Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Tax: Private Client - London (Bar)
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 matters.
Strengths
Ben Stern is brilliant. If I need anything, I phone him up and he makes it happen. It makes a difference.
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.
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 do need support, Laurent will be my first port of call.
Nicholas Macklam is developing a strong reputation for his work on complex tax cases. Macklam has previous experience at the chancery Bar in addition to his tax expertise.
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 an unimaginable pace. Nicholas is a joy to have as a team member.
In a crowded room of intelligent people, Nicholas is right up there as the smartest.
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 Shaw is an all-around star. She is highly knowledgeable, practical, realistic, approachable, and fantastic with clients.
Nicola has a real read of what is going through judges' minds, what arguments could be made, and what could really appeal and why.