Field Court Tax Chambers is a respected set with a strong reputation in the market. Members act for tax authorities and affluent individuals, and handle a wide variety of domestic and international cases relating to residence and domicile, trusts and other matters. A source says: "It's a lovely chambers. Anyone who goes to them can't go wrong."
Client service:
"The clerks are friendly, responsive and really straightforward to deal with - they get things done." The assistant practice manager is Stephanie Talbot. "She is extremely good as she's on top of things, efficient and very easy to contact."
Strengths:
Imran Afzal Imran Afzal is in demand from both HMRC and taxpayers for the most high-profile and complex matters, and is a particularly fine choice of counsel for tax scheme litigation and questions of residence and domicile. He is well known among private client tax specialists for his work on the 'Icebreaker' partnership scheme litigation, where he acted on behalf of the Revenue.
"Incredibly clever, has a lot of experience and is completely on top of everything." "He is extremely quick and has a sharp, incisive mind."
Recent work: Instructed by the taxpayer in Nicolas Walewski v HMRC, a case concerning mixed partnership rules.
Strengths:
Patrick Soares Patrick Soares is a deeply respected junior whose tax practice encompasses property, VAT and offshore matters. He is an exceptional choice of counsel for trusts taxation work.
"Patrick has a lot of experience, so you can rely on him and his knowledge." "He provides good advice and is very good technically."
Recent work: Instructed for the appellant in Nicolas Walewski v HMRC. The appellant was a prize-winning investment manager and the case concerned questions pertaining to mixed partnership rules.
Strengths:
Patrick Way QC Patrick Way QC is highly sought after by high net worth private individuals for the most high-value and complex tax matters. He is also frequently instructed by HMRC and has a particular strength in advisory matters. Way was previously a partner at two London law firms.
"Insightful, calm and practical. He has good commercial vision and really knows his stuff." "Patrick is very, very good with clients. He understands the best way to present information to them and is very reassuring."
Recent work: Acted for the taxpayer in Andrew Davies & Others v HMRC, a case concerning the transfer of assets abroad in the context of pensions.
Strengths:
Peter Vaines Peter Vaines is well known for advising high net worth clients on a range of tax matters. He has particular experience of handling residence and domicile issues.
"Peter has always shown great innovation in his approach to clients' problems." "Incredibly helpful and someone who has great breadth of experience and a huge amount of knowledge."
Recent work: Acted in Stuart Gulliver v HMRC, an application for a closure notice.
Strengths:
Philip Baker QC Philip Baker QC is noted for his exceptional depth of expertise in international and cross-border tax matters, and has a particular strength in double taxation treaties. He is highly sought after by private individuals and regularly acts in tax cases before the CJEU.
"Incredibly knowledgeable, has remarkable judgement and is great at representing clients." "He is really thorough, really well prepared and someone with an unrivalled grasp of international tax issues."
Recent work: Acted in Panayi Trustees v HMRC, a case looking at whether the exit tax on trustees contravenes EU law.
