Tax: VAT and excise

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Kieron Beal KC
Blackstone Chambers
‘A huge and compelling presence in court as an advocate. Presents with clarity and without fear.'
1
Melanie Hall KC
Monckton Chambers
1
Andrew Hitchmough KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
‘Andrew is top-tier for VAT.  He prepares cases thoroughly.  He has the rare ability to combine mastery of detail with a concise and persuasive articulation. He is very commercial and relates well to clients.  They have complete trust in him.'
1
David Milne KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
1
Valentina Sloane KC
Monckton Chambers
 
1
Nicola Shaw KC
Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
'Nicola is a very strong advocate and thinks very well on her feet.'
2
Roderick Cordara KC
Essex Court Chambers
2
Sam Grodzinski KC
Blackstone Chambers
‘Sam is simply a superstar. He is technically astute, works seamlessly as part of a team with his juniors, solicitors and clients, and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get into the detail. His advocacy is superb, the best on his feet that we have seen.'
2
Timothy Lyons KC
39 Essex Chambers
‘Timothy applies careful thought to the preparation of your case, and brings a wealth of expertise to customs matters. His experience shines through his excellent judgement as an advocate, a quality which has repeatedly achieved good results for our clients. Whether it is a client, witness or judge, he reads the room, engages, identifies potential risks, focuses on the objective and delivers just what is needed, all within split seconds.'
2
Eleni Mitrophanous KC
Matrix Chambers
2
Kevin Prosser KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
2
Owain Thomas KC
1 Crown Office Row
2
Jonathan Peacock KC
11 New Square
3
Rupert Baldry KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
Rupert is an excellent trial advocate. He sees the wood for the trees, does not waste client time and always delivers excellent customer service.'
3
Julian Ghosh KC
One Essex Court
‘Julian is a very accomplished tax silk.  He has particular skill in relation to court craft, he is a flamboyant advocate who is feared by witnesses for his very effective cross-examination style.'
3
Philip Moser KC
Monckton Chambers
 
3
James Rivett KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
‘James is a superb litigator, he is highly strategic and forensic in his approach to evidence, no stone is left unturned. He is an exceptionally clear and persuasive advocate, his arguments are compelling.'
3
David Southern KC
Field Court Tax Chambers
'Detailed knowledge of tax law, VAT in particular. Approachable and capable. Affable and good with clients.'
3
Hui Ling McCarthy KC
11 New Square
4
Jonathan Bremner KC
One Essex Court
‘Jonathan is technically excellent. He listens, engages in a discussion with his instructing solicitors and genuinely and thoroughly considers counter views. He is gentle in approach and is able to build rapport with clients and solicitors. He is superb.'
4
Rory Mullan KC
Old Square Tax Chambers
‘Very user-friendly and approachable. Excellent technical skills and great attention to detail. Clients really like him.'
4
George Peretz KC
Monckton Chambers
 
4
Jessica Simor KC
Matrix Chambers
4
Philip Simpson KC
Old Square Tax Chambers
‘Philip is able to distil complex matters involving tax and environment, sometimes where laws do not easily align, into clear, succinct and accessible advice. His clear drafting of advice is consistent and thoughtful.'
4
Sarabjit Singh KC
1 Crown Office Row
‘Sab is an exquisite choice of barrister for both technical tax matters and questions of public law.  He is hands-on, user-friendly and can walk a court through the substance and technical detail of a matter in a manner that belies his year of call. Highly recommended and astute gentleman.'
4
Richard Vallat KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
4
David Yates KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
'David is one of the best silks at the tax bar, and can hold his own against anyone.'
4
Francis Fitzpatrick KC
11 New Square
4
Michael Jones KC
Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
4
Laurent Sykes KC
Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
‘Laurent is among the best tax barristers at the Bar. He is fiercely intelligent and a classy advocate. He wins cases for taxpayers.’

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Sadiya Choudhury KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
1
Brendan McGurk KC
Monckton Chambers
1
Michael Firth KC
Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
'He has consistently been fully prepared, completely conversant with instructions and thoroughly researched. He is highly professional, accessible, and, most importantly, clear and commercial in his advice.'