Tax
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 3
About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's Tax Practice in London is unique not only in the services that it offers vis-a-vis the other City law firms but also in the size of the specialist teams that it fields. We are unique in the tax market for offering a combination of legal and accountancy lens to complex multi-jurisdictional matters facing multi-nationals.
As well as providing services traditionally offered by City and Magic Circle law firms in the Transactional Tax, Wealth Management, Alternative Capital and Tax Disputes space, we specialise in large standalone Tax Planning, Transfer Pricing and VAT/Indirect tax practices, providing high end tax services traditionally offered by the Big 4 accountancy firms. The breadth of this combined offering, including an integrated view across tax planning and legal implementation and a deep knowledge of how to defend tax structures during investigations and litigation, has allowed us to win market share from other City law firms, and successfully compete directly with the Big 4 accountancy firms.
The practice, consisting of over 70 fee earners, includes lawyers, tax advisors, accountants and economists. We are divided into large standalone teams specialising in transactional tax, tax disputes, tax planning, VAT/Indirect tax and Transfer Pricing.
Chambers Review
The tax team is able to utilise Baker McKenzie's worldwide footprint to advise on high-value matters for global corporations. It has a proven track record in a wide range of corporate tax matters including M&A, restructurings and joint ventures. Also adept at advising on transfer pricing concerns as well as indirect tax. Broad sector expertise including finance, technology and media.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie advised Novator on the tax aspects of the refinancing of its USD1 billion investment in WOM Chile.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Baker McKenzie's team were incredibly professional, they were able to work to difficult deadlines and they had a comprehensive understanding of the issues."
"We have found Baker McKenzie to be very good at handling complex and sophisticated matters, particularly in relation to tax."
"The team at Baker McKenzie UK are very thorough. They dive deep into technical issues and help cut through the complexity."
"Baker McKenzie's team were incredibly professional, they were able to work to difficult deadlines and they had a comprehensive understanding of the issues."
"We have found Baker McKenzie to be very good at handling complex and sophisticated matters, particularly in relation to tax."
"The team at Baker McKenzie UK are very thorough. They dive deep into technical issues and help cut through the complexity."
Notable Practitioners
Patrick O'Gara advises household-name clients on complex tax planning matters. He also regularly advises those clients on the tax aspects of transactions.
"Patrick is very analytical, very smart and has a deep insight into tax law."
"Patrick was professional, with a comprehensive understanding of the issues, both legal and commercial."
Kate Alexander hasparticular expertise in advising multinational companies in relation to all aspects of their cross-border tax structuring. She is chair of Baker McKenzie's global technology, media and telecoms industry group.
"Kate is an excellent adviser with exceptional technical knowledge and very good commercial awareness."
"We appreciate Kate's investment in our business. She gets to know the key issues."
Matthew Legg is a prominent tax partner with a broad practice. Client seek out his advice for transactional matters as well as tax planning.
"Matthew is very dedicated to his clients and is always available for them."