Julian Ghosh QC

Senior Fellow at the International Tax Centre, University of Leiden

Judge of the First-Tier and Deputy Judge of the Upper-Tier Tax Tribunals

Sometime Lector, Trinity College,

Bye-fellow, Peterhouse, Cambridge

Visiting Fellow, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge

Revenue Bar Association

Chancery Bar Association

VAT Practitioners Group

London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association

Bar European Group

Author (with I L Johnson & Paul Miller) The Taxation of Loan Relationships and Derivatives

Taxation of Corporate Debt & Derivatives, (Butterworths)

Author of Principles of the Internal Market and Direct Taxation (2007, Key Haven)

Corporate Tax
Ranking: Leading Silks

Widely renowned for his level of experience and knowledge, having literally written the book on many key areas of tax law. He is equally comfortable representing HMRC or the taxpayer, and has "one of the sharpest minds at the Tax Bar." Commentators admire his "pugnacious courtroom style". "Very good tactically and knows how he wants to run a case." (2016) A hugely respected figure at the London Tax Bar, with superior experience, knowledge and advocacy skills. In corporate tax matters he is an expert on EU issues and loan relationships. "He is very robust and you have to admire the way he stands up to the tribunal." (2015) A deeply experienced and knowledgeable barrister with detailed expertise across the entire field of taxation law. His corporate tax practice has a strong focus on EU law and loan relationships. "An exceptionally bright QC, who has the benefit of being qualified in both English and Scottish law." (2014)

Tax: Private Client
Ranking: Leading Silks

With a private client practice that remains extremely strong, Julian Ghosh QC advises both HMRC and individual taxpayers on a variety of issues. He is known for his ability to handle complex instructions with ease and regularly takes on cases related to capital gains tax, employee incentive schemes and trust reorganisations. "An exceptionally bright QC who has the benefit of being qualified in both English and Scottish law." (2016) Noted for his broad practice which covers both personal and corporate tax matters. He is comfortable representing the interests of HMRC and the taxpayer. (2015) Enjoys a healthy reputation across the Tax Bar, and focuses on personal tax work alongside his impressive corporate caseload. He has a strong record of success in tax-planning cases. (2014)

Tax: Indirect Tax
Ranking: Leading Silks

Attracts praise from market sources for his intellectual acumen, with one source noting: "He is frighteningly bright." Indirect tax forms a key part of his broader tax practice and he often acts for the government and for taxpayers. "He is a very strategic thinker and his advice is very concise." "He is a very good advocate and is very aware of what's going on in court." (2016) A notable presence at the Tax Bar generally, who works right across the practice area. Indirect tax forms a strong part of his broad tax expertise and he is an authority on the interplay between UK and EU laws. (2015) Known in the field as a leading practitioner across all forms of taxation, he is a very strong presence in the VAT area. He has particular expertise in EU law issues in relation to UK taxation. "He thinks around the questions you ask, and you always think you're getting your money's worth." (2014)

Tax: Scotland
Ranking: Leading Silks, Star Individual

Highly praised as a standout tax specialist, he has a long history of representing clients in complex European and corporate tax matters. "Absolutely excellent. A fine advocate as well as being strong technically." (2016) A tax specialist with a very broad practice, he is particularly noted for his work on corporate and European tax matters. "He's very clever and very responsive, and explains complex issues thoroughly yet succinctly." (2015) A specialist tax advocate who advises on all areas of tax law and is held in high esteem both for his considerable depth of tax expertise and for the strength of his advocacy. He is roundly praised by instructing solicitors for the insightful and incisive nature of his tax advice. "He is absolutely excellent, there are no two ways about it; he's knowledgeable, methodical, and has a fantastic analytical mind." "He's absolutely unique at the Tax Bar in Scotland - no one else can match him." (2014)

The Legal 500 UK silk of the year 2015
Tax: Corporate and VAT
Rankings: Corporate: Leading Silk (2016); VAT: Leading Silk (2016)

'A superb litigator' (2016)

'Valued for his sharp mind and ability to think around the issues' (2016)

'He combines excellent advocacy and judgement with a thorough approach that results in robust

advice' (2015)

'Incisive and strategic in both his thinking and his advice' (2015)

Private Client: Personal Tax
Ranking: Leading Silk (2016)

'Involved in some of the biggest and most controversial tax cases.' (2016)

'Excellent technically and strategically while also accessible and approachable' (2015)

Tax, Trusts & Pensions
Ranking: Leading Silks, Tier 1 (2016)

'HMRC dread to see him on the other side of cases' (2016)

Chambers and Partners HNW says...

Tax: Private Client
Ranking: Leading Silks

"an exceptionally bright QC who has the benefit of being qualified in both English and Scottish

law."