VAT and indirect tax in London

Baker McKenzie

The sizeable VAT practice at Baker McKenzie is praised as ‘truly exceptional’, and is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of domestic and international tax regulations’ due to the firm’s global footprint. Its substantial offering therefore includes both multi-jurisdictional and domestic VAT projects, high-profile transactions, and highly contentious VAT investigations and disputes. Mark Delaney chairs the tax group with significant experience in the technology, international trade, and energy sectors, financial services expert Mark Agnew leads the VAT team, and the contentious VAT work is headed up David Jamieson, who focuses on high-value disputes for clients in the financial services and e-commerce sectors. Other notable names include of counsel Adam Peacock, who is skilled in handling the VAT aspects of international services, real estate, finance, M&A, and restructurings, and senior VAT advisor Kathryn Sewell, who is active in tax authority audits and HMRC disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mark Delaney; Mark Agnew; David Jamieson


Other key lawyers:

Adam Peacock; Kathryn Sewell; Philippe Gamito


Testimonials

‘It has been a privilege to work with Mark Delaney, David Jamieson, and Katheryn Sewell. Their expertise, passion for VAT law, and commitment to client success has left a lasting impression. Their contributions not only help navigate complex VAT landscapes in the UK, but have also reinforced the reputation of the Baker McKenzie team as a leader in the field.’

‘One notable aspect that sets this team apart is their consistent ability to provide practical and actionable advice, delivering clear and effective solutions tailored to their clients’ specific needs.’

‘A large, diverse team with unparalleled expertise and in-depth industry knowledge with a focus on the financial services.’

Key clients

GlaxoSmithKline


Google


Hewlett Packard


LVMH


Prudential


Unilever


Work highlights


  • Advising Google on Pan-European tax matters regarding the major restructuring of the Google cloud business and a project roll-out of high-tech sea cables.
  • Advising Hewlett-Packard on VAT implications relating to their complex new financing arrangements.
  • Represented Prudential in the upper tribunal in a case concerning the VAT treatment of investment management services.

Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance LLP‘s VAT and indirect tax team displays a ‘good depth of knowledge’ when handling domestic and cross-border matters in the insurance, financial services, energy, and healthcare sectors. Its broad offering encompasses the tax aspects of restructurings, M&A transactions, and a variety of contentious and non-contentious mandates. Real estate indirect tax expert David Saleh leads the practice, supported by director Simon Corzberg with expertise in the real estate, finance, insurance, energy, and the non-profit sectors and director Edward Page, who advises on the tax elements of M&A, joint ventures, and cross-border investments.

Practice head(s):

David Saleh


Other key lawyers:

Simon Corzberg; Edward Page


Testimonials

‘Good depth of knowledge combined with commercial acumen that accumulates from decades of working in specialist areas.’

Key clients

Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT


Prologis


CK Asset Holdings


Legal & General Investment Management


GLP


Work highlights


  • Assisted NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT with assembling a large portfolio of private hospitals in the UK since 2018.
  • Advised Prologis on its €1.585bn acquisition of a portfolio of 128 logistics facilities and six development sites located across seven countries in Europe from leading last-mile operator Crossbay.
  • Advised a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of CK Asset Holdings on the £1.21bn sale of 5 Broadgate, London.

Ashurst

Ashurst provides its clients with ‘pragmatic advice’ on the tax elements of real estate-related matters, contentious mandates, and M&A, as well as private equity work. Practice head Simon Swann has demonstrable strength in real estate and SDLT matters, and he sits in the Stamp Taxes Practitioners’ Group and the British Property Federation’s VAT Committee. Nicholas Gardner handles matters in the transport, energy, and infrastructure industries, Paul Miller focuses on the financial services sector, and Tim Gummer is a chartered tax advisor. In team news, Patricia Allen rejoined the team in April 2022 from her tax consultancy, with expertise in the taxation of funds and private equity transactions, and counsel Mark Spinney joined from Allen & Overy LLP in August 2022 with a strong infrastructure M&A and finance offering.

Practice head(s):

Simon Swann


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Gardner; Paul Miller; Tim Gummer; Patricia Allen; Mark Spinney; Sara Mardell


Testimonials

‘The Ashurst tax team is responsive and provides pragmatic advice. They understand the needs of our business well and go the extra mile. They are a pleasure to work with and are a go-to legal firm.’

‘Simon Swann is always readily available and ensures a quick turnaround. He has gained an excellent understanding of our business and stakeholders over the years, meaning his advice is well considered and practical to implement.’

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

‘The level of expertise is exceptional’ at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, with the team handling both contentious and non-contentious VAT and indirect tax mandates on a domestic and international basis, including SDLT matters. its client base includes investment banks, large multinationals, pension funds, real estate investment funds, property owners, and investors. Elizabeth Bradley chairs the firm’s global tax practice and is active in handling tax-related transactions. She is supported by chartered accountant Alan Sinyor who has advised on a number of VAT cases before tribunals. Andy West was promoted to the partnership in January 2023 and focuses on real estate-related tax mandates. Richard Harbot joined DLA Piper in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Bradley


Other key lawyers:

Alan Sinyor; Kate Ison; Andy West


Testimonials

‘BCLP provides expert advice quickly and efficiently, with clear communication throughout.’

‘The level of expertise is exceptional and it is provided quickly.’

‘It provides a very reliable service and I have been very happy working with them.’

‘Alan Sinyor has thorough understanding of the way VAT interacts with the real estate sector. His advice is very clear and he is able to communicate verbally and in writing in a way which cuts through the complexity. I would summarise his strengths as someone with deep insight into the tax legislation with an ability to cut through the complexities to find acceptable solutions.’

‘Excellent service with unparalleled VAT law knowledge.’

‘Alan Sinyor is always quick to respond. He gives excellent VAT advice and he sets out the issues and his final advice in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.’

CMS

The team at CMS benefits from the firm’s global network of tax advisors and is therefore well-placed to support clients with complex, multi-jurisdictional tax mandates. Its offering includes advice on VAT mandates, stamp duties, gambling duties, and other indirect taxes, as well as the tax elements of M&A transactions and tax litigation. With expertise in the TV, music, and gambling sectors, Stephen Hignett jointly leads the team alongside Aaron Fairhurst and international tax law specialist Anna Burchner, who is qualified in England, Wales, and Hungary. Phil Nicklin left in April 2022 to EY Law.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Hignett; Aaron Fairhurst


Other key lawyers:

Anna Burchner; Jacob Gilkes; Lauren Alder; Phil Anderson


Testimonials

‘CMS provide a good service in VAT and indirect tax matters.’

‘Phil Anderson is very good. He is technically able and good to work with.’

‘Very hands-on approach and swift replies providing answers and feedback that are right to the point.’

Key clients

J Sainsbury plc


Pension Insurance Corporation


Legal & General


Orchard Street Investment Management LLP


Life Science REIT Plc


Mitsui Fudosan


M&G Real Estate


DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s ‘very strong team‘ is highly experienced in advising clients on indirect tax matters regarding the UK and cross border supply of goods and services, including financial services, real estate, and IP, in addition to representing clients in complex contentious indirect tax mandates. The group also offers support with transactions, supply chain issues, and stamp duties. The ‘exceptional‘ Richard Woolich leads the UK and international VAT group with expertise in contentious and non-contentious work, and in August 2022, the team was bolstered with the addition of tax dispute specialist Stuart Walsh and legal director Clara Boyd from Pinsent Masons LLP,

Practice head(s):

Richard Woolich


Other key lawyers:

Jason Collins; Lauren Redhead; Katie Raine; Maud Murcia; Jamie Kim; Clara Boyd; Stuart Walsh


Testimonials

‘DLA Piper have very high levels of technical expertise combined with excellent soft client facing skills. They also have a wide range of clients, which means that very few challenges they meet have not been faced before.’

‘Richard Woolwich is exceptional. He is always driven by the needs of the client. He is committed, diligent, and has a meticulous attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture.’

‘Very strong team that covers the full service of city tax work.’

‘Richard Woolich is a superstar; hugely experienced and brilliant, especially on real estate and indirect taxes. He has excellent judgement and is always a pleasure to work with.’

‘Knowledge and expertise are excellent but what stands out is the level of client care. DLA Piper is very invested in their clients’ outcomes and success and show genuine care and dedication. It shines through in the speed and quality with which work is delivered.’

Key clients

Mid Ulster District Council


NatWest Markets plc


CCLA Investment Management Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing Mid Ulster in their VAT reclaim before the Tax tribunals and Northern Ireland Court of Appeal in their reclaim of VAT wrongly charged on sporting and leisure services.
  • Acting for Natwest Markets plc in a dispute arising from missing traders in its carbon credit supply chains defaulting on VAT due to HMRC.
  • Representing CCLA in a tax appeal before the FTT regarding whether fund management services provided to various charities, churches, and local authority funds fall within the Special Investment Fund management exemption from VAT.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is praised as a ‘very safe pair of hands‘ in indirect tax matters, and advises clients in the hospitality, pharmaceutical, technology, retail, financial services, real estate, and automotive sectors on domestic and cross-border mandates. Its offering is wide ranging and encompasses VAT, Stamp Duty, SDLT, APD, Landfill Tax, and IPT matters, in addition to advising clients on the impacts of Brexit. Giles Salmond heads up the indirect tax and VAT team with a strong reputation in tax disputes, and other key team members include corporate practice head Ben Jones and Paul Beausang, who chairs the real estate group. Henry Bolton joined CMS in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Giles Salmond


Other key lawyers:

Ben Jones; Paul Beausang; Ed Griffiths; Charlotte Stodell; Anisha Polson


Testimonials

‘Very client focused and user friendly, all over the detail of the tax legislation, and a very safe pair of hands when it comes to all things tax dispute related.’

‘Giles Salmond is second-to-none when it comes to tax disputes; very practical in his advice, good on costings and great with clients.’

Key clients

Raymond James Investment Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Raymond James Investment Services on the VAT treatment of their supplies.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s client roster includes multinational corporations, public and private companies, investment funds, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as partnerships and joint ventures. The team provides assistance with day-to-day tax concerns, in addition to M&A-related matters, restructurings, and tax disputes. It also handles VAT work, stamp duties, and IPT mandates. Sandy Bhogal co-heads the firm’s global tax practice with significant expertise in VAT and indirect tax in the real estate and financial services sectors, and Ben Fryer is another notable name with strengths in domestic and cross-border mandates.

Practice head(s):

Sandy Bhogal


Other key lawyers:

Ben Fryer; Jeff Trinklein


Testimonials

‘A practical, thoughtful, and commercial team.’

‘Sandy Bhogal is as good of a tax lawyer as you will find in the UK. He is top class.’

Key clients

Elliot Investment Management


Special Committee of the Board of Atlas Corporation


Motive Partners


Realty Income


Tishman Speyer


Ark Capital Advisors


Eaton Corporation


Brookfield


Oaktree


Related Argent


Cale Street Partners


Apollo Global Management


IPI Partners


Investcorp


Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a strong focus on the real estate, investment funds, and financial sectors, and it advises clients on the tax elements of UK and cross-border M&A and energy transactions, private equity mandates, and restructurings, as well as providing representation in tax disputes. William Arrenberg sits at the helm of the firm’s global tax practice and is especially skilled in VAT and SDLT matters regarding real estate transactions. Other key members of the team include corporate tax specialist Howard MurrayCasey Dalton, who has expertise in VAT work in the charity and not-for-profit sector, and Isaac Zailer, who has experience in both UK and international tax mandates regarding asset management.

Practice head(s):

William Arrenberg


Other key lawyers:

Howard Murray; Isaac Zailer; Aurell Taussig; Casey Dalton; Josh Lom


Key clients

AbbVie Inc.


Aberdeen Standard Life


Acacia Research Corporation


Ahren LP


Allianz Real Estate GmbH


Amundi (UK) Limited


Antin


Ardonagh Group


Argent (Property Development) Services Limited


Artisan Partners Limited Partnership


Associated British Foods plc


Atlassian Corporation Plc


Baillie Gifford


Balance Legal Capital


Berkeley Homes


Bharti


BHP Group Limited


Big Society Capital Limited


BioPharma Credit Plc


Blackrock


Blue Motor Finance Limited


BP


Bridgestone Corporation


British American Tobacco PLC


Brookfield Property Partners LP


Brookgate Land Limited


Cabot Square Capital


CalEnergy


Canada Life


Canary Wharf Group Plc


Capital & Counties Properties Plc


Certares Management LLC


Chargeurs


Chevron


Citibank


Copenhagen Infrastructure New Markets Fund


CPP Investment Board


Deutsche Lufthansa AG


Dorrington Plc


EDF


ENI


Ferrexpo plc


Fidelio Capital AB


Findlay Park Partners LLP


Gazeley


Gazprom


General Mills


Goldman Sachs International


Hammerson Plc


Hermes Fund Managers Limited


Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited


Iberdrola S.A.


Impilo AB


Inchcape


Iluka Resources


Impact Oil & Gas AGC Limited


Israel Chemical Limited


Johnson Matthey Plc


Kingdom of Saudi Arabia


King’s College London


Korea Investment Corporation


KPMG LLP


Lazard Group


LCR Limited


Lend Lease Corporation Limited


LendInvest BTL Limited


Marex Plc


Marsfields Limited


Mercuria Energy Group


National Grid Plc


Newen Studios


Nuveen


OneWeb Communications


Patria Finance Limited


Pearson Plc


Pension Insurance Corporation Plc


Pension Protection Fund


Perenco UK Limited


Phoenix Group Holdings Plc


Polar Capital


Prisma Capital


Qatar Investment Authority


ReAssure Limited


Resolution Re


Respira International Limited


Royal London


Saga Plc


SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust


Sky Plc


Societe Generale


SoftBank Corporation


St. James Edinburgh Unit Trust


Sustainable Development Capital LLC


The British Land Company Plc


The McConnell Foundation


Thomas Lloyd Group Limited


TP ICAP plc


Transport for London


London Underground Limited


Tryg


Tullow Oil


TSB Bank plc


Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield


Vantage Capital Markets LLP


VMED O2 UK Limited


Weir Group Plc


Wesfarmers


Willis Towers Watson


Wisetech Global Ltd


Woodside Energy Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising Capital & Counties Properties on its recommended £3.5bn all-share merger with Shaftesbury Plc.
  • Advising Abrdn on the establishment of a £500m housing joint venture with John Lewis.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP boasts a multi-disciplinary team incorporating solicitors, chartered tax accountants, and ex-HMRC staff, which advises large corporates and smaller businesses on a range of non-contentious tax-related mandates, including landfill tax, aggregates levy, and VAT. It also has demonstrable experience in contentious tax mandates. Steven Porter leads the tax disputes and investigations practice, and he is supported by Sam Wardleworth, both of whom are praised as ‘very experienced lawyers’. Jake Landman also has expertise in tax disputes. Stuart Walsh and Clara Boyd departed in 2022 to join DLA Piper.

Practice head(s):

Steven Porter


Other key lawyers:

Jake Landman; Ian Robotham; Sam Wardleworth; Steph Bashford; Amy Roe


Testimonials

‘The team is very approachable throughout complex cases and very knowledgeable on the subject, remaining a step ahead of the opposition. The team embraces comments and ideas and always listens to our thoughts on the subject matter.’

‘Pinsent Masons is strong and holding its deserved reputation for excellence.’

‘Steven Porter is head of the team and thinks deeply about both the law and the strategy in the case and Sam Wardlesworth is a great lawyer and brilliant to work with.’

Key clients

Cantor Fitzgerald


Darty Limited


E-zec Medical Transport Services Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising the Cantor Fitzgerald group on VAT issues arising from fraudulent activity in its carbon credit supply chain.
  • Advising Darty Limited on the VAT treatment of its costs in managing a pension fund where it had assumed statutory employer status from a failed employer.
  • Acting for E-Zec Medical Transport Services Ltd in its appeal against HMRC’s decision to treat its passenger transport services as exempt rather than zero-rated.

PwC LLP

PwC LLP‘s multi-disciplinary team consists of dedicated tax lawyers, specialist litigators, and tax advisors and consultants, and is well-placed to utilise the firm’s global network of advisors to provide clients with a seamless offering. Its broad practice encompasses representation in indirect tax disputes, and providing strategic advice to clients on their filing positions, tax risks, and wider indirect tax consulting projects. It also handles VAT mandates, and landfill tax, aggregates levy, and climate change levy issues. David Anderson is head of the indirect tax disputes team and he has substantial experience in obtaining VAT refunds and reimbursements for clients.

Practice head(s):

David Anderson


Other key lawyers:

Prinal Nathwani; Victor Cramer; Michael Taylor


Testimonials

‘Very responsive and hands-on, realistic, and well-measured advice, and highly experienced in all manner of litigation.’

‘This team demonstrates sound judgement and an excellent rapport with clients and counsel. They are very skilled lawyers who provide very well-balanced and grounded advice.’

The standout individuals are David Anderson and Michael Taylor.’

‘Outstanding team of tax technicians.’

‘A very good team. They are cohesive and on top of deadlines. I genuinely look forward to our conferences, too. My favourite team to work with.’

‘David Anderson is cool, calm, and collected. He can always be relied upon for sound advice in difficult situations.’

Key clients

TalkTalk Telecom Limited


Target Group Limited


Worldpay


FIS Global


Hippodrome Casino Ltd


Telent Technology Services


Dollar Financial UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Target Group in a VAT liability case where, following the decision in the Court of Appeal, permission was obtained from the Supreme Court for a further appeal.
  • Advising Hippodrome Casino Limited on the disputed VAT use of its iconic gaming, casino, and entertainment centre in London.
  • Representing Dollar Financial in a case to determine whether HMRC can be compelled to backdate a VAT group registration.

RPC

RPC has an ‘extremely hard working and disciplined team’ that supports clients across the full range tax disputes, encompassing the whole spectrum of VAT and indirect tax work, including mandates with multi-jurisdictional elements. The group has also witnessed in increase in judicial review cases against HMRC, as well as investigations. Adam Craggs chairs the team with significant experience in tax disputes involving VAT fraud. Robert Waterson is another tax dispute expert, having represented clients before all levels of the UK courts and Tax Tribunals, as well as the CJEU. In team news, senior associate Liam McKay joined the team in June 2022 from HMRC.

Practice head(s):

Adam Craggs


Other key lawyers:

Robert Waterson; Keziah Mastin; Michelle Sloane; Constantine Christofi; Harry Smith; Alice Kemp


Testimonials

‘RPC is an absolutely phenomenal firm. It is second-to-none in terms of the full service it can offer to large multinational clients, and small clients alike. It has a broad range of specialisms, particularly in tax, where it can offer value for money.’

‘They are an extremely hard working and disciplined team, with an extraordinary ability to achieve great results for their clients, long before a contentious dispute arises. Even when a contentious dispute arises, they are formidable in trying to secure the best result. They have strategic awareness which is second to none.’

‘Adam Craggs is a master of technical tax. He is gifted and easy to get along with. He really understands the needs of his clients to help them achieve the best outcome he can.’

‘Michelle Sloane provides an absolutely brilliant service in the indirect tax and criminal tax cross-over space. She is a one-stop-shop to ensure that the client’s needs are being met, and that they are insulated from any associated criminal proceedings that may be being considered by HMRC. She is feared for her strategic brilliance, and can outmanoeuvre even the most savvy opponent.’

‘Alice Kemp is the most enthusiastic and hard working individual that a client could hope to have. She is like a blood hound scouting out forensically important evidence that are game changers for her clients.’

‘Outstanding team with excellent knowledge across VAT and other indirect taxes, alongside a wealth of experience in litigating in the Tax Tribunals and appeal courts.’

‘Robert Waterson is a superb strategist and a client favourite with an eye for overall strategy, as well as being all over the detail.’

‘Michelle Sloane is deeply experienced and knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Metropolitan International School Ltd


TSB plc


Universal Cycles


Work highlights


  • Representing TSB in a VAT dispute regarding a transitional services agreement following the bank’s split with Lloyds.
  • Acting for the Metropolitan International Schools Ltd in an appeal before the First-tier Tribunal regarding a VAT dispute with HMRC concerning the supply of blended distance learning courses for the VAT periods 2015-2017 – value £10m.

Bark&co

Fraud and business crime firm Bark&co is ‘experienced in every aspect of tax and VAT investigations’ and has expertise in handling appeals in the VAT Tribunals, tax fraud cases, and HMRC interventions and seizures. Founder and practice head Giles Bark-Jones is praised by one client as ‘undoubtedly one of the leading practitioners in the country’, and he has significant experience in international fraud and corruption cases, as well as fraud cases and HMRC assessment challenges.

Practice head(s):

Giles Bark-Jones


Other key lawyers:

Pat Wilson; Peter Finbow; Maria Stalbow


Testimonials

‘Giles Bark-Jones is a legend. He has seen it all before, so nothing phases him, yet he still seems as driven and hungry as he did 20 years ago.’

‘Giles Bark Jones is a very highly-rated principal of a very successful firm. It provides a first-class service in cases involving VAT and indirect tax and has substantial experience in such cases. There have been notably successful outcomes.’

‘Giles Bark Jones provides exceptional leadership and first-class advice and guidance to clients. Pat Wilson provides really sound advice and has the benefit of years of experience’

‘With a broad range of civil and criminal clients, they are experienced in every aspect of tax and VAT investigations, and are equipped to challenge warrants, as well as advise on the tactics required to efficiently and quickly deal with the stressful impact of such investigations.’

‘Peter Finbow is tough and pragmatic with a wealth of experience.’

‘An extremely dynamic team headed up by Giles Bark-Jones. The team is competitive, thorough, and keen to win and to give the client an all-round good experience’

‘Bark & Co provide an absolutely gold-star service to all of its clients. They combine experience, expertise, and passion to bring about successful results.’

‘Giles Bark-Jones is undoubtedly one of the leading practitioners in the country. A brilliant strategist who knows how to get results.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for the directors of an online platform in relation to various allegations of tax evasion, amounting to £132m.
  • Acting for four individuals charged in relation to an alleged £20m Conspiracy to Cheat the Public Revenue, committed between January 2017 and March 2022, through a well-defined, highly sophisticated infrastructure set up and operated by an Organised Crime Group.
  • Acting for one of a number of individuals charged in relation to an alleged alcohol diversion fraud operated on a massive scale in 2009 and 2010 and valued at over £16m.

Macfarlanes LLP

Macfarlanes LLP boasts an ‘excellent specialist VAT practice’ that has expertise handling the tax elements of real estate and M&A transactions, investment funds structures, and disputes and HMRC investigations. Solicitor, chartered accountant, and chartered tax advisor Chris Mortimer leads the team and is an ‘expert on all financial services VAT matters’, and he has helped the firm to grow its investment management and financial services-related work. VAT specialist Charishma Bhujohory is also a notable name.

Practice head(s):

Chris Mortimer


Other key lawyers:

Charishma Bhujohory; Jack Slater


Testimonials

‘Macfarlanes has an excellent specialist VAT practice which has deep experience across a range of different sectors.’

‘Chris Mortimer and Jack Slater are the two standout VAT practitioners at Macfarlanes. Chris has a great depth of expertise and he lives and breathes VAT. Jack is technically very sound and extremely responsive and concise in his advice.’

‘The tax team at Macfarlanes are very strong and are always partner led. The team works well as part of the wider legal offering.’

‘Macfarlanes are an important resource across all financial services VAT matters due to an effective mix of technical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to new commercial issues.’

‘Chris Mortimer is properly recognised as an expert on all financial services VAT matters and is a key resource. Chris has excellent technical knowledge and an unparalleled ability to apply this knowledge creatively to new commercial issues.’

‘Extremely competent VAT specialists and always available to help when you have an urgent request. Very thorough in the analysis to ensure the advice is correct and relevant.’

‘The Macfarlanes LLP VAT practice has always provided excellent advice, guidance, and rounded responses to tricky VAT issues. They respond quickly and deal with all matters with an urgency that allows clients to have complete faith in their ability to deal with the problems that they are posed.’

‘Chris Mortimer and Charishma Bhujohory have proved to be excellent VAT problem solvers who deal with clients in a down to earth manner, even when faced with some very complex VAT matters. They are both extremely knowledgeable, unfailingly polite, and always helpful.’

Mayer Brown International LLP

Mayer Brown International LLP provides clients with support on their cross border VAT and indirect tax mandates, supply chain structuring matters, and IPT-related issues, especially for clients in the financial services. James Hill chairs the team and is active in assisting clients with the tax elements of their transactions. Chartered tax advisor Simon Rose is also a key name to note in the real estate space. Emma Noehrbass joined Greenberg Traurig, LLP in 2022.

Practice head(s):

James Hill


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Mortimer; Simon Rose; Kitty Swanson


Key clients

Beazley plc


Sotheby’s


Unilever


Cabot Properties, Inc.


Round Hill Capital


Generali


Wing Tai Properties


Kennedy Wilson Europe


Sinar Mas Land


The British Land Company plc


Gaw Capital


K&K


Work highlights


  • Advised Generali funds on a co-investment transaction and JV interest in One Fen Court, a newly-developed office tower in the heart of the insurance district in London.

Norton Rose Fulbright

The tax team at Norton Rose Fulbright provides a range of clients with advice on various indirect and VAT matters, including the tax implications of major restructurings and M&A. The group is also active in contentious mandates. Dominic Stuttaford heads up the firm’s global tax department with a strong focus on the tax aspects of corporate finance in the insurance and technology sectors, while Chris Bates leads the firm’s European VAT group, which enables the practice to provide cross-border support to its clients. Matthew Hodkin is also notable for his advice on VAT regarding the energy generation and supply industry.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Stuttaford


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Hodkin; Chris Bates


Key clients

Barclays Bank Plc


Bibby Financial Services


Bombardier


Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners


Centrica


Civitas Social Housing PLC


Commerz Real Investmentgesellschaft mb


Credit Agricole


France Telecom


Gatehouse Bank


Goldman Sachs


HSBC


Lloyds Banking Group


London Gateway Port Limited


Mubadala Investment Company PJSC


Santander


Statoil


UBM


Vodacom Group


WELPUT


Al Rayan Bank PLC


DP World


Stephenson Harwood

Real estate-related tax mandates remain a core part of Stephenson Harwood‘s offering, which has also been increasingly active in advising on tax structuring matters in the private equity and funds space. Contentious tax mandates are also a key area for the department, as well as providing support on VAT, stamp duty, and SDLT matters. John Meehan leads the group with a strong focus on the tax elements of listed and private funds, M&A transactions, and structuring mandates.

Practice head(s):

John Meehan


Other key lawyers:

Kate Worthington; Shofiq Miah


Testimonials

‘John Meehan is excellent; commercial, accessible, and great to work with.’

Key clients

Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust


Schroders Capital UK Real


Estate Fund


Bowmark


M&G


Immobel Capital Partners


Macquarie


Kroll


Drakewood Capital Management


Covanta


AXA Investment Management


Tristan Capital


Mayfair Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised M&G Real Estate on its acquisition of nine multi-let industrial assets from Patrizia for £165m.
  • Advised Tristan and Rynda on a £100m corporate real estate acquisition, leaseback, and development comprising the acquisition and leaseback of five care homes, some of which were under development.
  • Advised WindAcre Partnership LLC on its participation in the acquisition of Nielsen Holdings plc by way of a UK-court approved scheme of arrangement.

Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell LLP‘s client roster includes international corporates and major UK universities, and the tax team assists them with contentious and advisory tax matters, especially in the real estate sector. Michael Ridsdale chairs the practice and advises clients on the VAT and indirect tax aspects on a range of transactions, as well as representing taxpayers in disputes against HMRC.

Practice head(s):

Michael Ridsdale


Other key lawyers:

Martin Scammell


Testimonials

‘Michael Ridsdale takes pride in ensuring he knows his client and acts in their best interest. He is approachable, works in strict confidence, is professional, and totally trustworthy.’

‘As national chairman of the VAT Practitioners Group, Michael Ridsdale he is a well-known, well-liked, and well-respected industry figure. He has fantastic technical expertise coupled with impressive attention to detail. He inspires confidence in those working with him.’

Key clients

Dephna


Interpublic


Work highlights


  • Advising a major university on the construction and development of a new campus in the London area.