SILK PROFILE

David Yates KC

UK Bar 2026

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Pump Court Tax Chambers
 Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked in 4 practice areas

Tax

London (Bar)

15 years ranked

Tax: Private Client

London (Bar)

7 years ranked

Tax: Indirect Tax

London (Bar)

9 years ranked

Professional Negligence

London (Bar)

16 years ranked

About

Provided by Pump Court Tax Chambers

Practice Areas

Corporate tax

Private client tax

Employment tax and NICs

Professional negligence

Public law

VAT/Indirect tax

Career

David is an experienced litigator and adviser who is known for being "an absolutely exceptional barrister who combines excellent intellect with a down-to-earth and friendly approach". David’s practice covers a wide range of tax law areas and related fields:

· Personal tax

· Corporation tax

· International tax disputes/investment agreement arbitration

· VAT

· Public law (particularly tax related)

· Professional Negligence (particularly tax related)

In addition to the above, David regularly advises on the tax aspects of divorce and the taxation of damages awards/settlement agreements. In terms of tax advice, David's sector experience is wider ranging including:

· Financial institutions and general commercial

· Private clients and hedge funds

· Sports clubs and sports professionals

· Professional firms

· Charities

David’s full profile, including details of his areas of specialism and recent cases, can be found here: David Yates KC | Pump Court Tax Chambers

Professional Memberships

· Revenue Bar Association

· Chancery Bar Association

· Professional Negligence Bar Association

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Tax - London (Bar)

Band 1
Individual Editorial

David Yates KC is a highly regarded barrister who acts for the taxpayer and HMRC in a broad range of cases including significant group litigation orders. He advises on matters including cross-border dividends and double taxation agreements, and has niche expertise in advising insurers on tax-related professional negligence matters.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Tax: Private Client - London (Bar)

Band 2
Individual Editorial
David Yates KC has a broad tax practice, acting both for the Revenue and taxpayers. Yates has a strong advisory practice and has also appeared in many of the major tax litigation cases of recent years.
Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Tax: Indirect Tax - London (Bar)

Band 2
Individual Editorial

David Yates KC acts for both the taxpayer and HMRC on a broad range of indirect tax mandates, including those relating to stamp duty and landfill tax. He is further adept at handling matters involving VAT and customs and excise duties.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Professional Negligence - London (Bar)

Band 4
Individual Editorial

David Yates KC of Pump Court Tax Chambers has a recognised specialism in tax and finance-focused professional negligence claims, which is greatly enhanced by his former career as a financial analyst. He has advised on a wide range of financial claims relating to film finance schemes and offshore trusts, as well as faulty tax, accounting and legal advice. He is often sought out by defendant insurers.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • David is a very practical and experienced counsel whose manner and persuasive approach impress mightily.

    TaxUK Bar

  • David has a commercial background so he has a real tangible understanding of what matters to clients. He has particular experience of handling the most difficult tax dispute challenges.

    TaxUK Bar

  • David is technically excellent, but he delivers his advice to lay clients in a really understandable and accessible way. He's robust, and his written work is excellent.

    TaxUK Bar

  • David is a standout UK tax adviser and advocate.

    Tax: Private ClientUK Bar

  • David's knowledge of how the transfer pricing rules work is second to none.

    Tax: Private ClientUK Bar

  • David is highly regarded and a good commercial thinker.

    Tax: Private ClientUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Pump Court Tax Chambers (47)

London (Bar)

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