Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers is highly sought after for its expertise in direct and indirect tax litigation. It represents both taxpayers and the Revenue and casts a wide net in terms of its capabilities. Matters handled include tax avoidance, corporate restructuring and private client work. Members have a comprehensive understanding of domestic and international tax law and are adept at dealing with complex factual and legal issues. Recent highlights include Ingenious Games and others v HMRC, a case concerning an alleged tax avoidance product. Clients compliment the set for its “incredibly high standards” and “high-level representation.”

Client service “The clerks are responsive and personable.” Chris Broom, the senior clerk, is described as “very helpful” and “quick to assist.”

Michael Flesch KC
Maintains a broad litigation and advisory practice covering the whole spectrum of tax-related issues. He specialises in big-ticket corporate transactions and offshore matters.
“Very, very bright. He’s an understated performer who does a lot of work for wealthy offshore individuals.”
Has a broad advisory and litigation practice, with expertise in corporate and private client tax matters. He often acts for non-domiciled clients.
“He’s a fantastic barrister who is very bright and very understated.”

David Goldberg KC
A hugely well-respected figure at the Tax Bar, held in high regard for his innovative arguments and technical acumen. He has incredible experience in the most complex tax cases.
“Level-headed and clever.” “Very distinguished.”

Nicola Shaw KC
An eminent KC who is experienced in representing both the taxpayer and the Revenue. She has represented clients at all levels of domestic courts and tribunals, including the Supreme Court, and has also taken cases to the ECJ. She has a broad practice including both direct and indirect tax expertise.
“An excellent strategist and advocate.” “She consistently provides clear advice and has the ability to dissect even the most complex issues. She is very impressive in court and highly regarded by judges and opponents alike.”
Devoting a significant portion of her broad tax practice to indirect tax instructions, she regularly represents taxpayers and HMRC in contentious matters, particularly in the area of VAT. She acts for clients at every level of court including the CJEU.
“Very client-focused and very enthusiastic. She is a good advocate and has good court craft.” “Sensible and to the point.”

Laurent Sykes KC
Recent silk with a corporate and employment tax litigation practice, who is active predominantly on the taxpayer side. He also has a solid advisory practice that caters to a number of leading corporate clients. He is admired for his knowledge of capital gains and income tax.
“Very thorough and diligent.” “He provides detailed, authoritative sensible advice.”

Nikhil Mehta
An experienced practitioner who previously worked as a solicitor in London and a barrister in Mumbai. He carries out contentious and advisory work on behalf of corporate and private clients. He continues to practise as an Indian tax advocate alongside his UK practice.
“He has a great wealth of experience in international tax matters and insightful commercial judgement.” “Incredibly well respected.”

Conrad McDonnell
Concentrates his practice on VAT and corporate tax issues, along with employee taxation and pension schemes. He is usually instructed on the taxpayer side.
“Ferociously intelligent and a fast thinker. He makes himself available whenever required and his opinions are excellent and very well reasoned.” “Very capable and very bright.”

Michael Jones
A highly respected junior experienced in a broad range of tax issues, who has a focus on corporate and commercial matters, including shareholder taxation and employment tax issues. He is regularly instructed in high-value litigation both for the taxpayer and for HMRC.
“Impressive technical expertise and tactical acumen.” “Incredibly intelligent.”
Enters the rankings for the first time following strong praise from peers for his handling of indirect tax matters. He represents both the Revenue and the taxpayer.
“Incredibly knowledgeable.” “Formidable intellect.”

Michael Firth
Sought after for his advice and representation in challenging tax matters. His practice includes business tax, personal tax and indirect tax.
“A very clever junior who offers shrewd advice and covers all the angles in a case.”