In the evolving corridors of tax law, few voices carry the weight, clarity, and conviction of Rebecca Murray. A barrister who defied early rejections and systemic biases, she has emerged not just as a legal powerhouse, but as a bold symbol of what modern leadership in law looks like—intelligent, resilient, and unapologetically authentic. From headline-making court victories to fearless public advocacy, Rebecca’s journey reflects a rare blend of technical mastery and human depth. In this exclusive EN TIMES cover story, we uncover the making of one of the UK’s most influential law leaders—how she redefined her role at the Bar, challenged the status quo, and continues to shape the future of tax litigation and legal integrity in 2025.
From Boardrooms to the Bar: A Relentless Journey to the Top
Before she was known as one of the UK’s most formidable tax barristers, Rebecca Murray was a Vice President at J.P. Morgan—navigating high-stakes transactions and multi-layered corporate tax challenges. But in 2008, she made a bold, uncertain leap: she left banking without a pupillage, driven by a vision to practice law on her own terms.
“I didn’t have a pupillage offer, and I was told I’d never make it at the Bar. But I believed this was where I belonged,” she recalls. That belief would be challenged, tested—and ultimately vindicated.
Breaking the Mold in a Traditional World
Rebecca’s entry into the Bar wasn’t just unconventional—it was revolutionary. Joining Temple Tax Chambers in 2009, she was the only woman in chambers. At Devereux Chambers today, she is described as “fearless,” “commercially savvy,” and “exceptionally prepared”—a standout in a field that still struggles with representation and diversity.
Her early critics underestimated her. “I was told I didn’t look like a barrister. People assumed I was an assistant or client,” she shares. “But I learned to navigate the judgement, stay resilient, and always let my work speak louder than the noise.”
Turning Trials into Triumphs
Rebecca’s first real opportunity at the Bar came from a case no one expected her to win: defending a man who was about to lose his home. By meticulously cross-examining HMRC’s witness, she dismantled their credibility and won the case—a pivotal moment that secured her tenancy and launched her courtroom reputation.
Since then, her case portfolio reads like a masterclass in modern tax litigation:
- Eclipse Film Partners v HMRC (SC)
- Tower MCashback LLP 2 (SC)
- Donaldson v HMRC (CA), and many more across the Court of Appeal, High Court, and Tribunals.
Her advocacy is admired for its clarity and control. “You don’t need to shout to be powerful,” she says. “Preparation, precision, and perseverance always prevail.”
Crafting Clarity in Complex Legal Landscapes
In a field dense with technicality, Rebecca has a rare talent: making the complicated simple.
Judges and clients alike praise her for concise, structured argumentation—backed by robust evidence notes and logical clarity, a skill she attributes in part to her science background. “Tax is like a language,” she explains. “If you understand its structure, you can teach it, argue it, and translate it.”
In landmark decisions like Benoit d’Angelin v HMRC, her ability to draw from many different sources of legislation and case law helped reframe the court’s understanding of “value” in corporate transactions—reinforcing her reputation as a barrister who not only interprets the law but shapes its application.
An Advocate for Justice—in and Beyond the Courtroom
Rebecca’s influence goes beyond tax. In 2024, she publicly shared her traumatic experience of sexual assault during a hospital stay—a rare and courageous move in the legal world. Her decision to speak out wasn’t about personal justice alone—it was about systemic change.
“I felt I had to say something. Because silence helps no one,” she says. Her post went viral, sparking nationwide discussions about patient safety, NHS accountability, the conduct of the police, and the duty of care.
Recognition Earned, Not Given
Rebecca’s work has earned her a long list of accolades:
- Tax Litigation Adviser of the Year 2025
- Global Law Experts’ Tax Law Firm of the Year 2025
- Corporate INTL Tax Expert of the Year 2025
- Finance Monthly Women in Law Award 2023
- Pro Bono Junior of the Year 2018
- Taxation’s Rising Star 2013
She is ranked across multiple categories in Chambers UK, Legal 500, and Chambers High Net Worth Guide, and Lexology (formerly Who’s Who Legal) with consistent praise for her technical brilliance, courtroom agility, and collaborative approach.
As part of the Attorney General’s B Panel, she is regularly instructed in high-level cases involving HMRC, complex avoidance schemes, and judicial review.
Mentor, Author, Thought Leader
Beyond the courtroom, Rebecca is a powerful voice for aspiring legal professionals. Her LinkedIn feed is filled with insight, honesty, and encouragement. She embraces imperfection, outside her legal advocacy of course (“Leave the typo—it’s art”) and champions authenticity in a field that often demands conformity.
Her publications—Tax Avoidance (4th Ed) and contributions to legal guides—are widely referenced, cementing her place as both practitioner and educator.
Looking Ahead: The Silk Decision and What’s Next
In 2023, Rebecca completed the King’s Counsel (KC) selection process—only to opt out of reapplying thus far, as most others do. Not out of doubt, but out of clarity.
“It felt right to press pause,” she says. “Sometimes, we follow what others define as success. I chose to listen to my own voice.”
That self-awareness defines Rebecca’s path. For her, success is not titles—it’s impact. On clients. On the law. On the profession.
A Legacy Still in the Making
Rebecca Murray is not just a tax barrister—she’s a changemaker, a mentor, and a modern advocate who defies expectations.
Her message to future barristers? “You don’t have to fit in to stand out. Lead with substance. Let your work speak. And never forget—your difference is your strength.”
Bio
Rebecca has a tax litigation and advisory practice in Private Client, Corporate Tax and VAT and judicial review, advising and representing all sizes of corporates and individuals and acting for HMRC on the full range of direct and indirect tax issues.
Recent reported cases include: Trachtenburg v HMRC [2025] UKUT 00206; Benoit d’Angelin v HMRC [2025] UKUT 00212; Moran v HMRC [2025] UKFTT (Transfers of assets abroad); Beresford v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 952 (BPR on office rental); Brindley Place v HMRC [2024 UKFTT 808 (SDLT on acquisition of property complex using JPUT); AD Bly v HMRC [2024] UKUT 104; Benoit d’Angelin v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 462 (BIR on remittances); Bell & Ors v Revenue And Customs [2023] UKFTT 989 (for HMRC, tax relief claimed for shares gifted to charity); Mypay [2023] (umbrella company, temporary workplace travel expenses); NWM [2023] (travel and subsistence); Nourish [2023] EWHC (interim relief by way of restoration of VAT registration); AML Tax (UK) Limited (DOTAS) [2022]; A D BLY [2021] (expense in accounts not wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade); Ball Europe [2021] (discovery assessments); Smartpay (DOTAS) [2022] UKFTT; White Collar Financial [2020] UKFTT (DOTAS); Wilson (UT, question whether a member of an LLP was an employee), Sippchoice [2020] UKUT (Payment of shares in discharge of a debt obligation a “contribution paid” to a SIPP), Sippchoice [2017] UKUT 87 (whether pension provider acted reasonably). Atholl House [2019] UKFTT (IR35, whether Kaye Adams was, hypothetically, employed by the BBC); K5K [2019] (IR35); HMRC v Goldsmith [2019] UKUT 325 (landmark case on late filing penalties); HMRC v Rogers [2019] UKUT 406 (landmark case on late filing penalties); Donaldson v HMRC [2016] EWCA Civ 761 (landmark case on late filing penalties); Arthur v HMRC [2017] EWCA Civ 1756 (separation in circumstances likely to be permanent); R (oao Rowe) v HMRC [2017] EWCA Civ 2105 (APNs); Eclipse Film Partners (No 35) LLP, (UKSC,CA,UT,FTT); Tower MCashback [2011] UKSC 19.
Rebecca has recently acted as sole tax counsel in several UHNW individual divorces, including as parties’ joint expert to the family court; and on the sale and restructure of large businesses and corporate structures including for private reasons (such as IHT and CGT relief maximisation) and restructuring for IPO purposes. She has advised (previously) non-UK domiciled individuals on the LTR and new arrivers rules. She advises Private Equity houses and is well versed on private equity structures. Rebecca also has a varied indirect tax practice and has advised on a range of VAT issues.
Professional Memberships
Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel (B Panel); CIOT (Fellow), ATT, TEP, RBA, VAT Practitioners Group.
Published Tax Books as sole author
Tax Avoidance (Sweet & Maxwell, 4th ed. 2020).
CCH British Tax Guide on Corporation Tax 2007-2008.
