Richard Vallat QC
“Articulate, concise, persuasive in his advocacy and very effective.”
Chambers & Partners
- Call: 1997
- Silk: 2018
Overview
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.
A copy of Richard Vallat’s privacy notice can be found here.
Recent cases
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)
Publications
- Atkins Court Forms (Revenue)
- Tax Planning and UK Land Development and Tax Planning and the Family Home (both Key Haven Publications plc)
- Contributor to Simons Direct Tax Service and Tolley’s Corporation Tax Self-Assessment
- Joint Editor of Potter & Monroe’s Tax Planning
- Moderator of the Trusts Discussion Forum
Directory quotes
The Chambers Guide
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Band 2
“Very knowledgeable and able to take difficult concepts and make them easy to understand.” “He is a methodical thinker and a clear and persuasive advocate.” (2022)
“Technically excellent and a man who provides prompt and practically-grounded lines of argument.” “He is very personable and his advocacy is very clear.” (2021)
“Articulate, concise, persuasive in his advocacy and very effective.” “He’s a very bright, technically able, strong advocate.” (2020)
Tax: Indirect Tax
Ranking: Band 3
“A talented revenue litigator who really knows his stuff.” (2022)
“He takes a very practical approach and has the ability to explain matters both to clients and to other professionals. He is particularly impressive in conference.” (2021)
“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: Private Client
Ranking: Band 2
“He is technically very, very good.” “A very measured and strong individual.” (2022)
“He gives pragmatic and sensible advice and does a very good job.” “Good, thorough and fair, he is a pleasure to be against and very amenable.” (2021)
“Offers excellent advice and knowledge when it comes to cases concerning estates with offshore trust and tax aspects.” “Approachable and very practical.” (2020)
The Legal 500
Tax: VAT
Ranking: Leading Silk, Tier 4
‘Exceptionally bright and thoughtful, providing practical advice.’ (2021)
‘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)
Tax: Corporate
Ranking: Leading Silks, Tier 3
‘Exceptionally bright and thoughtful, providing practical advice.’ (2021)
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)
Private Client: Personal Tax
Ranking: Leading Silks, Tier 3
‘Provides very clear and practical guidance. He has a thorough knowledge of the law and its implications.’ (2021)
‘Personable, pragmatic and finds solutions.’ (2020)
‘He is clear, concise and practical.’ (2019)
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth
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)
Memberships
Secretary to the Revenue Bar Association
Chancery Bar Association
London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
Stamp Tax Practitioners Group
Career & education
Career
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
Education
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)