James advises on all the major UK taxes. His work covers corporate tax, VAT and private client taxation as well as customs duties and insurance premium tax. James has extensive experience of taking cases to the tax tribunal and the higher courts. He has been instructed on some of the most significant tax cases of recent years, including for AstraZeneca in its transfer pricing dispute. James works for both taxpayers and HMRC.
September 2018 – Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown – “A” panel
March 2012 – Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown – “B” panel
Called 1997, Gray’s Inn
Revenue Bar Association
1997 – 1998: Pupillage at Enterprise Chambers, Lincoln’s Inn and Pump Court Tax Chambers
1996 – 1997: Bar School
1993 – 1996: Cambridge University
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Band 2
Junior counsel on some of the most significant corporate tax cases of recent years. He also has a thriving advisory practice, and receives regular instructions in cases regarding business reorganisations. He has sound knowledge of transfer pricing rules and capital allowances.
“Hard-working, thorough and measured. He offers great insight.” “Very responsive, very intelligent and client-friendly.” (2019)
. . . “His advice is very clear and very helpful.” (2018)
. . . “an authoritative advocate who prepares carefully and conscientiously for the case.” (2017)
Tax: Indirect Tax
Ranking: Band 3
Offers an impressive indirect tax expertise within an overall tax practice. He is experienced in all areas of indirect tax, and is particularly well versed in complex VAT matters. He has experience acting for clients at all levels of domestic court, including the Supreme Court as well as appearing before the CJEU.
“Hard-working, thorough and measured. He offers great insight.” “Very responsive, very intelligent and client-friendly.” (2019)
. . . “Very responsive, thorough, thoughtful and well liked by clients.” (2018)
Offers an impressive indirect tax practice within an overall tax expertise. He is experienced in all areas of indirect tax, and is particularly well versed in complex VAT matters. “He’s very smooth and straightforward in court. He puts across his case with great skill and simplicity.” (2017)
Tax: VAT
Ranking: Leading Junior, Tier 2
‘He is noted for VAT and customs duty expertise.’ (2020)
‘Indirect tax expert.’ (2019)
‘A bright, talented tax barrister with a vast wealth of knowledge.’ (2018)
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Leading Junior, Tier 2
‘He is noted for VAT and customs duty expertise.’ (2020)
‘Often handles major corporate tax cases.’ (2019)
‘Fantastic knowledge in the area combined with an easy manner.’ (2018)
2010 – Nominated “Tax Junior of the Year”, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards
2011 – Listed in Tax Journal “40 under 40 – ones to watch in tax”
