In the dynamic world of law and legal advisory, barristers possess courtroom advocacy unmatched. Their years of expertise are witnessed by a client when the barrister demonstrates their stature in a courtroom, defending their client in the presence of a courtroom full of legal professionals. The purpose and credibility that they carry under their wings are unmatched. In such a demanding industry, an astute legal professional who outshines the profession each time is Rebecca Murray, tax barrister at Devereux Chambers. 

A formidable barrister with a robust and versatile practice spanning government, private enterprises, and high-profile individuals, Rebecca embodies the convergence of legal excellence and personal resilience. Her story is not only one of remarkable legal intellect but also one of tenacity, courage, and transformative leadership.

Before entering the Bar, she had already secured an enviable position in the financial world. As the youngest Vice President at JP Morgan and the author of Corporation Tax for CCH, she had established herself as a thought leader in taxation. But despite her corporate success, she felt an innate pull toward advocacy and the courtroom. With no pupillage in hand and only her instincts to guide her, she left the finance world and leaped law.

Trial by Fire

Rebecca’s gamble paid off when she secured pupillage at Temple Tax Chambers after a highly competitive interview process. However, her entry into the legal world was anything but welcoming. On her first day, she was met with visible disappointment from her pupil master, who had preferred another candidate. Her educational background, non-Oxbridge, was viewed with skepticism, and the then Head of Chambers told her she was wasting her time, further asserting that women didn’t succeed at the Bar.

Despite being the only woman in chambers, she met every challenge with professionalism and grit. Delivering high-quality legal work under high pressure and low pay, she received no feedback or encouragement. Simultaneously, she navigated deep personal hardships her father fell into a coma, her sister’s wedding required urgent planning and funding, and her partner’s former spouse, a barrister herself, launched a campaign to discredit her.

First Victory: Turning a Setup into a Breakthrough

Rebecca’s breakthrough came through what was meant to be a professional setup. A member of chambers handed her a supposedly unwinnable case as a form of trial by humiliation. She, however, saw it as an opportunity. Through razor-sharp analysis and fearless cross-examination, she secured a victory that saved her client’s home and ultimately earned her tenancy in 2010.

That defining case didn’t just prove her legal competence it validated her presence in the Bar and signaled the beginning of a career marked by tenacity and triumph.

Asserting Authority: Early Wins and Rising Recognition

After gaining tenancy, Rebecca rapidly built a strong independent practice. She published her second book, Tax Avoidance, and began making headlines through high-profile litigation. Notably, she played pivotal roles in Tower MCashback v HMRC and Eclipse Film Partners (No 35) LLP v HMRC, both of which reached national prominence, with one case even appearing on the front page of The Times.

These early successes established her reputation as a force to be reckoned with, earning her the “Taxation’s Rising Star” award and cementing her position as one of the legal field’s fastest-rising talents.

What Sets Her Apart: A Rare Blend of Real-World Acumen

What makes Rebecca a standout isn’t just her technical expertise: it’s her unique relatability and practical insight. Having worked in the corporate sector, she understands the perspectives of clients facing regulatory, reputational, and commercial risks. She bridges the gap between legal complexity and business reality, often serving as both advisor and strategist.

Championing Change: Speaking Out Against Harassment in Law

The sense of duty extends beyond clients, for Rebecca. A passionate advocate for reform within the legal profession, she has been vocal about the culture of harassment and bullying still present at the Bar. She points to alarming statistics: nearly 3,000 unreported incidents annually, reflecting a systemic reluctance to hold perpetrators accountable.

Rebecca adds, “There’s a reason survivors don’t report it to the Bar Standards Board,” 

This emphasizes the need for cultural and regulatory reform. Her stance is bold and clear success should not come at the expense of others.

Strategy, Precision, and Composure

Rebecca attributes her courtroom success to three principles: exhaustive preparation, strategic adaptability, and a cool head. She also shares a strong and simple piece of advice.

She adds, “You cannot over-prepare,”

But she also acknowledges that adaptability is equally vital knowing when to shift strategy in real-time.

In Moran v HMRC, a case involving seven witnesses and complex legal arguments, she displayed remarkable instinct. Sensing during the cross-examination that a key witness lacked understanding of her own written statement, she abandoned her pre-set questions and pivoted. The result was a critical admission that proved essential in securing the win.

Similarly, in Trachtenburg v HMRC, a case before the Upper Tribunal, she was told at the start that the judges had already reviewed her written arguments. Unsure whether it was a compliment or critique, she wisely chose to simplify her oral submissions ensuring clarity without redundancy.

Making Law Accessible

Rebecca believes that mastery is measured by the ability to simplify. Drawing on her background in mathematics and sciences, she treats legal interpretation like a chemical equation structured, precise, and clear.

In Beresford, a dispute on business property relief from inheritance tax, she confronted the opposing party’s abstract arguments with factual evidence and legal principles, securing a win through clarity and logic.

In Bell & Others v HMRC, where the valuation of shares gifted to charity was in question, she supported HMRC’s position with an expertly structured evidence note that the judge later adopted almost verbatim.

Collaborating Across Expertise

Rebecca holds high regards for consistency in the value of collaboration. She maintains open communication with specialists across various tax disciplines and draws on their expertise for complex cases. “I work with some of the best minds in tax,” she says. 

She adds, “Their insight is invaluable, and I make sure their input is heard and integrated.”

The Benoit d’Angelin v HMRC Case

One of her most technically demanding cases, Benoit d’Angelin v HMRC, tested the interpretation of the term “value” under anti-avoidance tax law. The appellant argued for a subjective, net-based definition. Rebecca, however, dissected the legislation’s intent, drawing from policy documents and comparable statutes to prove that “value” had always meant gross market value. The tribunal sided with her, recognizing her ability to align statutory purpose with real-world application.

Dispute Resolution and Strategic Advice

Not all of Rebecca’s victories occur in court. In fact, many of her clients retain her for early-stage dispute resolution. Her ability to defuse conflict, see overlooked angles, and negotiate before litigation begins is a hallmark of her broader impact.

In private client and private equity contexts, she often arrives just as others have reached deadlock and brings clarity, compromise, and closure.

A Philosophy Rooted in Integrity

Above all, her approach is anchored in ethics and authenticity. “Clients aren’t just legal problems to solve,” she says. 

Rebecca adds, “They’re people trying to navigate uncertainty.” 

Her blend of legal rigor and emotional intelligence enables her to connect, advise, and advocate with genuine effectiveness.

Redefining Leadership at the Bar

Rebecca stands as a modern archetype of legal leadership. Her rise from financial executive to one of the most powerful legal minds at the Bar reflects not just brilliance, but bravery. She continues to challenge outdated norms, inspire younger practitioners, and ensure that success in law is defined not by pedigree, but by principle.

In a profession historically dominated by tradition and hierarchy, she represents the necessary evolution: inclusive, principled, fearless. She isn’t just shaping the legal landscape she’s redefining what it means to lead within it.