Jivaan Bennett

Jivaan offers a rare combination of almost 15 years’ experience across tax, commercial transactions, and disputes — gained both in the UK and internationally. His dual background as a solicitor at a Magic Circle firm and now as a barrister makes him particularly effective at working in partnership with instructing solicitors on high-stakes matters.

He began his career with PwC Caribbean before moving to London to join Band-1 rated boutique tax disputes firm Joseph Hage Aaronson. He later qualified as a solicitor at Linklaters, where he spent almost a decade advising on complex corporate tax issues, high-value transactions, and contentious commercial disputes.

As a solicitor, Jivaan has advised on:

• Major corporate transactions – including M&A, reorganisations and financings with significant tax implications;
• Commercial and Tax litigation, investigations and arbitration – acting on disputes arising from tax assessments, warranties and indemnities, and regulatory investigations.

Notably, he represented Scottish Power throughout its multi-stage appeal (FTT, UT and Court of Appeal) against corporation tax assessments linked to settlement payments in the context of an OFGEM investigation. This and other matters showcase his ability to navigate disputes from first principles through to appellate courts.

Beyond his UK practice, Jivaan has extensive experience across the Commonwealth Caribbean. At Linklaters, he founded and led the firm’s Caribbean Group, advising corporates, governments, and high-net-worth individuals on cross-border transactions and contentious issues. This gives him a breadth of commercial and tax expertise that is particularly valuable where matters cut across multiple jurisdictions. Jivaan regularly publishes and speaks on issues of commercial and tax law in the Commonwealth Caribbean and is regularly involved in judicial training on selected matters.

Approach

Jivaan is recognised for combining technical rigour with a strong commercial focus. He works seamlessly with instructing solicitors, leveraging his solicitor background to anticipate client needs, coordinate strategy, and deliver practical, outcome-driven advice.

Thought Leadership

He is a regular contributor to discussions on contentious tax, commercial disputes, and cross-border tax issues. He frequently participates in public panel debates, lectures, as well client-focused internal roundtable sessions. He is available to deliver client seminars on request.

Availability

Jivaan welcomes enquiries from solicitors on both contentious and non-contentious tax and corporate matters. He is open to an initial no-fee discussion to scope potential instructions.

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