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 1
“A charming man and a clear thinker. Nothing gets past him.” (2021)
“Very responsive, thorough and thoughtful. Clients find him very easy to work with.” (2020)
“Hard-working, thorough and measured. He offers great insight.” “Very responsive, very intelligent and client-friendly.” (2019)
Tax: Indirect Tax
Ranking: Band 3
“Although a junior he does silk-quality work, which makes him great value for money.” (2021)
“He gives clear views in a remarkably quick time and is very collaborative.” (2020)
“Hard-working, thorough and measured. He offers great insight.” “Very responsive, very intelligent and client-friendly.” (2019)
Tax: VAT
Ranking: Leading Junior, Tier 2
‘He is resourceful and resilient in defending his clients’ interests.’ (2021)
‘He is noted for VAT and customs duty expertise.’ (2020)
‘Indirect tax expert.’ (2019)
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Leading Junior, Tier 2
‘He is resourceful and resilient in defending his clients’ interests.’ (2021)
‘He is noted for VAT and customs duty expertise.’ (2020)
‘Often handles major corporate tax cases.’ (2019)
2010 – Nominated “Tax Junior of the Year”, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards
2011 – Listed in Tax Journal “40 under 40 – ones to watch in tax”
