David Ewart QC | Pump Court Tax Chambers

Career

Called 1987 (Gray’s Inn)

Treasury A Panel (1999 – 2005)

First Chancery Revenue Junior (2000 – 2006)

QC (2006)

Recent cases

Memberships

Revenue Bar Association

London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association

Chancery Bar Association

Education

Trinity College, Oxford (1986 BA Hons)

The Chambers Guide says...

Corporate Tax
Ranking: Band 1

Handles some of HMRC’s most important test cases, and also regularly represents the Revenue in group litigations. He further acts for taxpayers on significant matters in an advisory capacity and in court. Clients include accountants and multinational corporations. Ewart has undertaken an interesting selection of matters including those concerning film finance schemes, double tax treaties and corporate restructurings. “Hugely knowledgeable and able to deal with complex issues simply and persuasively.” (2020)

“Incisive, efficient and user-friendly.” “His advice is clear, unequivocal and extremely helpful.” (2019)

. . . “Responsive and reliable. He has a knack for expressing difficult concepts simply, precisely and persuasively.” “He provides clear, practical advice.” (2018)

Tax: Private Client
Ranking: Band 2

Regarded for his work in both contentious and non-contentious matters, he is instructed by both taxpayers and the Revenue. He is sought after for inheritance tax work and other highly complex issues. “Enormously helpful and turns things around at great speed.” “He has the ability to get to the nub of the issue even when the case is extremely complicated. David gives practical advice that the client understands.” (2020)

“He’s a compelling advocate. He’s always in court, I do wonder how he has the time to prepare so well – whatever his secret is, it works.” (2019)

. . . “He’s very clever and technically impressive.” “Extremely practical, highly intelligent and very talented.” (2018)

The Legal 500 says...

Tax: VAT
Ranking: Leading Silk, Tier 2

‘Incredibly broad practice and possesses in-depth experience on most tax issues; huge technical ability.’ (2020)

‘He possesses an incredibly analytical mind.’ (2019)

‘Deeply knowledgeable but with the flexibility to see both sides of an argument.’ (2018)

Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Leading Silk, Tier 2

‘Incredibly broad practice and possesses in-depth experience on most tax issues; huge technical ability.’ (2020)

‘Very intelligent and suited to litigation.’ (2019)

‘He carries invaluable experience over a wide variety of cases.’ (2018)

Private Client: Personal Tax
Ranking: Leading Silk, Tier 2

‘Has a practical and logical approach to solving problems.’ (2020)

‘His technical expertise is second to none.’ (2019)

‘Extremely analytical and practiced at navigating the most complex provisions.’ (2018)

Chambers and Partners HNW says...

Tax: Private Client

Ranking: Band 2

David Ewart QC acts for the Revenue on tax cases and for high net worth individuals in IHT planning. An instructing solicitor says Ewart “has the ability to get to the nub of the issue even when it is very complicated, and he gives practical advice the client understands at the end of it. He’s also relatively easy to engage with – which is one of the reasons you want to instruct someone.” Fellow counsel say he is “a scary advocate to be against – he doesn’t let things go, he is very tenacious.” (2019)

David Ewart QC is noted for his specialism in representing HMRC in tax cases. He also advises high net worth individuals on Inheritance Tax planning and trusts. “He is absolutely top class,” enthuses one interviewee. Another reports that “he’s a compelling advocate. He’s always in court, I do wonder how he has the time to prepare so well – whatever his secret is, it works.” (2018)