Tax: Indirect Tax
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 1770Chambers Review
Blackstone Chambers has barristers known for their expert handling of complex tax cases, who frequently act on behalf of a range of high-profile taxpayer clients but also represent the Revenue in high-stakes cases. Individuals here regularly appear in cases concerning VAT, customs and excise duties, input tax, film finance schemes and the application of EU tax law. Recent cases include Skatteforvaltningen (Danish Customs and Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners, one of the largest civil claims ever brought by a foreign tax authority in the UK.Members of the set have also been involved in JPMorgan Chase Bank NA v HMRC, an appeal by the taxpayer against a decision of HMRC to treat IT services supplied to the bank as standard rated for VAT purposes.
Gary Oliver is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I have always received an excellent level of service from the clerks."
"Deputy senior clerk Adam Sloane is very good, he is usually very on top of Sam Grodzinki's busy diary."
"I have always received an excellent level of service from the clerks."
"Deputy senior clerk Adam Sloane is very good, he is usually very on top of Sam Grodzinki's busy diary."
Notable Practitioners
Kieron Beal KC is an experienced silk held in high regard by market commentators for his in-depth knowledge of EU law. Representing both HMRC and taxpayers, he attracts praise for his advocacy and his professional approach. He regularly handles sophisticated VAT and customs classifications cases.
"Kieron is very good in the way he delivers his opinions, he has a measured delivery and he is very business-oriented."
"Kieron is an excellent advocate, whose written work is great. He is thoroughly respected by the court. He is supportive and responsive, and never makes you feel stupid when you put questions to him."
Sam Grodzinski KC is a celebrated silk who attracts unreserved praise for his assured advocacy style. He has a vast depth of expertise and can handle the most complex and challenging VAT, SDLT and landfill tax cases. He has experience of acting for both the taxpayer and HMRC.
"Sam is the complete package: he has a laser-like intellect, he's all over the detail, he's strategic in his thinking and he's polished when it comes to client service."
"He is fantastic and a go-to for anything tax and public law-related. Sam is a man who is robust in his advice, and he plays well with clients, who find him to be very personable."
"He is very persuasive and has authority in front of the courts."
"His drafting is excellent and he really fights his client's corner."
Simon Pritchard is a well-regarded junior who works on a range of indirect tax cases. He frequently represents HMRC and the taxpayer in matters concerning, VAT, customs, excise and relief among others. Pritchard regularly appears in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
"A gracious but tenacious opponent."
"Incredibly thorough and analytical, but also super client-friendly. He has a great talent for thinking ahead and spotting problems before they crop up."