Pump Court Tax Chambers > London, England > Set Profile

Chambers of Kevin Prosser KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
16 BEDFORD ROW
LONDON
WC1R 4EF
England

Email firm Visit website 020 7414 8080 020 7414 8099

London Bar > Tax: corporate Tier 1

Pump Court Tax Chambers includes a ‘good mix of pre-eminent and up-and-coming silks and juniors‘, which covers a broad range of corporate tax matters, including transfer pricing, property tax, employment tax and unallowable purpose issues. David Milne KC is highly active on both complex advisory matters and high profile disputes, such as Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd v HMRC, a test case concerning the interpretation of the UK-Republic of Ireland double tax treaty. Kevin Prosser KC acts for a varied list of high profile and highly international clients, including BlackRock in BlackRock Holdco 5 LLC v HMRC, on the deductibility of interest of $4bn of intra-group loans involved in the 2009 purchase of Barclays Global Investors. David Ewart KC was opposing counsel. James Rivett KC appeared in the Supreme Court in the MODS Group Litigation, a test case challenging the UK’s imposition of tax charges on foreign manufactured overseas dividends. Laura Poots has key expertise in pension tax disputes and public law issues in the tax context.

Rising stars

Laura Ruxandu – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Remarkable attention to detail and very easy to deal with.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Ronan Magee – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Ronan is an excellent junior. He is incredibly bright, very hardworking and totally reliable. ’

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

David Ewart KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘David is a terrific lateral thinker and a great appeal advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 1

David Milne KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘He is very thoughtful and has deep knowledge of the law.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Kevin Prosser KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Kevin has no weaknesses. He is extraordinarily quick in grasping all the facts and finding the particular answer which solves the problem and then effecting it.’

Ranked: Tier 1

David Yates KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers – ‘Very user-friendly, down-to-earth but giving practical and sensible litigation advice to clients. His no-nonsense approach to disputes lands well with clients, and he is a great team member when it comes to case prep.’

Ranked: Tier 2

James Rivett KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Technically very strong, very good with the client in terms of explaining the merits of the case and very clear on the proposed approach.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Rupert Baldry KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 2

Elizabeth Wilson KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Analytical, thorough and with an excellent courtroom manner.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Giles Goodfellow KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Richard Vallat KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

2023 Silks

Michael Thomas KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Michael is a market leading tax barrister. His advice is second-to-none.’

Michael Thomas KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Michael's advice is second to none.’

2024 Silks

Sadiya Choudhury KC - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Leading Juniors

Zizhen Yang – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘A keen eye for detail, very collaborative in approach and incredibly clever - a real pleasure to work with.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Laura Poots – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 1

Jeremy Woolf – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 1

Barbara Belgrano – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Thorough, super bright and just so hard-working, Barbara is an absolute star.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Thomas Chacko – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Good knowledge of the law and a strategic eye for how cases are likely to progress against HMRC.’

Ranked: Tier 2

James Henderson – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘James is careful, considered and measured. He makes insightful technical and strategic points while being pragmatic and commercial in his approach, which inspires trust.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Ben Elliott – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Ben is an excellent advocate whose style combines attention to detail with persuasive force. He is an extremely hard worker and technically strong.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Charles Bradley – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘He is both thorough and articulate.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘Really helpful clerking team – Rob Adam particularly stands out for his collaborative approach.’

‘Bruno Antoniotti is excellent, keeping us up to date with progress and assisting with the instruction.’

‘John Poyser is fabulous.’

‘The clerks are sensible and easy to deal with; the service they offer is smooth and practical.’

‘As a set, Pump Court offers an unparalleled breadth of expertise in all areas of tax, with a good mix of pre-eminent and up-and-coming silks and juniors. The training programme they offer is varied, pitched at a good level and a good way to showcase talent to new clients.’

‘Pump Court is the leading tax chambers.’

‘Second to none.’

‘Go to set for tax. Guaranteed excellent knowledge of the law.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Tax: personal Tier 1

Pump Court Tax Chambers offers expertise in the full scope of private client tax matters, including succession planning, offshore advisory work, Chancery court work, and, increasingly, tax issues in the sports context. The set has further strength in contentious matters, and acts for both HMRC and private individuals. William Massey KC covers matters related to trusts, land, and landed estates, and is described as ‘the preeminent go-to capital taxes silk.’ Kevin Prosser KC is highly active in litigation, with notable cases including acting for the taxpayer in Euromoney v HMRC, a tax avoidance case before the First Tier Tribunal. James Rivett KC acts for high profile and high net worth individuals both in complex advisory matters and before the courts, including acting on behalf of Gary Lineker in proceedings relating to the tax treatment of his broadcasting roles at the BBC and BT Sport.

Rising stars

Emile Simpson - Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Efficient and very helpful.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

David Ewart KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘He is a very strong advocate - not flamboyant but effective and to the point. Very focused on the points in issue. Closely listened to by judges. Plans ahead for appeals in ensuring facts are brought out at first instance.’

Ranked: Tier 1

William Massey KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘William is absolutely at the top of his game. He gives very thoughtful, experienced and realistic advice. He is extremely client friendly.’

Ranked: Tier 1

James Rivett KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 1

Kevin Prosser KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Kevin is extraordinarily able at grasping all the facts of a matter very quickly and finding the answer which solves the problem and then implementing that solution.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Elizabeth Wilson KC - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 2

Giles Goodfellow KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Giles not only has the clear mind and analytical skills to be expected, he is extremely good at communicating complex matters to clients and others.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Rupert Baldry KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘The breadth of his experience and technical knowledge makes his conclusions very reassuring.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Richard Vallat KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Richard has a deep learning in the law, and he is a thoughtful and technically accomplished tax lawyer.’

Ranked: Tier 3

David Yates KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Responsive, technically excellent, respected by clients, solution-driven and very clear in his opinions.’

Ranked: Tier 3

2023 Silks

Michael Thomas KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Michael is extremely insightful at complex transactions and nuanced arguments. He is quick to establish the challenges and opportunities with a particular case.'

Michael Thomas KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Michael is extremely insightful at complex transactions and nuanced arguments. He is quick to establish the challenges and opportunities with a particular case.’

Leading Juniors

Emma Chamberlain –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Emma has an unparalleled in-depth knowledge of UK taxation of individuals and HMRC practice. Emma's ability to analyse detailed and complex fact scenarios and provide useful guidance is unparalleled.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Thomas Chacko –Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Tom is great. Written and oral advocacy very good - deals adeptly and eloquently with questions from judge. Also, a real creative thinker.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Ben Elliott – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Incredibly hard-working and intelligent. Has a unique ability to explain extremely complex legal points in a very straightforward way during advocacy. Ben is not afraid to be confrontational and punchy when the situation requires it.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Jeremy Woolf –Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Jeremy is both technically excellent and very engaged, meaning he applies himself to the client's facts and really brings together his tax skills to their needs.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Oliver Conolly –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Oliver is a very technical barrister who explores the details of the tax legislation and considers all possibilities. He is also commercial and gives incredibly helpful advice.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Laura Poots –Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Laura’s advice is extremely clear. She takes her clients through the options and potential outcomes of complex tax situations in a clear and comprehensible manner.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Emma Pearce –Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Barbara Belgrano - Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Barbara is excellent. She combines technical expertise with a very good client manner. She has a confident and punchy advocacy style which judges respond positively to.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Charles Bradley – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Charles has an excellent and thoughtful approach that clients appreciate. He is concise and gets to the point quickly. Matters have always been resolved to the satisfaction of all.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘Excellent – always responsive and know the strengths of the large number of tenants available.’

‘The clerks are excellent, as is the venue.’

‘John Poyser is fabulous.’

‘Top level service.’

‘The chambers have an excellent set of barristers at all levels, who have strong technical knowledge. They look for solutions rather than merely presenting problems.’

‘Great strength in depth at all levels and across all taxes. My go-to tax set.’

‘The quality of the counsel at Pump Court Tax is very high.’

‘An excellent tax set with some noted practitioners.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Tax: VAT and excise Tier 1

Pump Court Tax Chambers is highlighted by clients as ‘one of the top tax chambers in the country and a go-to for the most complex of tax cases’, including both contentious and advisory matters. Key areas of strength for the set include VAT-related mandates in the charity, the financial services and healthcare sectors, gaming, and insurance. The set is home to notable silks such as David Milne KC, Kevin Prosser KC and Andrew Hitchmough KC, as well as Rupert Baldry KC, who has expertise in indirect tax, encompassing VAT stamp taxes and customs duties, as well as more specialist areas, such as aggregates levy. Zizhen Yang has notable expertise in VAT and landfill tax matters, and she acted for Devon Waste Management and Biffa Waste Services against HMRC in a complex landfill tax case in the Court of Appeal regarding whether the layer of residual waste used by landfill operators to line cells was liable to be taxed. Barbara Belgrano also represents clients before the higher UK courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and matters in the gambling sector are areas of strength for Laura Poots.

Rising stars

Quinlan Windle – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Quinlan has a good understanding of the problem, provides clear analysis of the legislation, and applies it to the problem.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Calypso Blaj - Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Calypso shows the depth and strength of her research skills in VAT disputes, as well as her ability to draft powerful and compelling submissions, boiling down a dispute to its key components. She brings a calmness and coolness to client interactions also, allowing the team to focus on the strategic aspects of the dispute.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

David Milne KC - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 1

Andrew Hitchmough KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Andrew is very user friendly and excellent with clients, with a robust and practical outlook to managing disputes. Andrew is always one of the team and his technical knowledge is outstanding, making him a favourite to instruct.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Kevin Prosser KC - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 2

Roger Thomas KC - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 2

Rupert Baldry KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Richard Vallat – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 4

James Rivett KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'James is a cool, calm, and insightful barrister who is great at managing client nervousness and challenges, and drawing focus onto the real nub of a dispute. Clients are particularly impressed at James' ability to explain complex issues to lay clients, sharing his experience of litigation in this area and HMRC approach, and combining this with his honestly, to really draw out the challenges and ensuring that work is focused on dealing with these.'

Ranked: Tier 4

David Yates KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'David has an excellent client manner and is able to explain complex legal points and give excellent advice on strategy for managing a case.'

Ranked: Tier 4

2023 Silks

Michael Thomas KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Michael has an encyclopaedic knowledge of tax law and is very strong in advocacy.’

2024 Silks

Sadiya Choudhury KC – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Sadiya not only knows the relevant law inside and out, but she is able to provide advice that focuses pragmatically on the client's commercial interests.'

Leading Juniors

Zizhen Yang - Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Zizhen has a phenomenal understanding and knowledge of not just the VAT legislation, but all the rules and guidance notes too. She is an exemplary lawyer with a keen intellect.'

Ranked: Tier 1

James Henderson – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'James is excellent at distilling complex issues and presenting them in a straightforward manner to the client. He is very client friendly, adapting his approach as necessary for the client, and he makes each instruction enjoyable and promptly replies to all queries relating to instructions or during a hearing.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Jeremy White – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Jeremy is the doyen of customs duty practitioners. He is simply the best in that area.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Barbara Belgrano – Pump Court Tax Chambers 'Barbara is a joy to work with. She is sharp and pragmatic, even in stressful circumstances, and her passion is self-evident and inspires confidences in clients.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Oliver Conolly – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Oliver is a tax barrister who is able to turn his hand to wider public law issues.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Laura Poots – Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Jeremy Woolf – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Jeremy is exceptionally good regarding complex tax law and he is also very user-friendly and well-liked by clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Thomas Chacko - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Ben Elliott - Pump Court Tax Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘The clerks are great, particularly John Poyser.’

‘John Poyser is the best clerk in London.’

‘Rob Adams is particularly good, as is John Poyser. ‘

‘Bruno Antoniotti and John Poyser are stand outs who are always practical and sensible in fee discussions. Diary management is also outstanding.’

Pump Court Tax Chambers is an excellent set. Whether counsel or clerk, one can observe high-standards and a willingness to accept instructions.’

‘Pump Court Tax Chambers is a leader in its field and a first port of call for any tax-related advice.’

‘Certainly one of the top tax chambers in the country and a go-to for the most complex of tax cases.’

‘The best tax set in London with an excellent array of barristers for all areas of tax.’

London Bar > Professional negligence

Leading Silks

David Yates KC –Pump Court Tax Chambers 'David is incredibly sharp and so is able to get to the nub of the claim really quickly.'

Ranked: Tier 4

London Bar > Crypto and blockchain assets

Leading Juniors

Ben Elliott – Pump Court Tax Chambers ‘Ben is an excellent advocate whose style combines attention to detail with persuasive force. He is an extremely hard worker and technically strong.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Pump Court Tax Chambers is the largest specialist set of barristers practising exclusively in tax.

The set: Whatever the tax issue, from large-scale litigation in the higher courts to complex personal tax questions, Pump Court Tax Chambers has the size and experience to assist in every area of revenue law. Its members typically represent the taxpayer, providing tailored advice and appearing before all the tax tribunals and UK courts. They act for solicitors firms of all sizes, accountancy practices ranging from small partnerships to the Big Four, tax advisors, trust companies and directly for in-house professionals from a wide variety of industries. Members also represent HM Revenue and Customs and, as well as the UK government, have acted for overseas governments, including those of Bermuda, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Chambers regularly hosts tax seminars and, as well as speaking widely at industry events, members of chambers contribute to many tax journals and textbooks. Among other works, the set houses the authors of the pioneering tax planning work Potter and Monroe, together with many of the contributing authors of Simons Direct Tax Service. All members of chambers accept instructions under licensed access. Full information about how to instruct members of chambers can be found on chambers website.

Types of work undertaken: Pump Court Tax Chambers fields experts in the full range of corporate and business tax issues, including: mergers and acquisitions, company and group reconstructions and demergers, transfer pricing, losses/capital allowances and structured finance. They advise on methods of computing profits, including the relevance of accounting practice and deductions against receipts. International and EC tax expertise includes the impact of double tax treaties, the EC treaty on the availability of foreign tax credits, utilising offshore losses and the taxation of foreign dividends and intellectual property income.

Chambers assists individuals, trusts and estates with tax planning advice, covering inheritance tax, capital gains tax, income tax and stamp duty land tax issues. Typical examples include the sale and reorganisation of family companies, advice on family trusts, tax planning for landed estates (including business property relief and agricultural property relief), heritage properties and family homes, tax and matrimonial proceedings, and issues surrounding residence and domicile.

Personal and business tax matters come together in relation to employee remuneration. Here, expertise includes advising on share options and pension schemes, employee share ownership plans, profit sharing schemes and national insurance contributions.

A considerable proportion of chambers work relates to advice and litigation in relation to value-added tax, including issues concerning partial exemption, business/non-business, the single market, non-economic activity, European law and alternative remedies such as judicial review and actions for Frankovitch damages. Chambers also provides advice on other indirect taxes, including insurance premium tax, customs duties, landfill tax, climate change levy and aggregates levy.

Members of chambers have specialist expertise in all stamp taxes and, in particular, issues regarding corporate acquisitions and restructuring, property transactions, developments and refinancing.

In addition, several members of chambers have experience of handling professional negligence claims where direct or indirect tax issues have arisen. As well as acting as advocates in such matters, they are also instructed to appear as expert witnesses. They are experienced in all the principal forms of ADR and chambers can offer accredited tax mediators and arbitrators.

Department	Name	Email	Telephone
Director of Clerking	Mark Rushton
Members of Chambers	PROSSER KC, Kevin (1982)
Members of Chambers	THORNHILL KC, Andrew (1969)
Members of Chambers	MILNE KC, David (1970)
Members of Chambers	MASSEY KC, William (1977)
Members of Chambers	TALLON KC, John (1975)
Members of Chambers	GOODFELLOW KC, Giles (1983)
Members of Chambers	EWART KC, David (1987)
Members of Chambers	BALDRY KC, Rupert (1987)
Members of Chambers	HITCHMOUGH KC, Andrew (1991)
Members of Chambers	THOMAS KC, Roger (1979)
Members of Chambers	VALLAT KC, Richard (1997)
Members of Chambers	YATES KC, David (2004)
Members of Chambers	RIVETT KC, James (2004)
Members of Chambers	WHITE, Jeremy (1976)
Members of Chambers	WOOLF, Jeremy (1986)
Members of Chambers	CHAMBERLAIN, Emma (1998)
Members of Chambers	WILSON, Elizabeth (1995)
Members of Chambers	HENDERSON, James (1997)
Members of Chambers	DUNN, Sarah (1998)
Members of Chambers	THOMAS, Michael (2001)
Members of Chambers	CHOUDHURY, Sadiya (2002)
Members of Chambers	CONOLLY, Oliver (2003)
Members of Chambers	POOTS, Laura (2007)
Members of Chambers	CHACKO, Thomas (2007)
Members of Chambers	YANG, Zizhen (2009)
Members of Chambers	BRADLEY, Charles (2010)
Members of Chambers	WALDEGRAVE, Edward (2011)
Members of Chambers	BELGRANO, Barbara (2011)
Members of Chambers	ELLIOTT, Ben (2012)
Members of Chambers	PEARCE, Emma (2014)
Members of Chambers	WINDLE, Quinlan (2016)
Members of Chambers	MAGEE, Ronan (2016)
Members of Chambers	RUXANDU, Laura (2016)
Members of Chambers	BLAJ, Calypso (2017)
ADR members	OLIVER KC, Sir Stephen
ADR members	AVERY-JONES CBE, Dr John
ADR members	NIAS, Peter
Door Tenant	HERBERT KC, Mark*
Door Tenant	EMSLIE SC, Trevor*
Members of Chambers	* Door tenants

Name	Position	Profile
Dr John Avery-Jones	John Avery Jones has sat as a judge in the Tax Tribunals…	View Profile
Rupert Baldry	Rupert Baldry has been at Pump Court Tax Chambers since 1993. He…	View Profile
Barbara Belgrano	Barbara joined Chambers in October 2012 after completing her 12- month pupillage.…	View Profile
Calypso Blaj	Calypso joined Chambers as a full tenant on 7th October 2020 after…	View Profile
Charles Bradley	Charles practises in all areas of revenue law. He regularly appears as…	View Profile
Thomas Chacko	Tom has been in practice at Pump Court since October 2009 and…	View Profile
Emma Chamberlain	Emma Chamberlain specialises in tax and trust advice for private clients, trusts…	View Profile
Sadiya Choudhury KC	Sadiya was called to the Bar in 2002 and became a member…	View Profile
Oliver Conolly	Oliver practices in all areas of tax law. In addition to an all…	View Profile
Sarah Dunn		View Profile
Ben Elliott	Ben accepts instructions to act and advise in all areas of Chambers’…	View Profile
David Ewart	David Ewart specialises in all areas of taxation, both corporate and personal,…	View Profile
Giles Goodfellow	Giles’ practice covers the full range of advisory work on direct and…	View Profile
James Henderson	James advises on all the major UK taxes. His work covers corporate…	View Profile
Andrew Hitchmough	Andrew Hitchmough specialises in all forms of corporate tax, VAT and Customs…	View Profile
Ronan Magee	Ronan joined Chambers on 2nd October 2018 after completing his twelve-month pupillage.…	View Profile
William Massey	William Massey’s practice covers all areas of personal and corporate taxation, tax…	View Profile
David Milne	David Milne specializes in both direct and indirect tax, especially litigation and…	View Profile
Peter Nias	Peter Nias is a practising tax specialist Barrister at Pump Court Tax…	View Profile
Sir Stephen Oliver	The first 25 years of Sir Stephen’s professional career were spent at…	View Profile
Emma Pearce	Emma has a broad advisory and litigation practice which covers all major…	View Profile
Laura Poots	Laura practises in all areas of taxation, acting in the course of…	View Profile
Kevin Prosser	Kevin Prosser is widely recognised and consulted in all types of Revenue…	View Profile
James Rivett	James practises in all areas of revenue law. His practice includes advice…	View Profile
Laura Ruxandu	Laura joined Chambers on 2nd October 2018 after completing her twelve-month pupillage.…	View Profile
John Tallon	John Tallon qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and has been…	View Profile
Roger Thomas	Roger’s advisory practice covers a wide area of both direct and indirect…	View Profile
Richard Vallat	Richard Vallat practises in all areas of revenue law. His practice includes…	View Profile
Jeremy White	Jeremy White’s practice covers advice and litigation in both civil and criminal…	View Profile
Elizabeth Wilson	Elizabeth Wilson practises in all areas of revenue law with particular emphasis…	View Profile
Quinlan Windle	Quinlan joined Chambers on 1st October 2017 after completing his twelve month…	View Profile
Jeremy Woolf	Jeremy’s advisory practice covers a wide area of both direct and indirect…	View Profile
Zizhen Yang	Possessing a depth of experience across the spectrum of tax issues, in…	View Profile
David Yates	David’s practice covers a wide range of tax law areas and related…	View Profile