Pump Court Tax Chambers

The first 25 years of Sir Stephen's professional career were spent at the tax Bar, as a tenant of Pump Court Tax Chambers. As advocate and adviser he represented businesses and private clients, dealing with the entire range of taxes. In his judicial capacity, he was required to handle and resolve disputes between the tax authorities and taxpayers over liabilities to every type of tax and duty, direct and indirect. Sir Stephen retired from the bench in 2011

Called 1963; Middle Temple; QC 1980; assistant recorder 1985; head of chambers Pump Court Tax Chambers 1987; recorder 1989; presiding special commissioner and president of the VAT and Duties Tribunals 1992; deputy High Court judge 1998; president Financial Services and Markets Tribunal 2000; president Pensions Regulator Tribunal 2006; knighted for public services 2007; judge of the Upper Tribunal and president of the First-Tier Tax Chamber 2008; retired from the bench 2011; CEDR-qualified mediator 2012. ADR Member.