The market leading VAT and indirect tax practice at Baker McKenzie is able to advise on high-profile M&A and real estate transactions, as well as VAT investigations, disputes and structuring. Leading contentious expert David Jamieson heads up the practice and is especially active in high-value VAT disputes involving the financial services and ecommerce sectors. Mark Delaney also serves as a VAT expert in the team and brings specialist knowledge of the technology, international trade and energy sectors to the group. Adam Peacock is the go-to for VAT advisory and transactional work for large online marketplace operators and retailers. Kathryn Sewell excels in VAT planning and structuring, as well as HMRC audits and litigation. Former VAT lead Mark Agnew retired from the firm in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Team is available regularly and available to help with multiple issues efficiently. They have a deeply pragmatic approach in understanding the issue to base the level of advice needed (i.e. EU steer or full country by country analysis) and phase work and timelines accordingly.’
‘Commercial risk-based advice which is not overly caveated and is considered from all stakeholders' perspectives of our business.’
‘Enviable client list. Excellent team.’
‘Very strong in indirect tax. Efficient and disciplined from a cost perspective.’
‘David Jamieson is an excellent tax litigator with a good grasp of both technical and procedural matters. Highly recommended.’
‘A talented team with a wealth of experience. The team have the resources required to handle the largest and most complex of issues, reflected in the names of the companies and industry sectors for whom they act. Big is not always beautiful, but in this case it is.’
Key clients
- The Prudential Assurance Company Limited
Work highlights
Representing J.P. Morgan in its VAT appeal to the Upper Tribunal concerning how services should be classified for VAT purposes.
Represented Prudential in the Court of Appeal in January 2024 in a case concerning the VAT treatment of investment management services.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kathryn Sewell
Practice head
David Jamieson
Other key lawyers
Mark Delaney; Adam Peacock; Kathryn Sewell; Jennifer Revis; Daniella Mandel