Michelle Sloane
Partner
Michelle specialises in the resolution of tax disputes and financial crime, and acts for both corporate and individual clients. Her particular expertise is in relation to VAT, and customs and excise duty disputes. She also has in-depth experience of high value appeals at all levels including before the Tax Tribunals, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Justice of the European Union. Michelle’s expertise includes Judicial Review proceedings scrutinising HMRC’s conduct. She also advises those facing HMRC criminal investigations, and assists clients with managing urgent issues such as HMRC "dawn raids". Michelle is a member of Women in Tax, the Female Fraud Forum, the Fraud Lawyers Association, the Contentious Tax Group, the Bonded Warehouse Association, and the Customs Practitioners Group.
“I’m a problem solver, commercially aware, and unflappable in a crisis.”
“My practice is focused on tax regulation. Regulators from across the globe have gained more powers to share information with each other, and I have extensive experience in assisting clients handle cross-border tax investigations and disputes.
I have worked for a tax authority, which gives me inside knowledge of their decision-making processes. It is rewarding helping a client successfully defend civil or criminal action by regulators.
Clients appreciate my expertise, and my clear and prompt communication. I’m a problem solver, commercially aware, and unflappable in a crisis.
I tailor my communication style to each clients needs, clearly establish their objectives at the outset and work hard to meet those objectives.”
Michelle’s recent work highlights:
HMRC dropping a five-year criminal investigation into NUFC.
HMRC dropping a criminal investigation into high-net-worth individuals in respect of issue connected to Paradise Papers.
HMRC withdrawing PLC's £50m excise and VAT civil assessments following our representations.
Directory quotes
"Michelle Sloane is a first-rate lawyer in this space. What she does not know in the tax/crime cross-over is not worth knowing. Her clients interests are extremely well protected, and she can ensure that whatever difficulty her client is facing, she will improve their position. She has a strong corporate understanding, and is widely recognised as a leader in her field. She was instructed in the Rangers football raid involving HMRC. She is tremendous. A strategic genius." - Legal 500 UK 2024
"Michelle is terrific. She's very knowledgeable and very understanding." - Chambers UK 2023
Up and Coming – Chambers UK 2022
"Michelle Sloane has broad experience representing a range of clients in income tax and VAT fraud cases. She is exceptional at bringing together the tax and fraud analysis." "She has exceptional knowledge of the subject matter and offers clear and concise information and presentations regarding the case." - Chambers UK 2022
"Michelle Sloane is another fine lawyer with a particular expertise in white-collar crime which makes her an essential part of the team." - The Legal 500 UK 2022
Next Generation Partner - The Legal 500 UK 2022
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2022
"She has a very good grasp of High Court tax litigation." - Chambers UK 2021
"She provides outstanding client care and representation." - Chambers UK 2021
Rising Star. - The Legal 500 UK 2021
Next Generation Partner. - The Legal 500 UK 2021
"Michelle Sloane and Adam Craggs communicate excellently. They are calm and reassuring." - The Legal 500 UK 2021
"Adam Craggs, Michelle Sloane and Alice Kemp have been excellent. You would expect a high level of technical knowledge from a firm such as RPC but the above have been very supportive and very easy to talk to." - The Legal 500 UK 2021
Michelle Sloane is "efficient, hard-working and astute," according to sources, who note that "she stops at nothing in the defence of her clients." She assists clients in relation to investigations of direct and indirect tax fraud. - Chambers 2020
"Technically excellent." - Legal 500 UK 2019
Prominent and commercially aware. - Legal 500 UK 2017
Highly recommended in the Legal 500 UK 2017
"knows field of duties and tax inside out." - Legal 500 UK 2016
Memberships
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Honorary legal advisor to the Bonded Warehousekeepers Association
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Secretary to the Customs Practitioners Group
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Women In Tax
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Fraud Lawyers Association (Committee Member)
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Female Fraud Forum (Secretary)
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