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.

Andrew Hitchmough KC
1

Andrew Hitchmough KC

Pump Court Tax Chambers
Andrew is one of the top VAT barristers in the UK and is stellar in the area of VAT law. He is incredibly client-friendly, understanding commercial drivers, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of VAT law. He is the first person I would speak to when seeking a VAT barrister. He is fantastic at developing a case strategy in collaboration with other advisers and always argues his case succinctly. He never leaves a stone unturned in preparation for the case. He is a safe pair of hands whom clients trust absolutely.
Valentina Sloane KC
1

Valentina Sloane KC

Monckton Chambers
Valentina is an excellent trial lawyer. Her preparation is thorough, her analysis is acute, and her understanding of evidential needs is first class. But perhaps her strongest area is advocacy. Not only does she present arguments clearly and compellingly, Valentina is the best advocate that I have seen at handling unexpected questions from judges, weaving in new points and responding to unexpected cases without appearing to interrupt the flow of her arguments.
Nicola Shaw KC
1

Nicola Shaw KC

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
Jonathan Peacock KC
2

Jonathan Peacock KC

11 New Square
Hui Ling McCarthy KC
3

Hui Ling McCarthy KC

11 New Square
Philip Simpson KC
4

Philip Simpson KC

Old Square Tax Chambers
Philip navigates extremely technical areas of the law with ease, identifying a route through complicated issues and providing highly commercial advice. He is thoughtful, responsive, and user-friendly. He is a pleasure to deal with.
Michael Firth KC
4

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.'
Francis Fitzpatrick KC
4

Francis Fitzpatrick KC

11 New Square
Michael Jones KC
4

Michael Jones KC

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers
Laurent Sykes KC
4

Laurent Sykes KC

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers

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.