The lawyer began his career at the firm and will now return as a partner
Russell McVeagh has welcomed back tax expert Greg Neill, who kicked off his legal career with the firm.
Neill started as a graduate on the firm’s tax team in Wellington. Subsequently, he relocated to London, where he focused on banking and structured finance at Linklaters.
After three years in the UK, Neill returned to Auckland, where he became part of Russell McVeagh’s tax team under partner Fred Ward, who chaired the practice group. Neill ascended to senior associate during this five-year stint.
He moved on to working with the tax team of an Australasian financial advisory firm, where he stayed for six years and made partner. While at the firm, he assisted corporates and large-scale private businesses on various matters involving New Zealand tax. Neill has also offered specialist tax advice on behalf of a number of boutique commercial law firms across Wellington and Auckland.
He has specific expertise in transactions related to M&A, private equity and financing, and has experience handling issues concerning land transactions, emissions trading, employee share schemes and general corporate tax.
Neill comes back to Russell McVeagh as a partner on the tax team, and will once again operate from the Auckland office.
“I am very happy to be back at Russell McVeagh. The high calibre of the team here and the great work at the firm made it an easy decision to return,” Neill said.
Ward said that Neill’s appointment would strengthen Russell McVeagh’s tax practice.
“Many of our clients and teams who have worked closely with Greg previously can attest to his excellent technical and commercial skills, as well as his strong leadership and collaborative approach,” said board chair Allison Arthur-Young.
Neill’s appointment takes effect on 1 April, subject to Law Society requirements.