We are a leading set of chambers specialising in Revenue Law. As members of the Bar we are usually consulted on difficult or controversial points of law, and in relation to complex tax planning strategies. We are also instructed to act as advocates in tax appeals and other tax related litigation. We are instructed by solicitors and also directly by accountants and other professionals under the Bar Direct Scheme.

Each member of chambers is experienced in advising in respect of all the main United Kingdom taxes with due regard to European Community Directives, Regulations and European Court decisions. Individually, members have particular specialist expertise.

Further, as barristers we are qualified in the law generally, and are particularly experienced in those areas, such as trust law, partnership , company law and financial services law and land law which are often important and sometimes crucial in dealing with tax problems, or in the implementation of proposed transactions.

Each member of Chambers practices independently. However, we are able to exchange ideas and share knowledge and experience within Chambers, so building up a substantial pool of specialist expertise in tax law and practice. On complex matters, two or more members of Chambers may be instructed jointly, usually a Queen's Counsel and a junior. On occasions we are also instructed to act with a barrister or Queen’s Counsel from another set.

The members of Chambers are supported by an experienced senior clerk, Anthony Hall, who will discuss the likely level of fees before work is done, and where appropriate, will advise as to the most suitable member of Chambers to deal with any particular matter.

Chambers' Approach

It is our experience that it is seldom sufficient to advise on a particular tax question in isolation. It is important to take into account all the taxes which may be relevant, as well as the other legal constraints and the business or personal considerations which may influence a client's course of action. Where it is appropriate and we have been provided with sufficient information, we seek always to view a client's problem in the round, being alert to dangers in any field of law and looking for opportunities to improve upon whatever plan of action has been proposed.

We aim to give advice which is practical and helpful, and to express it in terms which the client can understand so that he can make an informed decision on his course of action.

In tax planning, our objective is to steer clients away from risk and to enable them to avoid expensive and time consuming disputes with the HMRC. In our handling of contested disputes we strive always to achieve an acceptable result short of litigation. Where a dispute has arisen, we give firm but realistic advice on the law and the tactics to be adopted: we aim to put the client's case forward forcefully if it is a sound one - often resulting in reconsideration by the HMRC without a hearing - or to concede gracefully if it has too little chance of success.