Nicola Shaw has been shortlisted as a "rising star within indirect tax" by the Tax Journal for the Indirect Tax Awards, which will be hosted on 20 November 2008

The latest Chambers and Partners is out, and once again Gray's Inn Tax Chambers retains its position at the top of the list for Tax. David Goldberg QC leads the way, classed as a “Star Performer”, while the juniors are in the rare position for any Chambers of totally monopolising the prized top band 1 in their area of expertise.

 Here is what they had to say:

Tax

Year on year this set adds to its long-established reputation for providing top-level tax litigation and advice. Its ongoing success stems from the fact that it can field members of distinction such as David Goldberg QC: justly famous in the tax world, Goldberg is well known as “the man to turn to when a true heavyweight is required.” His “confidence, determination and complete mastery of the subject” are widely lauded, with observers further commenting on his “fluency and articulate manner” in court. Very much at the forefront for the more important matters, he regularly advises companies on transactions and represents them in large cases and investigations. Michael Flesch QC is renowned for his “diligent study of clients’ papers, and his excellent judgement.” “Superb at client handling,” he is much in demand from solicitors, who also appreciate the fact that he has “the ability to venture an informed view when no one else can see an answer.” Corporate and finance work, including M&A, derivatives and other financial products, comprise the majority of his work, most of which is advisory in nature. Flesch also has a thriving Hong Kong-based practice. Philip Baker QC is “the international tax guru,” according to peers. “Incredibly knowledgeable in this regard,” he largely takes an advisory role, often assisting major accountancy firms. Clients confirm that he is “rapier-like in his analysis.” David Goy QC has a wealth of experience in commercial leasing, property, M&A and tax schemes. Solicitors and accountancy clients seek him out as he is “experienced, consistently good and takes a thorough approach to all his instructions.” Goy provides direct and indirect advice in a “commercial, realistic, sensible and measured” manner, and is able to call upon “fantastic advocacy skills” when the need arises. New silk Felicity Cullen QC is called on when clients need “innovative thinking and a clever way through a problem.” As a junior she focused on advisory work for high net worth individuals and SMEs. Observers feel that she will continue in a similar vein in silk, although they predict that the volume of litigation she undertakes is likely to increase. Conrad McDonnell concentrates mainly on advisory work, although he does boast an active litigation practice. He wins praise for his “down-to-earth, helpful and attentive approach,” as well as for “providing excellent follow-up advice.” The “ever sensible and bright” Aparna Nathan has recently worked on a number of restructurings, company residence matters and cross-border tax structures and schemes. Like many members of this set she prioritises advisory work, but also has a strong litigation practice. Nicola Shaw differs from her Gray’s Inn colleagues somewhat by having a more strongly litigation-focused practice. Considered "an extremely bright, talented, impressive and persuasive advocate" with a "user-friendly and approachable manner," she has of late tended to represent taxpayers, splitting her time between direct and indirect taxation matters: recent cases have included HMRC v Weald Leasing Ltd and Robert Gaines-Cooper v HMRC. Also recommended at the set, Patrick Soares maintains a strong transactional property tax practice, and caters to a prestigious accountant-dominated client base. Patrick Way is hailed as a “highly experienced junior, with an almost silk-type practice.” He is currently handling a considerable amount of litigation, much of which involves precedent-setting tax questions. He works with a variety of law and accountancy firms on corporate, private client and other matters. The “battle hardened” Way is much in demand from clients due to his “great commercial acumen.”

Tax: Private Client

Making a strong showing in private client work, this set fields the "amiable, courteous and technically excellent" Michael Flesch QC. He is praised for his “calm and clear thinking” in handling private client work for high net worth individuals. Aparna Nathan is a “straightforward, no-nonsense” advocate who “provides information in a manner that is easy to understand.” Inheritance tax planning is at the heart of her practice, along with work for non-domiciliaries and non-residents. Patrick Soares has established a reputation for providing “constructive and positive solutions to complex problems.” He maintains a broad tax practice and, on the private client side, concentrates on trusts and offshore tax planning

Tax: Indirect Tax

David Goy QC appeals to clients due to his “modest yet confident” style. Stamp duty, SDLT and VAT make up a significant component of his practice, and he appears for both taxpayers and HMRC on a regular basis. Approximately half of Nicola Shaw's practice is taken up appearing for HMRC and taxpayer clients in VAT cases. She is known for her “excellent” work. Patrick Soares has a diverse practice that includes VAT and SDLT work regarding property transactions. He is known as a “creative but cautious” adviser. The “pragmatic and technically robust” Conrad McDonnell is esteemed for his VAT and SDLT advisory practice, matters at which Michael Thomas also excels: Thomas has a particular focus on the real estate industry, and is thought by many to be “the go-to man for detailed SDLT advice on the most complicated transactions.”

On 4 December 2008 Grays Inn Tax Chambers are collaborating with Longmark Conferences to present the Heart of England Property Tax Planning Conference. Click here for more details.

We are pleased to announce that Michael Jones and Laurent Sykes have joined Chambers after completing their pupillages

We are pleased to announce that Felicity Cullen has been appointed Queen's Counsel

Patrick Way is named in the AccountancyAge Top 50 Financial Power List 2007. Click here to see the full list.

John Walters QC comments with Peter Landon on the recent High Court decision in Total UK Ltd. v HMRC in an article in the Tax Journal. A copy of which can be read via the Articles part of our website. A copy of the decision can be gained from the Tax Cases part of the website

Philip Baker QC is named in the Tax Business 50. Click here to see the article and full list.

The appeal by the executors of Dr Harvey Postlethwaite (the Ferrari racing car designer) is allowed by the Special Commisioners. This case involved s.10 and s.94 Inheritance Tax Act 1994 and the non-gratuitous transfer by close companies