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Global law firm Dentons has strengthened its national tax practice with the appointment of Pierre Chao as a partner in Brisbane.
Chao advises across Australian federal taxation law, according to Dentons, including income tax, capital gains tax (CGT), goods and services tax (GST) and international tax.
He brings extensive experience in Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reviews, objections and litigation, the firm said, alongside broader expertise in commercial contracting, dispute resolution, funds management, and wills and estates.
Before entering private practice, Chao spent 10 years with the ATO.
Fluent in Mandarin, he has extensive experience assisting clients in international trade, particularly those from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Dentons noted. That work, the firm went on said, includes foreign currency exchange, international finance, family office structures, estate planning, and succession planning for foreign nationals and families living in China.
Dentons said that Chao’s appointment enhances its support for corporate groups, property developers, international businesses, families and private clients across advisory, transactional, planning and tax controversy matters.
The news follows the firm’s promotion of 23 lawyers to more senior roles, including two to partner, in July.
Dentons lead tax partner Sue Williamson said: “Pierre’s appointment adds valuable depth to our national tax capability. His ATO background, strong disputes experience and practical understanding of complex transactions and structures will help us deliver integrated, commercially focused advice to clients.”
The hire, Williamson continued, rests on a combination of three attributes: Chao’s time at the ATO, his disputes experience, and his practical understanding of complex transactions and structures. Together, she said, those will help the firm deliver advice to clients that is both integrated and commercially focused.
The firm’s Australia chair and Australasia region chief executive, Amber Warren, said: “Pierre brings a distinctive combination of technical tax knowledge, regulatory insight and cross-border experience. His appointment supports our continued growth in Brisbane and strengthens the way we help clients manage increasingly complex domestic and international tax issues.”
Chao said: “I’m delighted to join Dentons and contribute to its growing national tax practice. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients navigate complex taxation, commercial and cross-border matters.”
