Private Wealth: Tax

Pump Court Tax Chambers remains the pre-eminent set for private client tax work, described by instructing solicitors as the "go-to people." Its members are able to advise on both UK and offshore matters, as well as accepting instructions for contentious work. Recent work includes representing an individual in a dispute against HMRC concerning capital gains tax on a share exchange arrangement, successfully arguing that CGT should not apply.

"The clerks are professional, sensible and helpful."

"The clerking team provide a very courteous and efficient service."

"They provide very efficient support in managing both the exchange of documentation and the organisation of meetings."

Mark Rushton is the set's director of clerking and John Poyser and Bruno Antoniotti are its team leaders.

Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain is one of the best-known and most admired tax counsel at the Bar, known for her enormous intellectual ability on complex private client tax matters matched with strong client care skills. "Emma is highly knowledgeable, extremely clear, strategically wise and very responsive - an absolute pleasure to work with." "With Emma on your side you can navigate any complex trust and tax situation step by step. Emma is always approachable, down to earth, patient and kind enough not to make you feel you've asked a daft question, even if you might have."

Kevin Prosser KC
Kevin Prosser KC often acts on the most highly complex and high-value matters across the full scope of private client tax work. He appears in income tax and employee benefit trust cases in the appellate courts, and also has experience in double taxation matters. "In terms of litigation, Kevin is the best at the Tax Bar. He is frighteningly intelligent and good at picking up the key points of a case." "Kevin Prosser is incredibly pleasant, responsive and a lovely chap to work with. He is an absolute star who does all three areas of tax to a high standard." "He has lightning-fast reactions and quick-wittedness, and a strong understanding of commercial as well as legal issues."

William Massey KC
William Massey KC is a noted expert on inheritance tax, particularly Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief matters. "He is thorough, clear and looks at all angles. Judges, opponents and juniors like him." "He is the best silk for inheritance tax issues." "William has a wealth of experience and technical knowledge."

Richard Vallat KC
Richard Vallat KC practises in all areas of private client tax work, with a particular emphasis on offshore trusts, tax planning and cross-border and domicile issues. He is regularly sought after by high net worth individuals. "Richard has the ability to see the wood from the trees with no difficulty." "Richard is a great guy with very good judgement. He is really competent and does a lot of litigation and Revenue work." "He is very clever and clear-thinking."

David Ewart KC
David Ewart KC is regarded for his work in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and instructed by both taxpayers and the Revenue. He is sought after for inheritance tax work and other highly complex issues. "David has great intellect and a very persuasive advocacy style, and it's very difficult to disagree with the points he makes." "He is extremely clever and one of the most experienced advocates at the Tax Bar." "David takes a no-nonsense approach to the problem, focusing upon the risk areas."

David Yates KC
David Yates KC is known for his detailed approach and is regularly instructed both by taxpayers and by HMRC. "He has practical insight into how HMRC approaches things as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of statute and case law." "David has always given excellent technical and commercial advice and is happy to make himself available."

James Rivett KC
James Rivett KC is a personable and impressive advocate who is in high demand, He has particular expertise in the often arcane world of variation of trust, and he is also an expert in heritage property matters for landed estates. "James has a real breadth of experience and expertise, particularly in private client tax matters. He is also very good to work with, very approachable and always on the end of a phone, plus his judgement is first-rate." "James is a great barrister and one of my go-tos for tax matters." "James is one of the cleverest members of the Tax Bar, and very charming in person."

Laura Poots
Laura Poots is well known for advising high net worth clients on tax matters. She has particular expertise in offshore trust and family partnership structuring and domicile matters. "Laura is incredibly responsive and very commercial in her approach."

Ben Elliott
Ben Elliott is instructed as sole counsel by both taxpayers and by HMRC in leading cases, and has an extensive private client tax litigation and advisory practice. He appeared in the Supreme Court in Sheiling Properties Ltd,the leading case on penalties for non-payment of accelerated payment notices. "Ben is very good indeed, particularly given his level of call. He has a wealth of experience and excellent judgement."

Charles Bradley
Charles Bradley avidly represents high net worth individuals facing significant tax issues in appellate courts as well as first instance tribunals and is particularly recognised for being experienced in dealing with the HMRC. "He offers pragmatic and concise opinions, and the clients understand him." "He was very technical, able and understood what mattered on what we put forward." "He knows what clients would understand and is very realistic about client expectations."

Elizabeth Wilson KC
Elizabeth Wilson KC has a broad and successful private client tax practice. She is noted for her work for HMRC but also frequently represents taxpayers. Wilson has particular experience in Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief cases, offshore trusts, partnerships and non-domiciliary tax planning. "She is very efficient and hard-working."

Oliver Conolly
Oliver Conolly is well known for advising clients on all areas of tax, including contentious and non-contentious matters. "Oliver is approachable and has a lot of experience, particularly on the inheritance tax side. He has a good grasp of points and a good technical approach to dealing with HMRC."