In a move to add further tax and regulatory support to
its leading capital markets, real estate finance and insolvency
groups, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP announced today that Adam
Blakemore will join the firm as a Partner and that David Burke has
been named Special Counsel, both in the firm's London office.
"As the markets grow increasingly complex, a strong tax practice
is essential. Together, Adam and David bring significant structuring,
problem-solving and technical skills to Cadwalader clients in the UK
and Europe," stated Robert O. Link, Jr., Cadwalader's Chairman and
Managing and Partner. "We are confident that the diversity of their
experience, depth of expertise, and collaboration with our US tax team
will help our clients achieve their objectives and help us build for
the future of the firm."
Formerly a lawyer with Allen & Overy LLP, Mr. Blakemore will
advise financial institutions and corporations on tax issues in
structuring complex domestic and cross-border transactions,
particularly in the areas of securitisation and innovative structured
finance; joint ventures, acquisitions, and disposals; reorganisations
in solvent and distressed debt situations; and real estate and private
equity financings. He also will provide counsel on domestic tax
litigation and disputes.
Mr. Burke advises on UK and international corporate tax with a
focus on the tax aspects of structured finance and restructuring
transactions. He handles tax issues arising from the origination and
securitisation of loan and property portfolios and advises issuers,
arrangers and managers on CDO/CLO and cat bond transactions. He has
also worked on several major restructurings and advised US and other
investors on their UK operations and investments.
Andrew Wilkinson, Managing Partner of Cadwalader's London office,
remarked that "Adam brings years of proven experience to the firm
while David's achievements and hard work merit his promotion. We are
pleased to continue to build an integrated team that is dedicated to
client service."
Mr. Blakemore earned his B.A. from the University of Leeds (1st
Class Honours). After working for approximately four years with HM
Revenue & Customs as Inspector of Taxes, he received his law degree
from the College of Law, York. From 1995 to 2000, he was an associate
at Hammond Suddards, where he qualified as a solicitor. He joined
Allen & Overy LLP in 2000 as a senior associate solicitor where he
specialised in domestic and international structured finance,
securitisations and restructurings.
Mr. Burke obtained his degree in Law from the University of Oxford
(Keble College) and holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from the
University of London (Birkbeck College). He was admitted to practice
English law in 1999. Prior to joining Cadwalader, Mr. Burke worked in
the Tax Department of Denton Wilde Sapte where he gained extensive
experience in tax-driven asset finance and leasing transactions and
tax litigation.
About Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, established in 1792, is one of
the world's leading international law firms, with offices in New York,
London, Charlotte, Washington and Beijing. Cadwalader serves a diverse
client base, including many of the world's top financial institutions,
undertaking business in more than 50 countries in six continents. The
firm offers legal expertise in antitrust, banking, business fraud,
corporate finance, corporate governance, environmental, healthcare,
insolvency, insurance and reinsurance, litigation, mergers and
acquisitions, private client, private equity, real estate, securities
and financial institutions regulation, securitisation, structured
finance, and tax. More information about Cadwalader can be found at
www.cadwalader.com.
