Chambers and Partners 2012 had this to say about us:

Tax: London

THE SET "There is no doubting the quality of Gray's Inn Tax Chambers," according to enthusiastic market sources. Always strong at silk level, it has developed its junior end well of late and now represents "a class act from top to bottom." In terms of expertise, the set offers the most sophisticated tax advice across the board, and is fortunate in being so good that "even the juniors have silk-like qualities." Commentators feel that it is this concentration of talent at all levels as well as the chambers' size that set it apart from the majority of its rivals. The clerking, too, is of the highest standard, with those on the support side proving "extremely accessible and highly efficient."

SILKS The "absolutely excellent" David Goldberg QC remains one of the most experienced and respected names at the Tax Bar. His courtroom presence is second to none, according to commentators, who say that "he is highly attractive as an advocate as he has the most engaging court manner – he is a very genial and friendly man who people like listening to." Michael Flesch QC is also known as "one of the strongest tax barristers around." He has been particularly active on the corporate side, and has played a prominent role in various major transactions involving debt restructuring and corporate residence with regard to offshore taxation. Clients are quick to praise "tremendous advocate" David Goy QC, particularly for his ability to take a proactive approach to the issues facing them. His knowledge of pure tax matters is "absolutely first rate," and his ability in the courtroom is also held in high regard by peers. He has been heavily involved in tax advisory work relating to employee benefit trusts and pension funds. International taxation is a key part of Philip Baker QC's practice. He offers "wonderfully secure advice," and earns particular praise from the market for his knowledgeable, academic and thoughtful approach to all the matters he handles. Finally amongst the silks, Felicity Cullen QC is held in excellent regard for her technical ability when it comes to commercial taxation, in both an advisory and a disputes context.

JUNIORS Nicola Shaw is singled out by the market as "the standout junior in litigation for both The Crown and the taxpayer." Her work is dedicated to tax dispute resolution, and she has based much of her recent direct tax work around avoidance cases, EU law and residence work. A move to the top tier of this year's tables is just reward for Patrick Way, who earns universal praise from peers and clients alike. Sources say: "He is objective and calm, analyses things extremely well and is a reassuring presence in court, making him a really first-rate counsel." The "extremely able" Conrad McDonnell is heavily involved in major tax litigation on behalf of a range of corporate clients. He has been involved in cases involving such major organisations as Prudential, BT and BSkyB. The remainder of his practice focuses on advisory work. Aparna Nathan is rated as a "very sharp and technically strong" tax litigator. She has acted on behalf of both HMRC and the taxpayer in matters relating to both domestic and offshore tax disputes.
Patrick Soares has a broad practice which incorporates property transactions, offshore tax planning and tax advocacy. He is also active in indirect taxation, particularly with regard to VAT. The highly rated Hui Ling McCarthy is held in excellent regard by clients, who praise her "ability to get round the academic element well and put points across in an effective and practical way." She has a particular interest in tax avoidance and abuse as part of a broad practice that takes in VAT, capital gains tax and corporate taxation matters of many hues. Clients are also effusive in their praise of Laurent Sykes, who is "absolutely brilliant thanks to his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to put across a complex subject in a simple way." His experience as both a solicitor and a chartered accountant means he has key expertise, particularly in accountancy-based tax disputes. Michael Thomas is another popular choice with clients, who describe him as "supreme in his analysis" and "a lawyer who provides solutions in a simple manner." He is held in especially high regard for his work in property tax, but also has a strong corporate and business tax practice. The "immensely hard-working and very well-liked" Michael Jones has acted on behalf of both the taxpayer and the Revenue in a range of litigation and advisory issues. He wins strong market approval, as does Nikhil Mehta, who is another client favourite thanks to his "very carefully thought-out, practical and commercial approach to transactions." He is an experienced tax barrister with a wide-ranging practice.

Tax: Indirect Tax: London

THE SET Housing "high-class players who are strong both at litigation and on the advisory side," Gray's Inn Tax Chambers is at the forefront of the Tax Bar and has been involved in its fair share of major VAT matters. At both silk and junior level, the set is packed with some of the strongest tax practitioners in the UK market.

SILKS David Goy QC is blessed with "an encyclopaedic knowledge of tax law and the ability to apply it in a practical way," according to sources. He has a broad direct and indirect tax practice, which incorporates VAT and property taxation on the indirect side.

JUNIORS "Astonishingly good" contentious tax litigator Nicola Shaw has been heavily involved in cases looking at applicants seeking compound interest on repayments of VAT levied in breach of Community law. She handles indirect and direct tax issues on behalf of both the taxpayer and HMRC, and is known as a "persuasive advocate who makes the most complex things seem very simple." Patrick Soares is held in high regard by peers for his expertise in VAT and real estate taxation. Testament to his skill, he has written extensively on tax-related matters. His set further includes the "alert and sharp" Michael Thomas, who recently won a VAT bad debt relief appeal for the taxpayer against the Revenue. Like both Soares and Thomas, the "extremely able" Conrad McDonnell deals with VAT and SDLT matters as part of a wide-ranging practice that also involves corporate tax litigation.

Tax: Private Client: London

THE SET "Some very, very good people" make their home at Gray's Inn Tax Chambers, which is "one of the very top private client tax sets" in the market. Well serviced by clerks who "are attentive and always manage to fit people in at short notice," the barristers here "can be relied on to do a good job however complex the matter before them is."

SILKS Sources are quick to identify the "extremely good" Michael Flesch QC's "knowledgeable and creative approach" as key reasons for his impressive standing. He has been active in residence, domiciling and offshore trusts work in the past year.

JUNIORS Aparna Nathan is "technically strong, practical and thorough." The private client element of her broad tax practice has resulted in her involvement in cases on behalf of both the taxpayer and HMRC, as well as offshore and non-domicile matters on behalf of ultra-high net worth individuals. Offshore tax planning for non-UK domiciled clients is also a key component of Patrick Soares' private client practice. He is highly recommended for his work in international and commercial land tax. New entry Marika Lemos has an outstanding reputation for onshore and offshore trusts work, acting for various high net worth individuals. She handles both advisory and trial work and is credited for her "solid mastery of tax law."

The Legal 500 2011 said this:

Tax: Corporate and VAT

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers is a ‘supremely strong set’ with a ‘modern approach’, and has ‘outstanding and knowledgeable’ clerks. Historically a set with strong tax advisory capabilities, it has seen a large increase in tax litigation work via a wave of active and successful juniors. Among the roll call of high-profile names present, David Goldberg QC’s ‘reputation speaks for itself’, and Felicity Cullen QC is ‘bright and knowledgeable’ and provides ‘excellent’ advice. Other recommended silks include Michael Flesch QC and Philip Baker QC. Among the juniors, the ‘superb’ and ‘fearless’ Nicola Shaw is ‘modern, savvy, and user friendly’ and has extensive experience in VAT litigation; the ‘very bright’ and ‘thorough’ Conrad McDonnell excels in complex, intricate cases and trusts; and offshore expert Marika Lemos gives ‘clear and practical’ advice. The ‘excellent’ Nikhil Mehta has an ‘abundance of experience in tax and commercial transactions’, and the ‘tenacious, thorough and reliable’ Hui Ling McCarthy garners praise for her VAT expertise. Patrick Soares receives many plaudits, and the ‘outstanding’ and ‘personable’ Patrick Way has an ‘excellent and effective’ legal style. David Goy QC and John Walters QC are also listed amongst the leading silks while Aparna Nathan and Michael Thomas are in the leading juniors list

Private Client: Personal Tax

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers has ‘exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge’ on personal tax matters. Michael Flesch QC and Philip Baker QC provide ‘an excellent service, good response times, and clear and balanced advice on very technical aspects’. David Goldberg QC and David Goy QC are also recommended. At junior level, Aparna Nathan provides ‘consistently good advice on complex tax issues particularly of an international nature’, and Milton Grundy and Patrick Soares are also recommended.

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicola Shaw to Queen's Counsel.

Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers is pleased to announce Imran Afzal has been appointed to Attorney General's “C” panel

Philip Baker QC acted as one of the experts for Vodafone in this case in India. click here and here for copies of the Judgment

Hui Ling McCarthy has been selected in Tax Journal's 40 under 40 (2011). Click here for more details

Philip Baker QC has been selected in the International Tax Reviews top 50 biggest influences in tax. Click here for more details

Nicola Shaw has been awarded "Tax Junior of the year" at the 2011 Chambers and Partners Bar Awards

Philip Baker has been appointed one of the 8 members of the Tax Professionals Forum established by the Exchequer Secretary. For more click here

Nikhil Mehta takes part in CNBC programme on Indian CFC. To watch click here