Private Wealth: Tax - UK
Old Square Tax Chambers boasts counsel with a "high level of technical expertise." Its members assist both domestic and international clients with domicile and residency issues, inheritance tax planning and trusts planning. Recent cases for the set include HMRC v Fisher No 2 in the Supreme Court concerning tax avoidance provisions in the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and the Income Tax Act 2007.
Client service
"The clerks are very good - they're very responsive and always get back to you."
Senior clerk Cliff Holland is "excellent and well supported by the junior clerks. They are always willing to go the extra mile."
Notable Practitioners
James Kessler KC
James Kessler KC is a highly regarded silk with a particular depth of experience in offshore disputes and the taxation of foreign domiciliaries. He is an exceptional choice of counsel for any cross-border or conflict of laws matter. "James Kessler is a brilliant man, a pleasure to work with, and without question the standout practitioner in relation to UK-resident foreign domiciliaries." "James has been fantastic: he's reassuring to speak to and gets things very quickly in consultation; he really gets down in the details."
Harriet Brown
Harriet Brown has a growing reputation for her work on a wide array of private client tax matters, and is noted for her technical understanding of complex and high-value matters. She is sought out for both domestic and offshore work. "Harriet is knowledgeable and efficient - she is able to identify the key points quickly and to focus conversations in the right area."
Robert Venables KC
Robert Venables KC is a barrister with a strong advisory practice and equally extensive litigation experience before English courts, foreign courts and the Privy Council. He is a former chair of the Revenue Bar Association and the author of numerous books on taxation. He is particularly strong on IHT planning and offshore tax issues. "Robert is excellent and highly intellectual." "Robert is the top and who you want in this space. He is very experienced and is a brilliant advocate."
Rory Mullan KC
Rory Mullan KC handles UK and offshore tax matters for private clients, including planning and disputes. He is especially well known among sources for his expertise in UK-EU tax issues. "Rory Mullan is very impressive in consultations. He is very good at bringing new perspectives - he is thoughtful and innovative." "Rory is happy with a collaborative approach to advising clients, which is always appreciated."
Ross Birkbeck
Ross Birkbeck handles all areas of tax law and has particular expertise in private client matters. "Ross is an excellent modern barrister. His advice is always commercial, timely and user-friendly. He is excellent in every way." "Ross's legal drafting and advocacy are always of exceptionally high standard, and his amazing intellect means he can turn complex documents around very quickly and think on his feet immediately when questioned by judges on even the trickiest issues."
Mary Ashley
Mary Ashey has a broad tax practice that includes both advisory work as well as litigation. She has particular expertise in inheritance tax and domicile issues. "Mary is knowledgeable on really technical tax issues. She is also very practical and easy to work with."