Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2021 have published their latest rankings of Old Square Tax Chambers.
Old Square Tax is highly regarded for handling a broad spectrum of tax matters. “Old Square is one of the major tax chambers, and they are all very approachable and bright,” states a source, before continuing: “They cover all areas of tax. They all have their own specialisms, which is fantastic.” Another source comments: “They are a really good tax chambers. They provide an excellent service to clients. I can highly recommend them.”
Robert Venables QC has a strong tax practice for high net worth clients. One source says: “Robert’s knowledge of tax law is simply awesome and he is very robust when litigating, which puts the opponent on the back foot and gives the lay client every confidence in his legal team.”
James Kessler QC is highly regarded as a leading tax expert for private client matters. “He has extraordinary technical ability and is a go-to barrister for offshore matters,” says an interviewee. “He’s everything you want in a tax barrister; he is completely on top of everything, he’s quick and creative,” states an instructing solicitor, before continuing: “He is very measured in his approach, thoughtful and very bright.
Rory Mullan QC is described as “hard-working, thorough and intelligent” by a source. “Rory Mullan is brilliant. He has deep knowledge and blends it with a very personable and approachable manner,” comments a market insider, and another says: “I think he fiercely advocates for his clients. If you have him as your barrister, you can be sure he’s fighting for you.”
Harriet Brown regularly advises clients on a broad spectrum of tax matters. “She is excellent because she is also a Jersey advocate,” says a source, adding: “She is incredibly helpful and can look at things from an offshore perspective. I find her extremely knowledgeable.” Another source comments: “I have found her to be extremely thorough, a good communicator and client-friendly. Her technical advice is detailed enough to provide confidence, but is also delivered in a way that is clear enough for the client to follow.”
Rising star Mary Ashley advises private clients on both contentious and non-contentious issues. A fellow barrister reports: “Mary Ashley is incredible. I think she is very diligent and thorough. I am super impressed with her.” An instructing solicitor says Ashley is “a bit of a superwoman, really. She is available at all hours, as bright as can be and approachable. She is really accessible and really good. She is really pragmatic and easy to deal with.”
Ross Birkbeck is well known for advising high net worth clients on tax matters. A commentator reveals: “He has impressed me greatly. He is really technical, really straightforward to deal with and very good at handling complex matters.” Another says: “I think he is intellectually brilliant. He has strong tax capabilities and good written advocacy.”
The clerking team receives praise from interviewees. “The clerks at Old Square are very attentive and responsive,” says one interviewee, and another reports: “They are highly efficient, precise and punctual.” The clerking team is led by senior clerk Cliff Holland.
