Private Wealth: Tax

Devereux is recognised for its "excellent strength in depth at both silk and junior levels." Members here represent both high net worth individuals and HMRC, and handle a range of matters such as residence and domicile, gifts and deeds of variation, and tax-related professional negligence claims. One solicitor notes: "They have the technical expertise in spades but also the more modern approach valued both by the Revenue and by clients." Tenants at the set recently represented HMRC in the First-tier Tribunal against venture capitalist Jeremy Coller, concerning application of the rules on domicile.

"The clerks are very good - easy to talk to, responsive in offering availability and willing to suggest other sets where they have not got capacity."

"The clerks are always helpful and have a good sense of humour."

Glenn Billenness is the director of clerking.

Felicity Cullen KC
Felicity Cullen KC is a highly respected silk whose broad-ranging tax practice includes advising on indirect, personal and corporate tax matters. She is equally comfortable advising business and private individuals. "Felicity is my first choice for all complex tax issues - absolutely superb and very user-friendly." "Felicity is exceptional. The perfect balance of commercial awareness and technical ability."

Marika Lemos
Marika Lemos is a highly rated junior with a strong reputation for handling complex private client tax work. She regularly advises on onshore and offshore trusts, UK and cross-border estate planning, foreign domicile and residence issues, tax immunity and pension tax. "Marika is a very competent junior. She is incredibly thorough, rigorous and right on the money." "Marika Lemos is head and shoulders the finest senior junior at the Tax Bar: she is a delight to work with and always puts in extra work to make sure her advice is impeccable, however busy she is."

Akash Nawbatt KC
Akash Nawbatt KC is a well-liked tax silk with in-depth experience representing both taxpayers and HMRC. He is noted for his exceptional strength in cross-border work, and is an expert on questions of residence and domicile. "Akash is a very experienced litigator. He is extremely thorough, a very tactical trial lawyer and really does his homework."

Aparna Nathan KC
Aparna Nathan KC has built on an exceptional practice as a junior to become a well-respected tax silk. She is regularly trusted by both taxpayers and the Revenue with litigation and complex advisory matters, and is an expert in offshore tax structures. "Aparna is highly regarded for litigation and technically very sound." "Private client tax is really her sweet spot: she's one of the few individuals who genuinely works for both Revenue and taxpayer and has a very nice mix of contentious and advisory work." "She has a really good practice and is extremely knowledgeable of private client tax matters." "Aparna Nathan KC's technical knowledge and good judgement in complex matters are superlative; she is also a delight to work with."

Barrie Akin
Barrie Akin is a former chartered accountant and tax partner with a real depth of experience in private client issues. He is particularly noted for cross-border and offshore matters. His private client tax work covers inheritance tax planning, residence and domicile issues, and offshore trusts. "Barrie does a lot of really great work and is someone I would turn to for difficult issues. He is simply outstanding." "Barrie is very calm and assuring. He provides technical advice that gets a client where they need to go."

Rebecca Murray
Rebecca Murray is a former chartered tax adviser in a large accountancy firm and also an alumna of JPMorgan Chase, who has a wealth of experience of advising on private client tax matters. She has published a well-received textbook titled 'Tax Avoidance'. "Rebecca has outstanding technical knowledge and judgement, is very good at creative problem solving and is a pleasure to work with." "Rebecca is a formidable opponent. She is very hard-working and impressive." "Rebecca Murray is very personable with the clients and understands the commercial reality of situations. She's able to grasp complex topics and present them in an understandable way."

Christopher Stone KC
Christopher Stone KC regularly handles complex and high-value tax litigation and advisory work. He is noted for his commercial approach and is sought after by corporates as well as high net worth individuals. "Chris is an exceptional advisory and litigation lawyer." "Chris's advocacy skills are particularly good - he is able to put forward arguments in a way that is easily understood and compelling. He is able to think on his feet and answer questions put to him by the judge in a considered manner."