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.
- 'The Baker McKenzie VAT and indirect tax team is highly practical and consistently delivers clear, actionable advice tailored to complex business needs. They are exceptionally responsive, often turning around queries at impressive speed without compromising on quality. What sets them apart is their deep commercial awareness, which ensures their guidance aligns seamlessly with clients’ strategic objectives.'
- ‘David Jamieson and Mark Delaney each have phenomenal technical knowledge. They have an instinctive 'feel' for VAT that is lacking in so many of their competitors. At the level of associate, Daniella Mandel stands out head and shoulders above her peers. Her client management skills are exemplary.’
- ‘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.’
- ‘David Jamieson is an excellent tax litigator with a good grasp of both technical and procedural matters. Highly recommended.’
- ‘Very strong in indirect tax. Efficient and disciplined from a cost perspective.’
- ‘Enviable client list. Excellent team.’
Key clients
- Google 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