Terra Firma Chambers is pleased to announce that Philip Simpson has been appointed as a Standing Junior to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Fellow Terra Firma members David Bartos and Roddy McIlvride have been re-appointed as Advocate General Standing Juniors, to the DWP and the Secretary of State for the Home Department/ UK Border Agency respectively, while Maurice O'Carroll and Alasdair Burnet are Standing Juniors to the Scottish Government.
 
Philip called to both the Scottish and English bars in 2001. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser and is a ranked Band 1 for tax in the latest edition of Chambers UK which states: 'Tax specialist Philip Simpson of Terra Firma Chambers has broad expertise in both UK and European taxation law. His recent work has had a particular focus on VAT matters'. Legal 500 describe Philip as ‘exceptionally intelligent and articulate, but at the same time personable', ‘prompt, thorough and user friendly’ and states that 'he gives practical and commercial advice and explains complex tax issues in layman's terms'. His appointment will take effect on 1st August 2012.

Emma Potter, Practice Manager of Terra Firma Chambers, expressed her happiness at the news:  ‘I am delighted that Philip has been appointed as a Standing Junior to the DWP, and David and Roddy re-appointed. These appointments, and those of Maurice and Alasdair, highlight the strength of Terra Firma Chambers and its members in the field administrative and public law.’