She joins the firm from Addleshaw Goddard, brining nearly 20 years’ experience advising clients on the tax aspects of corporate transactions, private equity investments, management buyouts and cross-border matters.

Gibson also advised a broad range of businesses on complex UK and international tax issues, with particular expertise in acquisitions, disposals, restructurings and investment transactions. The new partner will also bring experience in Scottish real estate taxation, advising on devolved Scottish land taxes and the tax aspects of real estate investment and development.

Her experience spans purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent and mixed-use developments. She is a member of both the Law Society of Scotland’s tax committee and the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s Scottish Technical Committee, and a founder member of Women in Tax Scotland.

She will work closely with colleagues from across the firm’s corporate, real estate and banking & finance teams, advising clients on complex transactional and real estate tax matters across the UK.

Partner and joint head of tax Adrian Hackett said: “Heather is a highly respected tax lawyer whose breadth of experience across corporate transactions, private equity investments and real estate matters will be a tremendous asset to our clients. Her appointment reflects our continued investment in the tax team and our commitment to providing commercially focused advice on increasingly complex domestic and international tax issues. We look forward to the contribution she will make as we continue to grow our national tax practice.”

Gibson added: “Freeths has an excellent reputation for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice and for fostering genuine collaboration across its practice areas. The strength of the firm’s corporate, real estate and private equity teams presents a fantastic opportunity to support clients on a wide range of complex matters. I am excited to join the team and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth.”