The Mechanics of Conducting a Transfer Pricing Trial
COURSE AGENDA
Master transfer pricing litigation with a focused 16 week agenda that turns theory into courtroom practice. You will map audits, scrutinise studies, manage expert evidence, shape trial strategy, conduct examinations, and plan appeals. Led by Prof. Dr Daniel N. Erasmus, the programme combines litigation experience with international guidance to build advocacy skills and case readiness. For tax professionals, lawyers, and corporate leaders who must defend positions with confidence worldwide today.
Duration
16 weeks, part-time
Credits
60 University Credits – if PG-Cert route followed*
Effort
6–10 hrs/week average*
*Student dependent
Assessment
1x Final Assessment – if
PG-Cert route followed*
Format
Online – Recorded lectures, Prescribed Reading, Live Q&As
Award
PG-Certificate*, Middlesex
University
Course Agenda - Over 16 weeks, you will study:
Unit 1: Introduction to Transfer Pricing Litigation
Aim
The aim of this foundational unit is to introduce participants to the core principles and strategic considerations that underpin transfer pricing litigation. As multinational enterprises increasingly engage in complex cross-border transactions, revenue authorities worldwide have intensified their scrutiny, triggering significant litigation risks.
This unit equips participants with the essential knowledge required to understand why transfer pricing disputes arise, how to identify common triggers, and the key challenges encountered during litigation. Participants will explore the Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) in detail, alongside critical insights drawn from the OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines, setting a robust framework for understanding international best practices.
Drawing extensively on the global litigation experience of Dr Daniel N Erasmus, participants will analyse real-world scenarios to gain practical insights into managing disputes effectively. Through case studies from diverse jurisdictions, participants will appreciate the complexities and intricacies involved in transfer pricing litigation. By establishing a solid theoretical and practical foundation, this unit prepares participants to strategically approach transfer pricing litigation, setting the stage for advanced exploration of litigation strategy, expert evidence, and courtroom advocacy in subsequent units.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
The aim of this foundational unit is to introduce participants to the core principles and strategic considerations that underpin transfer pricing litigation. As multinational enterprises increasingly engage in complex cross-border transactions, revenue authorities worldwide have intensified their scrutiny, triggering significant litigation risks.
This unit equips participants with the essential knowledge required to understand why transfer pricing disputes arise, how to identify common triggers, and the key challenges encountered during litigation. Participants will explore the Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) in detail, alongside critical insights drawn from the OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines, setting a robust framework for understanding international best practices.
Drawing extensively on the global litigation experience of Dr Daniel N Erasmus, participants will analyse real-world scenarios to gain practical insights into managing disputes effectively. Through case studies from diverse jurisdictions, participants will appreciate the complexities and intricacies involved in transfer pricing litigation. By establishing a solid theoretical and practical foundation, this unit prepares participants to strategically approach transfer pricing litigation, setting the stage for advanced exploration of litigation strategy, expert evidence, and courtroom advocacy in subsequent units.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of transfer pricing, including the Arm’s Length Principle.
- Identify common triggers leading to transfer pricing audits and disputes. Interpret and apply OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines within litigation contexts.
- Assess practical challenges encountered by multinational enterprises in transfer pricing litigation scenarios.
- Critically analyse real-world transfer pricing cases to identify strategic litigation considerations.
- Recognise and evaluate key areas of risk associated with international transfer pricing transactions.
- Utilise practical insights from expert experiences to proactively manage and mitigate potential litigation exposure.
Unit 2: Transfer Pricing Studies: Preparation & Scrutiny
Aim
The aim of this unit is to equip participants with the essential skills and advanced understanding necessary to effectively prepare, critically assess, and robustly defend transfer pricing studies within the context of international tax audits and litigation. Given the heightened scrutiny from revenue authorities worldwide, meticulous preparation and rigorous documentation of transfer pricing studies have become fundamental in managing audit risk and avoiding costly litigation.
Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of identifying and accurately defining arm’s length transactions, focusing on key variables and comparability factors that underpin credible transfer pricing studies.
Through detailed exploration of OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines, this unit emphasises the practical application of these internationally accepted frameworks to ensure compliance and reduce vulnerability to audits. Participants will engage with real-world case studies to identify common pitfalls, weaknesses, and limitations inherent in transfer pricing documentation. By drawing insights from successful and unsuccessful examples of transfer pricing studies, participants will learn to proactively mitigate risks and strengthen their documentation strategies, enhancing both corporate compliance and their personal effectiveness as strategic advisors.
Learning Outcome
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
The aim of this unit is to equip participants with the essential skills and advanced understanding necessary to effectively prepare, critically assess, and robustly defend transfer pricing studies within the context of international tax audits and litigation. Given the heightened scrutiny from revenue authorities worldwide, meticulous preparation and rigorous documentation of transfer pricing studies have become fundamental in managing audit risk and avoiding costly litigation.
Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of identifying and accurately defining arm’s length transactions, focusing on key variables and comparability factors that underpin credible transfer pricing studies.
Through detailed exploration of OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines, this unit emphasises the practical application of these internationally accepted frameworks to ensure compliance and reduce vulnerability to audits. Participants will engage with real-world case studies to identify common pitfalls, weaknesses, and limitations inherent in transfer pricing documentation. By drawing insights from successful and unsuccessful examples of transfer pricing studies, participants will learn to proactively mitigate risks and strengthen their documentation strategies, enhancing both corporate compliance and their personal effectiveness as strategic advisors.
Learning Outcome
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Develop and implement robust transfer pricing studies aligned with international standards and best practices.
- Identify and accurately define arm’s length transactions, clearly articulating key comparability factors and relevant economic considerations.
- Apply OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines effectively in the preparation and review of transfer pricing documentation.
- Recognise and proactively address common pitfalls and vulnerabilities in transfer pricing studies that could lead to audit challenges.
- Critically evaluate existing transfer pricing documentation for compliance, accuracy, and defensibility in audits and litigation.
- Analyse real-world cases to extract practical insights and strengthen their ability to withstand rigorous scrutiny by revenue authorities.
Unit 3: Navigating Initial Tax Audits
Aim
This unit aims to prepare participants to effectively manage and strategically respond to initial transfer pricing audits conducted by revenue authorities. In the current regulatory environment, initial responses to audits significantly influence the trajectory and outcome of transfer pricing disputes. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of audit procedures, including understanding the powers of revenue authorities, information exchange protocols, and appropriate initial engagement practices. The unit emphasises the critical importance of assembling skilled audit response teams and developing clear protocols for document collection, collation, and preservation, ensuring preparedness and compliance from the outset.
Leveraging practical insights and examples from Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive experience with global tax audits, participants will explore strategies for handling initial requests, communicating effectively with tax authorities, and mitigating risks associated with early stages of transfer pricing investigations. This unit empowers participants with practical, actionable strategies designed to reduce the risk of audit escalation, enabling them to confidently manage the audit process and position their organisation for a successful resolution or advantageous negotiation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit aims to prepare participants to effectively manage and strategically respond to initial transfer pricing audits conducted by revenue authorities. In the current regulatory environment, initial responses to audits significantly influence the trajectory and outcome of transfer pricing disputes. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of audit procedures, including understanding the powers of revenue authorities, information exchange protocols, and appropriate initial engagement practices. The unit emphasises the critical importance of assembling skilled audit response teams and developing clear protocols for document collection, collation, and preservation, ensuring preparedness and compliance from the outset.
Leveraging practical insights and examples from Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive experience with global tax audits, participants will explore strategies for handling initial requests, communicating effectively with tax authorities, and mitigating risks associated with early stages of transfer pricing investigations. This unit empowers participants with practical, actionable strategies designed to reduce the risk of audit escalation, enabling them to confidently manage the audit process and position their organisation for a successful resolution or advantageous negotiation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Strategically respond to initial revenue authority audit notifications and inquiries.
- Assemble and coordinate effective multidisciplinary audit response teams tailored to the specific challenges of transfer pricing investigations.
- Implement best practices for document collection, collation, preservation, and management during the initial audit stages.
- Effectively engage and communicate with revenue authorities, understanding their investigative powers, rights, and procedural expectations.
- Identify and manage common risks and challenges arising during the initial phases of transfer pricing audits.
- Evaluate the implications of initial audit decisions on potential litigation and proactively address vulnerabilities.
Unit 4: Expert Evidence and Evidentiary Standards
Aim
This unit aims to develop participants’ proficiency in understanding, managing, and effectively presenting expert evidence within the rigorous evidentiary standards applicable to transfer pricing litigation. Given the pivotal role expert testimony plays in influencing trial outcomes, mastery of evidentiary principles is critical. Participants will explore core evidentiary concepts, including hearsay, best evidence rules, exceptions, and internationally recognised standards such as the Daubert principle. Through detailed case examples, participants will gain insights into the strategic selection, preparation, and utilisation of expert witnesses, ensuring their testimony withstands courtroom scrutiny and enhances litigation positions.
Drawing on practical experiences from Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive trial history, the unit provides participants with tactical approaches for structuring expert reports, conducting impactful direct examinations, and effectively cross-examining opposing expert witnesses. Participants will critically analyse real-world transfer pricing trials to understand best practices and pitfalls associated with expert testimony. Ultimately, this unit will enable participants to confidently integrate expert evidence into their litigation strategy, significantly increasing their capacity to achieve favourable outcomes in complex transfer pricing disputes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit aims to develop participants’ proficiency in understanding, managing, and effectively presenting expert evidence within the rigorous evidentiary standards applicable to transfer pricing litigation. Given the pivotal role expert testimony plays in influencing trial outcomes, mastery of evidentiary principles is critical. Participants will explore core evidentiary concepts, including hearsay, best evidence rules, exceptions, and internationally recognised standards such as the Daubert principle. Through detailed case examples, participants will gain insights into the strategic selection, preparation, and utilisation of expert witnesses, ensuring their testimony withstands courtroom scrutiny and enhances litigation positions.
Drawing on practical experiences from Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive trial history, the unit provides participants with tactical approaches for structuring expert reports, conducting impactful direct examinations, and effectively cross-examining opposing expert witnesses. Participants will critically analyse real-world transfer pricing trials to understand best practices and pitfalls associated with expert testimony. Ultimately, this unit will enable participants to confidently integrate expert evidence into their litigation strategy, significantly increasing their capacity to achieve favourable outcomes in complex transfer pricing disputes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Articulate and apply core evidentiary principles relevant to expert testimony in transfer pricing litigation.
- Select and effectively manage expert witnesses to bolster litigation positions and withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny.
- Prepare compelling expert reports, ensuring compliance with recognised international evidentiary standards.
- Execute strategic cross-examination techniques to critically evaluate and challenge opposing expert evidence.
- Evaluate expert testimony according to established evidentiary standards (e.g., Daubert), ensuring admissibility and credibility.
- Analyse practical courtroom examples to strengthen understanding of the critical role expert evidence plays in transfer pricing disputes.
Unit 5: Trial Preparation and Litigation Strategy
Aim
This unit aims to equip participants with advanced skills in trial preparation and strategic litigation planning essential for successfully managing transfer pricing disputes. Recognising that meticulous preparation and coherent litigation strategy significantly influence trial outcomes, this unit delves deeply into building highly effective legal and expert trial teams, formulating targeted litigation strategies, and mastering courtroom advocacy. Participants will explore techniques for conducting comprehensive mock trials and rehearsals, ensuring preparedness for rigorous courtroom dynamics and procedural complexities.
Drawing extensively on Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ substantial courtroom experience, the unit provides practical insights into developing persuasive opening statements, powerful closing arguments, and effectively managing documentary and evidentiary challenges during trial. By critically examining real-world scenarios and exploring best-practice examples, participants will learn to anticipate opposing arguments and dynamically respond to courtroom developments. Upon completion, participants will be strategically positioned to execute well-crafted litigation plans, proactively mitigating litigation risks and maximising prospects for favourable judicial outcomes in transfer pricing disputes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit aims to equip participants with advanced skills in trial preparation and strategic litigation planning essential for successfully managing transfer pricing disputes. Recognising that meticulous preparation and coherent litigation strategy significantly influence trial outcomes, this unit delves deeply into building highly effective legal and expert trial teams, formulating targeted litigation strategies, and mastering courtroom advocacy. Participants will explore techniques for conducting comprehensive mock trials and rehearsals, ensuring preparedness for rigorous courtroom dynamics and procedural complexities.
Drawing extensively on Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ substantial courtroom experience, the unit provides practical insights into developing persuasive opening statements, powerful closing arguments, and effectively managing documentary and evidentiary challenges during trial. By critically examining real-world scenarios and exploring best-practice examples, participants will learn to anticipate opposing arguments and dynamically respond to courtroom developments. Upon completion, participants will be strategically positioned to execute well-crafted litigation plans, proactively mitigating litigation risks and maximising prospects for favourable judicial outcomes in transfer pricing disputes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Build and manage cohesive and strategically effective legal and expert trial teams.
- Formulate and execute comprehensive litigation strategies tailored specifically to transfer pricing cases.
- Conduct thorough mock trials and trial rehearsals, ensuring readiness for complex courtroom interactions.
- Develop persuasive courtroom arguments, including compelling opening statements and impactful closing summaries.
- Manage trial documentation and exhibits effectively, applying best practices in evidentiary presentation.
- Anticipate and strategically counter opposing arguments and procedural challenges during trial proceedings.
Unit 6: Conducting the Transfer Pricing Trial
Aim
The aim of this unit is to thoroughly prepare participants to effectively manage and conduct all aspects of a transfer pricing trial. Given the complexity, strategic depth, and high stakes inherent in these proceedings, participants will acquire advanced knowledge of courtroom procedures, persuasive advocacy techniques, and the structured management of documentary and testimonial evidence. The unit will guide participants through the critical phases of trial—including opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments—while emphasising strategies tailored specifically to transfer pricing litigation contexts.
Leveraging Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive litigation experience, participants will learn proven techniques for confidently navigating courtroom dynamics, handling unexpected challenges, and persuasively advocating their positions before judicial bodies. The unit incorporates practical workshops and mock trial scenarios to enable participants to apply and refine their skills in realistic settings. Ultimately, participants will leave this unit fully prepared to conduct high-stakes transfer pricing trials effectively, positioning their organisations for successful outcomes and minimising litigation risk.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
The aim of this unit is to thoroughly prepare participants to effectively manage and conduct all aspects of a transfer pricing trial. Given the complexity, strategic depth, and high stakes inherent in these proceedings, participants will acquire advanced knowledge of courtroom procedures, persuasive advocacy techniques, and the structured management of documentary and testimonial evidence. The unit will guide participants through the critical phases of trial—including opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments—while emphasising strategies tailored specifically to transfer pricing litigation contexts.
Leveraging Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive litigation experience, participants will learn proven techniques for confidently navigating courtroom dynamics, handling unexpected challenges, and persuasively advocating their positions before judicial bodies. The unit incorporates practical workshops and mock trial scenarios to enable participants to apply and refine their skills in realistic settings. Ultimately, participants will leave this unit fully prepared to conduct high-stakes transfer pricing trials effectively, positioning their organisations for successful outcomes and minimising litigation risk.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Navigate and manage courtroom procedures and trial protocols specific to transfer pricing litigation.
- Execute persuasive opening statements and closing arguments tailored to complex transfer pricing issues.
- Effectively present and challenge documentary and testimonial evidence during trial.
- Apply targeted advocacy techniques, enhancing clarity and impact in courtroom presentations.
- Respond confidently to courtroom challenges, strategically addressing unexpected developments during litigation.
- Conduct structured direct examinations and impactful cross-examinations to strengthen litigation positions.
- Demonstrate trial-ready advocacy skills through practical mock trial exercises and realistic courtroom scenarios.
Unit 7: Post-Trial Actions and Appeal Strategies
Aim
The aim of this unit is to equip participants with advanced strategic insights into effectively managing post-trial actions and navigating the appeals process in transfer pricing litigation. Recognising that litigation does not conclude with the initial judgment, this unit emphasises critical post-trial evaluation, judgment analysis, and the strategic considerations necessary for pursuing appeals or negotiating favourable settlements. Participants will gain a robust understanding of procedural and substantive grounds for appeals, ensuring preparedness for complex appellate proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Leveraging the extensive experience and practical insights of Dr Daniel N Erasmus, this unit guides participants through structured procedures for post-trial reviews, feedback processes, and strategic negotiations with revenue authorities. By analysing real-world cases, participants will identify best practices and common pitfalls associated with appellate litigation. Upon completion, participants will possess the strategic competencies required to critically assess judgments, proactively manage post-trial negotiations, and execute appeals effectively, ensuring optimal outcomes and safeguarding corporate interests.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
The aim of this unit is to equip participants with advanced strategic insights into effectively managing post-trial actions and navigating the appeals process in transfer pricing litigation. Recognising that litigation does not conclude with the initial judgment, this unit emphasises critical post-trial evaluation, judgment analysis, and the strategic considerations necessary for pursuing appeals or negotiating favourable settlements. Participants will gain a robust understanding of procedural and substantive grounds for appeals, ensuring preparedness for complex appellate proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Leveraging the extensive experience and practical insights of Dr Daniel N Erasmus, this unit guides participants through structured procedures for post-trial reviews, feedback processes, and strategic negotiations with revenue authorities. By analysing real-world cases, participants will identify best practices and common pitfalls associated with appellate litigation. Upon completion, participants will possess the strategic competencies required to critically assess judgments, proactively manage post-trial negotiations, and execute appeals effectively, ensuring optimal outcomes and safeguarding corporate interests.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate trial outcomes and judgments, identifying actionable insights and grounds for appeal.
- Develop and implement strategic post-trial action plans, including settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolutions.
- Analyse and select viable grounds and procedural strategies for pursuing appeals.
- Execute appellate strategies with precision, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements and optimising the likelihood of success.
- Conduct effective post-trial reviews, systematically identifying lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
- Proactively negotiate settlements with revenue authorities to achieve favourable resolutions post-trial.
Unit 8: Advanced Transfer Pricing Litigation Issues
Aim
The aim of this advanced unit is to provide participants with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of contemporary, high-level issues and strategic considerations in transfer pricing litigation. As tax authorities worldwide employ increasingly sophisticated approaches, participants must remain ahead by critically analysing landmark cases, innovative methodologies, and evolving interpretative trends. This unit explores contentious topics such as bundled transactions, price premium methods, and economic versus legal ownership arguments (DEMPE), alongside an in-depth evaluation of OECD and UN Guidelines versus alternative methodologies in litigation.
Participants will deepen their capability to strategically position their organisation during transfer pricing disputes through careful examination of significant cases— including landmark judgments and emerging trends from diverse jurisdictions.
Drawing directly on Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive practical experience and detailed analysis of recent global litigation cases, participants will acquire strategic insights into handling complex cross-border litigation scenarios. This unit empowers participants to confidently navigate sophisticated litigation scenarios, proactively address evolving transfer pricing challenges, and strategically mitigate risks to deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
The aim of this advanced unit is to provide participants with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of contemporary, high-level issues and strategic considerations in transfer pricing litigation. As tax authorities worldwide employ increasingly sophisticated approaches, participants must remain ahead by critically analysing landmark cases, innovative methodologies, and evolving interpretative trends. This unit explores contentious topics such as bundled transactions, price premium methods, and economic versus legal ownership arguments (DEMPE), alongside an in-depth evaluation of OECD and UN Guidelines versus alternative methodologies in litigation.
Participants will deepen their capability to strategically position their organisation during transfer pricing disputes through careful examination of significant cases— including landmark judgments and emerging trends from diverse jurisdictions.
Drawing directly on Dr Daniel N Erasmus’ extensive practical experience and detailed analysis of recent global litigation cases, participants will acquire strategic insights into handling complex cross-border litigation scenarios. This unit empowers participants to confidently navigate sophisticated litigation scenarios, proactively address evolving transfer pricing challenges, and strategically mitigate risks to deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
- Critically analyse landmark and contemporary transfer pricing cases, extracting strategic insights for practical application.
- Evaluate advanced revenue authority methodologies, such as bundled transactions and price premium methods, and develop effective counter-strategies. Strategically apply OECD and UN
- Guidelines, assessing their effectiveness compared to alternative methodologies in complex litigation scenarios.
- Articulate sophisticated arguments regarding economic versus legal ownership issues (DEMPE), demonstrating clarity in complex transfer pricing debates.
- Navigate complex cross-border transfer pricing disputes, applying expert insights into procedural, jurisdictional, and strategic considerations.
- Anticipate and proactively address emerging litigation trends and interpretative shifts in global transfer pricing practices.
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