Ben Webster > Macfarlanes LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Macfarlanes LLP
20 CURSITOR STREET
LONDON
EC4A 1LT
England

Work Department

Litigation and dispute resolution

Position

Ben advises on a wide range of contentious tax matters for individuals, partnerships, funds, multi-nationals and FTSE-listed companies.

Ben is senior counsel within the tax investigations and disputes team, and his varied practice includes advising clients on HMRC powers and enquiries, disputes before the Tax Tribunals, High Court disputes that involve tax, and the mitigation of tax risk on commercial transactions.

Ben regularly advises on the technical, tactical and procedural aspects of tax investigations and disputes across the full range of direct and indirect taxes, and has been involved with cases at all levels of the UK tax tribunal and civil court system. Ben also acts in High Court litigation and judicial reviews, with a particular focus on cases involving the alleged negligence of advisors, the conduct of HMRC and claims involving mistake and rectification.

Ben has experience utilising different forms of ADR to settle disputes with HMRC and commercial counterparties, and also advises on wider international and European tax issues, including the residence and domicile status of HNW individuals, the cross-border exchange of information and transfer pricing disputes. Ben is also a qualified Solicitor Advocate.

Career

Qualified 2013

Lawyer Rankings

London > Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations

One of the most professional and respected tax litigation teams in the market’, the Macfarlanes LLP team provides comprehensive support, with expertise in both direct and indirect tax disputes. Lead partner Gideon Sanitt has experience at all levels of the UK and European Courts and acts for both high-profile individuals and corporate clients. Sanitt is supported by senior counsel Ben Webster, who is a solicitor advocate with experience in disputes with HMRC, judicial review cases, and disputes between taxpayers. Senior associate Sophie Rhind joined the department from HMRC in 2021 and brings key expertise in judicial review matters.