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(020) 7353 7534Chambers Review
Devereux is a set that is home to highly respected barristers who are able to handle broad swathes of tax litigation. Members are well respected for their representation of both taxpayer clients and HMRC (several members of the team are on the A, B and C Attorney General’s panels of junior counsel) in high-stakes and precedent-setting cases. A number of them are considered go-to barristers for HNW and UHNW-related advice. Chambers boasts extensive experience of handling cases concerning corporate taxation, capital allowances, stamp taxes, Diverted Profits Tax and IR35 issues, with clients mentioning they have "deep knowledge across all relevant areas of tax law". The set as a whole has noted expertise in employment, commercial disputes and professional negligence, and is well placed to advise on the crossover of tax with those fields. The set runs a well-received tax webinar series: Elevenses with Devereux. Recent cases handled include Lloyd’s Banking Group v HMRC, a multi-billion-pound tax appeal concerning the issue of cross-border group relief of losses, and Cogefin v HMRC, an important and precedent-setting company residence appeal.
Glenn Billenness is the director of clerking.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Practice Manager Rob Adams is very good, transparent on fees and helpful in getting things listed. He's also effective at liaising with the other side."
"Devereux clerks are always very good."
"Practice Manager Rob Adams is very good, transparent on fees and helpful in getting things listed. He's also effective at liaising with the other side."
"Devereux clerks are always very good."
Notable Practitioners
Felicity Cullen KC is well respected for her extensive experience advising clients on complex issues such as reorganisations and international tax disputes. She also appears in litigation relating to all aspects of revenue law, acting for taxpayers and HMRC, and has further knowledge of criminal tax offences.
"Felicity has a very strong sense of where the lines are drawn, is creative in her approach and has an excellent bedside manner when it comes to explaining complex matters to clients."
"Very committed, highly commercial and someone who deeply cares about the clients."
"Felicity inspired confidence with her knowledge of the material and her ease at answering client questions."
"Felicity bridges the corporate and personal tax worlds with real calmness and ease."
Marika Lemos has wide-ranging tax expertise. She tackles advisory mandates and has a growing litigation practice, acting for taxpayers and HMRC in matters involving employment taxes and EU law. She has appeared in a number of international cases.
"Excellent in terms of tax knowledge and good at identifying the issues in a case. She explains the key points in a case in a comprehensive way."
"Her written work is very good and technically excellent."
Akash Nawbatt KC specialises in tax and employment law, and is a strong choice for employment tax and disguised remuneration matters. He also handles the full range of corporate tax including capital allowances and domicile issues. Nawbatt acts for both the Revenue and taxpayers.
"A good technical lawyer, who appreciates the client's needs. He has a great understanding of the law involved and tax market itself."
Aparna Nathan KC has expertise in the full range of corporate tax cases and is an expert in corporation tax and capital allowances. She maintains a strong advisory practice, covering such issues as corporate reconstructions and offshore structures, and is involved in many large-scale tax litigation matters.
"A tough cross-examiner who leaves a good impression with judges."
Barrie Akin has experience advising on a wide range of revenue law issues including tax planning arrangements, income tax and matters relating to the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes. He is a qualified chartered accountant.
"Barrie is very down to earth, and can make both the instructing solicitor and the client understand these incredibly detailed points very easily."
"There's nothing Barrie doesn't know about tax."
Georgia Hicks is a rising junior with strong expertise in employment taxes. She frequently represents clients in the sports and media industry in matters involving income tax, IR35 and NI contributions. Hicks is also experienced in acting for the Revenue.
"Georgia is very bright, very enthusiastic and a real team player."
"A very good, hard-working barrister much loved by clients."
Rebecca Murray is active on the Attorney General's panel and has a growing reputation at the Tax Bar for handling private client work, as well as cases concerning corporate tax and IR35 issues. Her practice includes both advisory and litigation matters. Murray counts a number of FTSE 100 companies among her clients.
"She has good judgement in terms of which points she has to address and which she can safely ignore."
Kate Balmer is an established junior accomplished at representing the Revenue in a variety of corporate tax cases. Her expertise includes matters involving tax schemes, income tax, corporation tax and employment taxes.
"Kate is tenacious and has an incredible eye for detail. She has had some excellent results in the some of the most challenging cases."
Christopher Stone KC specialises in employment taxation and income tax issues, acting for the Revenue and taxpayers, handling advisory work and litigation. His particular areas of expertise include tax procedure, employment status and the tax treatment of termination agreements.
"He has a good sense of how the judge will react and is a great strategist."
"An excellent cross-examiner, who commands respect of the court."
"A very good, sensible barrister with strong advocacy skills."