Richard Vallat practises in all areas of revenue law. His practice includes advice and litigation in the following areas: personal tax, corporate tax, VAT and other indirect taxes, stamp duty, stamp duty land tax and tax-related litigation including professional negligence. Richard is qualified to accept Public Access instructions.
February 2018 – QC
September 2016 – Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown – “A” panel
March 2011 – Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown – “B” panel
Called 1997, Gray’s Inn
Ardmore (Court of Appeal), Routier (Court of Appeal), Donaldson (Court of Appeal), UBS / Deutsche Bank (Supreme Court), Ingenious Games and ors (FTT), Landid (FTT), CM Utilities (UT), OCO Ltd (FTT), CIFF (UK) v AG (Ch D), Henderson Investment Funds Ltd (UT), B&K Lavery (UT), Salinger (FTT), Greene King (CA), Bowring (UT)
Secretary to the Revenue Bar Association
Chancery Bar Association
London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
Stamp Tax Practitioners Group
1991-1995: Merton College, Oxford MA
1995-1996: City University, Diploma in Law
1996-1997: Inns of Court School of Law, Bar Finals
2002-2005: Open University. BSc (Hons)(Maths)
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Band 3
Frequently acts for HMRC on challenges to avoidance schemes and is an expert on corporate tax and capital allowances issues. He takes instructions on the taxpayer side in cases concerning corporate tax schemes, employee benefit trusts and tax-related professional negligence. He also acts in contractual disputes. “Articulate, concise, persuasive in his advocacy and very effective.” “He’s a very bright, technically able, strong advocate.” (2020)
“Intelligent, user-friendly and very thorough.” “Very courteous, very prepared and methodical.” (2019)
. . . “Calm and collected, with a good, practical, commercial take on everything.” “He is very succinct and persuasive, with sound legal analysis.” (2018)
Tax: Private Client
Ranking: Band 3
Practises in all areas of private client tax work, with a particular emphasis on offshore trusts, tax planning and cross-border and domicile issues. He is regularly sought after by high net worth individuals. “Offers excellent advice and knowledge when it comes to cases concerning estates with offshore trust and tax aspects.” “Approachable and very practical.” (2020)
“He is very strong, very thorough, intelligent and user-friendly.” (2019)
. . . “Highly competent and good at explaining complex matters in layman’s language.” “A formidable opponent. Charming outside court and very much fights his corner in court.” (2018)
Tax: Indirect Tax
Ranking: Band 3
Regularly advises and acts for companies in a number of significant indirect tax matters. He is deeply experienced in complex VAT and stamp duty cases. “A brilliant lawyer who knows SDLT like the back of his hand.” “He is particularly good on VAT and film finance issues and is a genuine expert on all tax-related matters.” (2020)
Tax: VAT
Ranking: 2018 Silk
‘He has immense clarity of thinking and presents a clear and succinct legal analysis, which is also practical and pragmatic.’ (2020)
‘Specialises in all areas of revenue law.’ (2019)
‘Very clear-thinking and known for explaining complicated tax issues in a lucid manner.’ (2018)
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: 2018 Silk
He has immense clarity of thinking and presents a clear and succinct legal analysis, which is also practical and pragmatic.’ (2020)
‘He thinks around problems and suggests superb alternatives.’ (2019)
‘One of the best juniors at the tax Bar in terms of written work and court advocacy.’ (2018)
Private Client: Personal Tax
Ranking: 2018 Silk, Tier 1
‘Personable, pragmatic and finds solutions.’ (2020)
‘He is clear, concise and practical.’ (2019)
‘Good at distilling complex areas of law into understandable points.’ (2018)
Tax: Private Client
Ranking: Band 2
Richard Vallat QC is well regarded in the market for his tax practice. One source comments: “He has a wide-ranging knowledge of private client tax issues.” A fellow barrister notes that “he gave pragmatic and sensible advice; he did a very good job,” adding: “I have nothing but praise for him.” Another interviewee says: “I think he is good, thorough and fair. He is a pleasure to be against and very amenable. I would recommend him.” (2020)
Richard Vallat QC is often instructed on tax scheme cases, including the enormous and hugely significant Ingenious Film Partners case. His practice has gone from strength to strength since taking silk in 2018. A source says Vallat’s strongest points are “a very practical approach and the ability to explain this both to other professionals and to clients.” This source adds that “he is particularly impressive in conference in listening to all the input and questions from the clients.” (2019)
