax and debt structuring / debt instrument disputes; disputes on taxation relevant to the Sport industry; the Media and Entertainment industry; the taxation of partnerships; private equity, funds and asset managers and disputes in that area; complex cross border taxation, financing and regulatory issues for corporates including the finance, insurance, asset management, hedge funds, mining, oil and gas sectors. She conducts many tax disputes against HMRC and multiple other tax authorities and regulatory bodies.
Liesl is former Chair of the British Branch of the International Fiscal Association and also sits on the International Taxes Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales. She has published widely in this field.