Jones Day partner Dr Niv Tadmore – who won the Taxation of the Year category in 2021 – is convinced that while providing legal information is necessary, it is simply a starting point.

“Clients want your judgement call, advice, wisdom, and experience all in the one place,” Dr Tadmore said.

“Sophisticated clients want you to actually be brave enough to give them a view and advise them. So, if you’re risk-averse, I would say that it can only take you so far.”

These are some of the qualities law firm partners must demonstrate in their submissions for this year’s Partner of the Year Awards.

The Taxation Partner of the Year category recognises a partner (or partner equivalent) who specialises in intricate tax matters and includes partners who have dealt with the complexity of tax legislation, advising on matters, including, but not limited to, tax disputes and transfer pricing provisions.

In addition, Dr Tadmore has recommended that candidates outline how they have contributed to their profession and areas of practice outside their place of employment as part of their “social contract”.

Dr Tadmore, who has 25 years of experience advising national and international clients on the conduct and resolution of tax audits, tax disputes, and large-scale transactions, is chair of the global supervisory board of the International Fiscal Association (which has 14,000 members in around 100 countries) and president of the Australian branch.

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“The purpose of that organisation is to promote discussion around international tax to reach harmonisation, and exchange views,” Dr Tadmore explained.

“To me, that’s something you do outside your practice to educate and advance the area of the law that you practice. It’s not a client-related achievement but it’s promoting your area of law so people can understand it better.

“Younger lawyers and law professionals could show that they support the profession. To me that’s equally as important as servicing the client.”

Dr Tadmore is passionate about resolving tax disputes and “defusing tension”, which has led him and his team to reach common ground with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

“The most satisfying aspect of my job is to reach common ground in a way that satisfies both parties and they can get on with the other issues they have between them,” Dr Tadmore said.

“So, my area of practice is not just about the law. It’s a lot of negotiation, human dynamics, and strategy. These are the things you don’t study in law school. You have to acquire it over many years of practice. It’s a multi-dimensional legal practice.”

Dr Tadmore’s triumph at the Partner of the Year Awards in 2021 did not go unnoticed in the industry, with the ATO itself congratulating him after the ceremony, along with Australian and global clients, colleagues, and peers in other law firms.

“It was very positive and a pleasant surprise that the awards were so well-known and recognised in the profession,” he exclaimed.

“I was honoured to have received it and it was a figure of recognition and acknowledgement of many years of hard work.”

Compiling the submissions offers lawyers an opportunity to objectively reflect on their cumulative achievements over a number of years, he added.

As such, he suggested that candidates outline how they have demonstrated leadership, what changes they have employed that have benefited them and their law firm, and how they have mentored and supported younger lawyers.

“The last step is to be genuine and authentic in your application. Authenticity is sometimes your best card,” Dr Tadmore concluded.

Be recognised as the next Taxation Partner of the Year at the 2022 Partner of the Year Awards. Submit your entry or nominate a colleague by Friday, 20 May, to be in the running.

For more information about the awards, including the categories, click here.