The firm represented the Bar Council as intervener in R (on the application of Prudential plc and another) v Special Commissioner of Income Tax [2013] UKSC 1, which was heard by the Supreme Court in November 2012.

The Supreme Court released its decision on 23 January 2013. The issue before the court was whether the principle of legal advice privilege should be extended to encompass the accountancy profession. The decision of the Supreme Court (by a 5:2 majority) was that it should not.

This is an important decision in relation to which documents are and can be protected from disclosure to third parties, including HM Revenue & Customs and other regulators. For a more detailed analysis, please see our Tax Blog.

Tax Disputes partner Hartley Foster led on the case, assisted by IP & Technology partner Andrew Dodd and IP & Technology senior associate James Seadon.  Bankim Thanki QC, Henry King and Rebecca Loveridge of Fountain Court Chambers and Ben Valentin of South Square were instructed as Counsel.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.