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Leading Silks

David Ewart KCPump Court Tax Chambers ‘A sharp mind that is able to distill the most complex matters into bite-size chunks. Always comforting to have his advice.’
Malcolm Gammie KC – One Essex Court ‘The most knowledgeable barrister in corporate tax. There is nothing he does not know that has happened in the last four decades.’
Julian Ghosh KCOne Essex CourtFirst rate intellect and genuine love of tax law which results in a deep understanding of how the law works and why it is as it is. He is also therefore very passionate about obtaining the right answer.’
David Goldberg KCGray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘Unlike many other barristers who claim to be experts in tax matters, David is able to provide his own perspective on the tax issues and has the ability to think laterally around those issues. David is an excellent advocate.’
Kevin Prosser KCPump Court Tax Chambers ‘Kevin is at the top of his game and puts a huge amount of thought and effort into his advice. He is one of the best advocates at the tax Bar; he is exceptionally well-prepared, thinks quickly on his feet, cross-examines very well and all with a sense of humour.’
Nicola Shaw KCGray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘One of the best advocates at the tax Bar – calm and effective in submissions. Works well as part of the team. Clear and experienced in relation to the strategy to adopt and judging the mood of the court.
Philip Baker KC – Field Court Tax Chambers 'Extraordinary technical knowledge of international tax issues. Knows everybody in the international tax world. Distinctive and powerful advocacy style.'
Rupert Baldry KCPump Court Tax Chambers 'He is open-minded and creative.'
Jonathan Bremner KCOne Essex Court ‘He is tremendously thorough in his preparation and is an incredibly impressive advocate. The tax silk of his generation.’
Felicity Cullen KCDevereuxExtremely perceptive, very astute commercially - i.e. working out what is really at stake and in a client’s best interests - steely when required, technically meticulous – and, on a personal level, a pleasure to work with.’
Jonathan Davey KCWilberforce Chambers ‘Jonathan is very clear and compelling in his written and oral advocacy, and in his advice, which is invariably practical and commercial. He is highly responsive and very easy to work with.’
Sam Grodzinski KC – Blackstone Chambers ‘Sam is an extremely effective tax litigator. He is excellent in court – very clear in his submissions and robust in his cross-examination. He is incredibly hard working.’
Amanda Hardy KC5 Stone Buildings ‘Strong advocate before the Tribunals. Good team player - cooperative and willing to debate points with the client and instructing solicitors. Upbeat and positive style.’
Michael Jones KC – Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘Smart and capable in relation to complex tax rules. Very involved in the details and able to grasp complex factual circumstances. Works very well as part of a team.’
Timothy Lyons KC39 Essex Chambers ‘Technically excellent, incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.’
James Rivett KC  – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Very strong technically, good with clients, puts them at ease.’
Laurent Sykes KC – Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘Very good problem solver, formulates novel solutions, highly knowledgeable. Very accessible, makes time for clients. Listens to other ideas. Personable.’
David Yates KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers – ‘Exceptional technical ability and awareness of dispute trends and HMRC activity - David is incredibly personable and excellent with clients and his advocacy is second to none. His ability to present arguments at all levels of our court system is superb.’
Giles Goodfellow KCPump Court Tax ChambersHe has a fine legal mind and delivers top quality advocacy in a refreshingly unaggressive manner. He is very much liked by judges before whom he appears and commands the respect of the court at all times.’
Rory Mullan KCOld Square Tax ChambersRory is genuinely in a league of his own. He devours information and produces logical, reasoned, and workable advice. He is one of the most unflappable barristers in the field.’
Philip Simpson KC - Old Square Tax Chambers 'An incredibly knowledgeable litigator with a great understanding of tax, pensions and commercial law that flows through into his advocacy.'
David Southern KC  – Field Court Tax Chambers ‘Knows the subject well.’
Patrick Way KC – Field Court Tax Chambers ‘His background as a former solicitor means that he always understands the needs of the client and is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
Elizabeth Wilson KCPump Court Tax Chambers ‘Hard working and reliable.’

2023 Silks

Michael Thomas KCPump Court Tax Chambers ‘Very good at exploring both the commercial and tax aspects of the transaction. Good with clients.’

Leading Juniors

Imran Afzal – Field Court Tax Chambers ‘Imran has a razor sharp intellect. Calm and clear advocate. Excellent legal reasoning skills. Also, he has a highly impressive ability to express complex matters in simple terms.’
Jeremy Woolf – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'An in depth knowledge of the law of tax, great client care and easy to work with.'
Zizhen Yang – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Zizhen is simply excellent. She is meticulously well-prepared. Her written advocacy is persuasive. Her oral submissions are clear and to the point.’
Barrie Akin – Devereux 'Barrie is personable, helpful, and kind, and makes understanding complex propositions much more manageable for those of us less expert in the field.'
Barbara Belgrano – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Barbara is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is highly diligent, responsive and practical. Her legal knowledge and reasoning abilities are exceptional. Clear, powerful advocacy.’ 
Ben Elliott – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Ben is passionate about getting the right result for his clients and this is evidenced by his forensic approach to his cases and shines through in both his oral and written advocacy.’
Hartley FosterAddington Chambers ‘Hartley is a technically gifted barrister with a real eye for detail and understanding of extremely complex issues and challenges. He is great fun to work with on difficult matters.’
James Henderson – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘James has an excellent manner with clients. He translates complex tax legislation into comprehensible and commercially sensible advice. This ability transfers excellently to the tribunals and courts.’
Laura Kathryn Inglis – Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘Very hard-working, excellent on the detail and great written advocacy.’
Alun James – Temple Tax Chambers ‘Personable, considered, and an ability to relate complex matters in a easy to follow manner to the client.’
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.’
Ximena Montes Manzano – Temple Tax Chambers 'Ximena is very approachable and responsive. She cuts to the heart of the matter and provides clear and pragmatic advice to clients. She is very thorough in her preparation and is a calm and effective advocate.'
Oliver Marre – 5 Stone Buildings ‘Oliver is a very fine mind, and a real pleasure with which to deal. His understanding of UK tax law is excellent, and he is prepared to roll up his sleeves and get under the bonnet of the most complex issues.’
Nikhil Mehta – Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers ‘Very sensible and business slanted approach to tax issues. Solution driven.’
Rebecca Murray – Devereux ‘Rebecca is exceptionally able, and a pleasure to work with. She combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, creative flair, and strong commercial understanding. She really goes the extra mile when necessary.’
Philip Ridgway – Temple Tax Chambers ‘Philip is on top of his game - he has an encyclopedic knowledge of tax law. A brilliant tax barrister for the most complex case. Bright and articulate and thoroughly prepared.’ 
Jonathan Schwarz – Temple Tax Chambers ‘Jonathan does a lot of academic work alongside his practice, and so he is excellent at going back to first principles on a tax problem where there is little guidance.’
Michael Sherry – Temple Tax Chambers ‘Flexibility in approach, precision of advice. User-friendly for clients.’
Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Kelly produces high-quality written work very quickly.’
Peter Vaines – Field Court Tax Chambers ‘No weaknesses- responsive and knowledgeable.’
Michael AvientTemple Tax Chambers ‘He has an excellent legal mind and in addition has a superlative grasp of procedure, which he has employed to good effect in a number of litigation skirmishes with HMRC. He is also a very strong advocate.’
Charles Bradley – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Charles is calm, focussed and clear, both in preparation and presentation. When presenting, he is concise and makes the points at issue and his client's position clear without diversion or waffle.’
Joshua CareyDevereuxJoshua is a pleasure to work with. Highly responsive. Practical. A strong and persuasive advocate. A quick thinker.
Michael CollinsTemple Tax ChambersMichael's strength is that he is very practical in his approach and is happy to adjust to the situation when things do not go to plan at the start. His advice is clear and easy to understand.’
Dilpreet K DhanoaField Court Tax Chambers  ‘An excellent all-rounder in the tax field.’
Keith Gordon – Temple Tax Chambers ‘Keith is an expert in tax matters and is very well-respected. He is very thorough in his preparation and is extremely hard-working. He is always willing to go the extra mile.’
Julian HickeyExchequer Chambers ‘He is an excellent advocate, with a knack of distilling down complex arguments for consumption.’
Georgia Hicks – Devereux ‘Georgia is an excellent barrister and incredibly good with both professional and lay clients; she is personable, approachable and incredibly responsive. Her knowledge of employment taxes is extensive, and she communicates complex issues very clearly.’
Nicholas Macklam  - Gray's Inn Tax Chambers  ‘Nick is exceptionally talented. Extreme clarity of expression, both in writing and orally. Can unravel the most complex legal problems. Excellent client manner. Someone you always want on your side.’
Ronan Magee – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Exceptional maturity and attention to detail - he really gets to grips with the case so you can totally trust him - all while maintaining very good humour and positivity.’
David Pett – Temple Tax Chambers ‘David is technically excellent.’
Laura Ruxandu  – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Laura's attention to detail is astonishing. She is always extremely well-prepared, shows command of the issues and impresses clients. She is someone you want on your team.’
Quinlan Windle  - Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Quinlan is thorough, has a keen eye for detail and is all over the evidence. His advocacy is clear, concise and has impressed both instructing solicitors and the client.'

Rising Stars

Harry Winter  – Gray’s Inn Tax ChambersExcellent legal reasoning abilities. Never leaves a stone unturned. Always prepared to go the extra mile. A pleasure to work with. Wise beyond his years.

Tax: corporate in London Bar

GRAY'S INN TAX CHAMBERS


Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers is ‘marked by the excellence of its barristers’, with a strong record acting on behalf of prestige taxpayer clients before courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. ‘Excellent advocate’ David Goldberg KC maintains a high level contentious and non-contentious practice. Nicola Shaw KC has a broad tax practice, with a client base which includes prominent names in the energy sector. Michael Jones KC covers the full range of disputes, including tribunal appeals, judicial review, and civil claims and tax arbitration. New silk Michael Firth KC recently appeared unled before the Upper Tribunal in Denning V HMRC, in a matter relating to the valuation of care homes. Laura Kathryn Inglis has been active on behalf of the claimant insurer in AXA SA v Genworth Financial International Holdings LLC, a contractual dispute valued at £500m with tax elements. Nikhil Mehta provides advisory and contentious services in relation to international tax matters. Harry Winter works both led and unled, with experience in cross-border matters.

Referenzen

‘Ben Stern and Jamie Hall run the clerks room in a highly efficient and user-friendly way.’

The clerks are great – Ben Stern is a real pleasure to deal with.’

‘Great clerking service. Ben Stern is excellent.’

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Pump Court Tax Chambers


Pump Court Tax Chambers has ‘masses of strength and depth’, and is a favoured choice for both HMRC and taxpayer clients in numerous significant mandates. Areas of expertise for the group include unallowable purpose, transfer pricing, and partnership mixed membership rules. Kevin Prosser KC is ‘at the top of his game’, and recently represented the taxpayer before the Court of Appeal in Inmarsat PLC v HMRC, in a matter relating to the entitlement to capital allowances on the cost of launching satellites. David Milne KC has aptitude in international tax matters. David Ewart KC recently acted for HMRC before the Supreme Court in the Franked Investment Income GLO test case, relating to the taxation of dividends paid into the UK by foreign subsidiaries of British companies, leading Elizabeth Wilson KC and Barbara Belgrano. Rupert Baldry KC led Thomas Chacko before the Court of Appeal in Bluecrest Capital Management Cayman Ltd v HMRC, a significant case relating to the tax treatment of LLPs and limited partnerships. Zizhen Yang has experience at courts of all levels, in addition to a robust advisory practice.

Referenzen

‘John Poyser remains the best clerk in London tax.’

‘I must acknowledge Bruno Antoniotti and John Poyser. Fantastic, pragmatic clerking.’

‘John Poyser is excellent. He is incredibly responsive and always a pleasure to deal with.’

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11 New Square


11 New Square’s highly regarded group of barristers draws leading clients from the UK and internationally, providing both advisory and advocacy services across a range of issues, including R&D allowances, international tax treaties, and unallowable purpose issues. Jonathan Peacock KC is active in high profile matters in the UK and internationally, including Royal Bank of Canada v HMRC, a test case concerning the application of the UK-Canada double tax treaty. Francis Fitzpatrick KC is active for prominent clients in the private equity industry, and has expertise in the taxation of intangible assets. Hui Ling McCarthy KC  is highly active as an advocate, with a strong practice acting for both the taxpayer and HMRC. John Brinsmead-Stockham KC, who made silk in 2023, represented the taxpayer in GE Financial Investments v HMRC, a case concerning the UK-US double tax treaty. Edward Hellier has experience appearing unled, including in Collins Construction Limited v HMRC, an appeal on the subject of R&D relief.

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Devereux


Devereux is highly active on behalf of HMRC, and as such provide ‘extremely valuable insight for taxpayers‘, in both contentious and advisory mandates. The group covers commercial disputes and professional negligence in the tax space, and is noted for its employment tax aptitude. Felicity Cullen KC is particularly active for owner-managed businesses, and has experience advising on tax matters with complex cross-border elements. This is also an area of expertise for Akash Nawbatt KC, who appeared for HMRC in Lloyd’s Banking Group v HMRC, a case relating to cross-border group relief of losses. Aparna Nathan KC has strength in matters relating to mixed member partnership rules. Christopher Stone KC took silk in 2024, and is noted for his aptitude in employment tax. Senior junior Barrie Akin is ‘personable, helpful, and kind’, and acts on behalf of both businesses and individuals.

Referenzen

‘All clerks are very friendly, efficient and responsive.’

‘Devereux’s clerking is second-to-none throughout.’

‘Good variety of practice areas, and sufficient depth in the tax arena to ensure the set is a heavy hitter.’

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Field Court Tax Chambers


Field Court Tax Chambers‘ members advise governments, multinational enterprises, and SMEs across a diverse range of tax matters. Multiple members take prominent roles as thought leaders and academics in matters relating to tax, and includes individuals with broad international expertise. Philip Baker KC is noted for his ‘extraordinary technical knowledge of international tax issues’, evidenced by his academic record on international tax. Patrick Way KC has experience at all levels of court, and led Dilpreet K Dhanoa before the Court of Appeal in Hargreaves Property Holdings v HMRC, a matter relating to the taxation of interest on overseas loans. Patrick C Soares who is the head of chambers, has expertise in matters relating to offshore structures. Imran Afzal co-founded the set in 2014, and handles both domestic and international mandates, including Gallaher Limited v. HMRC, which went before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Peter Vaines is a key thought leader in tax, with expertise in matters of residence and domicile.

Referenzen

‘Impeccable service and communication.’

‘Clerking services are good – prompt and helpful in their approach.’

‘Efficient and very polite.’

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Temple Tax Chambers


Temple Tax Chambers is ‘well-rounded and well-known in the tax industry’, with a record in litigation and advisory matters at all levels. Areas covered include corporate reorganisations, transactions, and insolvencies, in addition to employment tax issues. Head of chambers Alun James has a robust practice in both disputes and advisory matters, and is experienced in matters relating to the tax aspects of transactions. Ximena Montes Manzano has expertise in employment tax matters, appearing in 2023 in Red, White and Green Ltd v HMRC on IR35 provisions relating to the payment of TV presenters and broadcasters - in this matter representing the personal service company of Eamonn Holmes. Jonathan Schwarz covers a range of international tax matters, including double tax relief, transfer pricing, and cross-border transactions. Michael Sherry is experienced in courts of all levels, and has a broad tax practice which includes professional negligence cases concerning tax advice. Philip Ridgway‘s corporate tax practice includes matters relating to insolvency, with clients such as O&H St Georges Ltd, which faced a potential £1.9m tax bill after a company was placed prematurely into liquidation. Scott Redpath covers matters relating to R&D tax, employment tax, and professional negligence in tax, among other issues.

Referenzen

‘Cindy Green; excellent communication, prompt, will go the extra mile.’

‘An excellent and very effective clerking team led by Lucy Campbell. Respond quickly to all queries.’

‘Lucy Campbell is great. Timely, efficient, very capable, safe pair of hands.’

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