Tax

Gray's Inn Tax Chambers is known for its extensive work acting for taxpayers and HMRC in both a litigation and advisory capacity. It has also represented foreign governments, including those of Bermuda, Mauritius, Singapore and Hong Kong. Members have appeared in matters at all level of the court system, including cases at the CJEU. They frequently appear in cases concerning employment and payroll taxation, capital allowances, VAT and stamp duty. The set is able to provide extensive advice to clients on cross-border and international issues. Recent cases include Scottish Power (SPCL) Ltd et al v HMRC, a dispute concerning the deductibility of certain consumer redress payments agreed between Scottish Power and Ofgem.

"The clerks are always very helpful and responsive."

David Goldberg KC is a hugely well-respected figure at the Tax Bar, held in high regard for his innovative arguments and technical acumen. He has incredible experience handling the most complex tax cases. "David is absolutely one of the top KCs in the country. He is very good in court because he has this ability to present very difficult cases in a very simple way."

Nicola Shaw KC is an eminent KC who is experienced in representing both the taxpayer and the Revenue in cases involving residence and domicile issues, the transfer of assets abroad and transfer pricing. She has represented clients at all levels of domestic courts and tribunals, including the Supreme Court, and has also taken cases to the ECJ. She has a broad practice that encompasses both direct and indirect tax expertise. "Very detailed in her approach and someone with a nice advocacy style." "One of the best tax advocates of her generation." "Works very well as part of the wider team and is very good at handling the court."

Conrad McDonnell concentrates his practice on corporate tax issues and is an expert in tax schemes, double tax treaties, and income and corporation tax. He is usually instructed on the taxpayer side. "A good lateral thinker, who is creative in his advice and understands what is required in any given case."

Michael Jones KC is a highly respected new silk experienced in a broad range of tax issues, who has a focus on corporate and commercial matters, including shareholder taxation and employment tax issues. He is regularly instructed in high-value litigation both for the taxpayer and for HMRC. "A good guy to go to if you need hands-on counsel for a tricky matter that needs unscrambling." "Michael is very commercial in his approach. When you have a complex matter with difficult arguments, he's very good at explaining the strong and weak points of the case to the client."

Nikhil Mehta is an experienced practitioner who previously worked as a solicitor in London and as a barrister in Mumbai. He carries out contentious and advisory work on behalf of corporate and private clients on matters as diverse as loss relief and corporate reorganisations. He continues to practise as an Indian tax advocate alongside his UK practice. "Very thorough and deals with complex matters well. He adopts a holistic approach and goes well beyond the technical points of a case in his quest to understand the commercial background."

Laurent Sykes KC Laurent Sykes KC is a corporate and employment tax litigation expert who is active predominantly on the taxpayer side. He has a solid advisory practice that caters to a number of leading corporate clients. Sykes is admired for his knowledge of corporation tax and income tax. "Laurent promptly supported the appeal at all stages, providing clear guidance step by step."

Nicholas Macklam has a growing reputation for his representation of clients involved in tax disputes. He has especially notable expertise in tax disputes involving limited liability partnership issues. "Nicholas is an excellent advocate, who is both hot on the detail and good at testing ideas and debating things with the client and instructing solicitor."

Harry Winter tackles complex tax disputes, many of which are cross-border and involve anti-avoidance provisions. He appears both led and unled, and has been appointed to the government panel to do HMRC work. "Really nice to work with as he's calm, positive and extremely intelligent. He gets to the point really quickly and comes up with unique, insightful arguments."

Michael Firth KC is sought after for his advice and representation in challenging tax matters. His practice takes in cases relating to business tax, personal tax and indirect tax. "A brilliant barrister, who is accessible and clear in his advice." "Good on his feet in the tribunal, and able to explain matters with ease."