The firm also welcomed Eli Bursky, who tackled tax litigation matters for the taxation commissioner
Ex-Australian Taxation Office deputy chief tax counsel for indirect taxes Michael Patane has taken his expertise in tax advisory and trust law to Holding Redlich’s tax team.
The new partner has advised government, multinational corporations, private groups, charities and high-net-worth individuals for over 25 years. He has handled matters involving corporate restructures, estate planning, tax litigation and GST; he has also tackled complex disputes related to property-based and operational arrangements.
“Michael’s experience as deputy chief tax counsel at the Australian Taxation Office, combined with his background advising clients across tax disputes and complex commercial transactions, brings significant depth of expertise to the practice”, Holding Redlich partner Dhanushka Jayawardena said.
Prior to joining Holding Redlich, Patane practised with HopgoodGanim Lawyers, with which he commenced in 2019. He also logged stints as executive director at Ernst and Young and at Bourke Legal, where he advised on issues involving income tax, CGT, GST, international, FATCA, Australian stamp duties, land tax and payroll tax. Moreover, he worked on tax audits and controversy, legal and tax due diligence, business and share sales and acquisitions, shareholder and share subscription agreements, corporate and business restructures, joint ventures, joint venture management agreements, property and construction, commercial and contract drafting and advising, per LinkedIn.
He was a director at Deloitte from 2009 to 2012 and a consultant for Clayton Utz from 2012 to 2016. He has appeared before the Administrative Review Tribunal and the Federal Court.
Patane indicated that his experience was a robust match for Holding Redlich’s integrated commercial and tax advisory and disputes practice.
“Clients are increasingly seeking advisers who understand both the technical, procedural and practical aspects of dealing with the various taxation laws, revenue authorities and resolving disputes efficiently”, he said.
Joining Patane as a new addition to the tax team is Eli Bursky, who is based in Sydney.
Bursky works with private groups and high-net-worth individuals on direct and indirect tax matters like M&A, restructures, financing transactions, tax disputes and employee share schemes.
He has practised in Australia and the UK. He recorded a stint with the Australian Government Solicitor, handling tax litigation issues on behalf of the taxation commissioner.
With Patane and Bursky’s inclusions, the Holding Redlich tax team is set to reach an even dozen, bolstering the firm’s ability to handle matters involving federal and state taxes, tax audits and reviews, objections, litigation, and engagement with federal and state revenue authorities.
“Their combined experience across tax advisory, disputes and litigation further strengthens our ability to support our clients engaging with revenue authorities and managing complex and largescale tax matters on a national level,” Jayawardena said.
