US tax dodgers targeted as Swiss ease secrecy

The Independent: Switzerland has agreed to adopt new rules that would free its banks to reach settlements with the US authorities as they go after wealthy Americans suspected of using the European country's financial secrecy regime to evade taxes.

Full story: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/us-tax-dodgers-targeted-as-swiss-ease-secrecy-8636870.html

HMRC wins court battle over £190m tax avoidance scheme

CityWire: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has won a legal battle against a tax avoidance scheme saving £190 million of tax. HMRC challenged a tax avoidance scheme promoted by Matthew Jenner of NT Advisors who pushed the scheme to 400 customers in 2006.

Full story: http://www.citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/hmrc-wins-court-battle-over-190m-tax-avoidance-scheme/a682690?ref=new-model-adviser-todays-news-list

Tax deal signed by nine more countries

The Guardian: the UK will be provided with a wealth of information about companies and individuals registered in well-known tax havens after nine more countries signed up to international tax protocols.

Full story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/may/29/tax-deal-signed-nine-countries?

Tell clients to donate more in wills, charities group urges

Law Society Gazette: A charities group has called on solicitors to remind clients to consider leaving money to good causes in their will, after a trial scheme increased legacies left by £1m.

Full story: http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/tell-clients-donate-more-wills-charities-group-urges?

Withers chairmanship goes to NY partner as details of failed Speechly deal emerge

The Lawyer: Withers chairman Anthony Indaimo is to stand down in July with the firm naming New York-based Ivan Sacks as his successor.

Full story: http://www.thelawyer.com/firms/withers-chairmanship-goes-to-ny-partner-as-details-of-failed-speechly-deal-emerge/3005261.article?

Withers/Speechly merger: Why the tie-up talks unravelled

The Lawyer: A merged Withers and Speechly Bircham would have scaled The Lawyer’s UK 200 with a turnover of about £170m, and created one of the world’s largest specialist private client teams. So what went wrong?

Full story: http://www.thelawyer.com/news-and-analysis/practice-areas/private-client/withers/speechly-merger-why-the-tie-up-talks-unravelled/3005251.article?