Tax: VAT and excise

Devereux

Devereux offers ‘excellent strength in depth, across all areas of tax law’, with a ‘top-notch’ VAT offering. eith a record of acting for companies, individual taxpayers and the government in contentious and non-contentious work. Felicity Cullen KC is particularly active on behalf of owner-managed businesses, with experience handling complex multijurisdictional issues. Marika Lemos is frequently active on behalf of government clients, including both HMRC and the Attorney General of the Isle of Man. David Bedenham joined the group from 11KBW in April 2024, and brings experience acting at the Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. Bedenham acted for the taxpayer in the VAT Umbrella Litigation, representing over 20,000 appellants in one of the largest ever class action appeals in the First-tier Tribunal. Max Schofield specialises in indirect tax, and covers VAT, SDLT, and customs and excise duties. Howard Watkinson is a key name, with experience in both civil and criminal matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Now a very strong tax set across all disciplines.'
'Very good. Excellent services.'
'Top-notch for VAT tribunal work.'
'Clerks are excellent.'
'Excellent tax set doing both work for taxpayers and HMRC.'
'Responsive and able to flex to meet the needs of the client.'
'Devereux has excellent strength in depth, across all areas of tax law.'
'Excellent clerk's room - approachable, responsive, and extremely helpful.'

Silks

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Felicity Cullen KC

Devereux

‘The best VAT advocate at the Bar. She has a direct and clear presentation and an excellent rapport with all judges. Her written work is strong and quick. Other barristers are more interested in their presentation than winning the case.’

Juniors

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

Marika Lemos

Devereux

‘Marika is a star of the revenue Bar. Thorough, well-prepared, with a detailed understanding of how HMRC works and thinks. She has an excellent bedside manner – gets on well with clients and lawyers alike.’

Barrie Akin

Devereux

'He is excellent at explaining complex issues to clients and to the tribunal. He makes complex law and complex processes a breeze. His advocacy is compelling and surgical.'

Georgia Hicks

Devereux

‘Very strong legal skills and great oral and written advocacy; very hard working and a real super star in the making.’

Max Schofield

Devereux

‘Max is a safe pair of hands, able to handle client’s tax matters, keeping the commercial outcomes in mind at all times. He is smart, personable and always available.’

Howard Watkinson

Devereux

‘Howard has encyclopaedic knowledge of HMRC VAT tribunal appeals. Howard is robust and dogged with his advocacy approach, will never take a backward step.’

'Rebecca is exceptionally able, and a pleasure to work with. She combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, creative flair, and strong commercial understanding.'