Sidley Austin London partner Matthew Cahill has been charged with tax fraud in relation to a £134m investment scheme alongside nine others.

Cahill and his fellow defendants are accused of conspiracy to cheat HMRC out of tax through an £134m investment scheme for films sold by a company called Zeus Partners.

The ten defendants appeared in Birmingham Crown Court last month.

Cahill is not currently working at Sidley Austin while the case is heard and has reportedly instructed criminal defence firm Corker Binning to act for him on the case.

He joined Sidley Austin in 2012 from Clifford Chance's Abu Dhabi office, which he moved to in 2011. He first joined the magic circle firm in 1992 and made partner in 1999. His practice focuses on structured finance, restructuring, securitisation and capital markets.

In a statement a spokesperson for Sidley Austin said Cahill had "withdrawn from the firm for personal reasons".

He added: "The personal reasons are not related to the business of the firm or any legal work performed by Matthew while at the firm."

The next hearing in the case is due to take place on 8 July.

Corker Binning declined to comment. Matthew Cahill was unavailable for comment.