Paul Farmer
Barrister
Paul Farmer is head of the EU law practice group. Extensive experience in both direct and indirect tax arenas, with particular focus on European community tax law matters. Formerly head of tax policy and analysis for the European Commission, 1998-2002 and 2006-2007.
Also experienced in VAT matters, including the landmark Kretztechnik case, as well as a broader background in EU law matters through his work as a lawyer at the European Court of Justice.
Representative Litigation
Engaged in a series of group litigation orders in the Chancery Division of the High Court of England and Wales in which multinational company groups challenge the lawfulness of various UK corporate tax imposts including:
- the Loss Relief Group Litigation
- the CFC and Dividend Group Litigation
- the ACT group litigation
- the Thin Cap Group Litigation
- the FII Group Litigation
Admissions
- England & Wales
- Qualified barrister
- Member of Lincoln’s Inn
- Chartered Accountant (England & Wales)
Honors
- "First class" and "particularly attentive to the needs of his clients" Legal 500 (2009)
- “An enormously experienced barrister with extensive European taxation expertise.” (Chambers UK Directory 2010 ed.)
- Ranked for contentious tax by Chambers UK Directory 2010
- Winner, "UK Tax Lawyer of the Year," Lexis Nexis 2006 Awards
- Team ranked top for contentious tax (Chambers UK Directory 2008-2010)
- Team ranked top for tax litigation: Legal 500 (2009)
- His team has won many awards:
- Winner "European Tax Litigation Firm of the Year", International Tax Review European Awards 2007 & 2009
- Winner, "ECJ Award 2008", International Tax Review European Awards 2008
- Winner, "Tax Team of the Year," Legal Business Awards 2006
- Winner, "Editor's Award," International Tax Review European Awards 2006
- Finalist, "Best Tax Team in a Law Firm”, Lexis Nexis Awards 2009, 2008
- Member of the team ranked among "the best of the UK" for contentious tax, Chambers UK Directory 2008 ed.
Education
- University of Manchester
M. Phil, 1993
- University of Manchester
LL.B, 1977, with honors
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