Private Wealth: Tax - UK
Band 3
What the Team is Known For
Gray's Inn Tax Chambers has a strong bench of barristers at all levels specialising in private client tax. Its members are most frequently instructed for the taxpayer in litigation.
Strengths
Senior clerk Ben Stern is just amazing. He is the easiest person on earth to do business with. He is so accommodating, and he understands tax issues and which barrister is best for which matter.
Ben Stern is brilliant. If I need anything, I phone him up and he makes it happen. It makes a difference.
Notable practitioners
David Goldberg KC is a well-regarded expert in tax and administrative law. He acts for taxpayers in complex tax litigation.
David Goldberg is an outstanding advocate and adviser.
David is a delight to deal with. If and when he retires, it will be a sad day for the tax profession.
Laurent Sykes KC operates a strong tax advisory practice, representing high net worth individuals and corporations in tax disputes.
It would be fair to say that he's my barrister of choice. He is very versatile in the different taxes that he covers. Whenever we need support, Laurent will be my first port of call.
Nicholas Macklam is developing a strong reputation for his work in complex tax cases. Macklam has previous experience at the chancery Bar in addition to his tax expertise.
In a crowded room of intelligent people, Nicholas is right up here as the smartest.
Nicholas is very personable, thorough, careful and also up to date on procedural rules and legal arguments.
I've not come across any junior who is as impressive as him in terms of preparing witnesses and turning around written content at unimaginable pace. Nicholas is a joy to have as a team member.
Nicola Shaw KC is an expert in residence and domicile matters. She has acted in a number of high-profile cases involving the transfer of assets abroad legislation, the settlements code and principal private residence relief.
Nicola has a real read of what is going through judges' minds, what arguments could be made and what could really appeal and why.
Nicola Shaw is an all-round star. She is highly knowledgeable, practical, realistic, approachable and fantastic with clients.
