Monty Jivraj is a tax litigation expert and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading practitioners in tax disputes, HMRC investigations and white-collar crime defence. With over 25 years of experience, Monty has represented high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed businesses and large corporates in their most challenging tax matters. His practice centers on helping clients navigate and resolve complex disputes with HMRC often under urgent and high-stakes circumstances.
Monty guides clients at every stage of an HMRC challenge, from the initial investigation or enquiry through to litigation in the Tax Tribunals, High Court and appellate courts. His expertise spans a broad range of UK and EU tax issues, including VAT disputes, Customs & Excise matters and cross-border tax issues. He frequently handles cases involving HMRC’s most aggressive tactics such as dawn raids, search warrants, asset seizures and account-freezing orders deftly guiding clients on how to respond and protect themselves in these situations. In addition, Monty has significant experience with white-collar crime investigations related to tax, working on cases where reputational and financial stakes are high and close coordination with criminal defence strategy is essential.
Known for his strategic insight, persistence and results-driven approach, Monty has successfully defended clients against multi-million-pound tax assessments, overturned HMRC decisions, and secured substantial VAT refunds over his career. In many instances, his work has enabled businesses to continue trading where insolvency was threatened – a testament to his ability to achieve outcomes that safeguard his clients’ livelihoods. Clients value Monty’s clarity and tenacity; as one client explained, having Monty’s guidance “gave us reassurance and confidence at every stage… a position we would never have reached without him.” Such feedback underscores Monty’s commitment to going the extra mile for those he represents.
Beyond his legal career, Monty brings a unique dimension to his work he is a former international cricketer. This athletic background instilled in him a level of tenacity, discipline and resilience that sets him apart. Whether on the sports field or in the courtroom, Monty’s drive to excel and his composed handling of pressure shine through. These qualities, combined with his deep understanding of HMRC’s processes and tactics, enable Monty Jivraj to anticipate challenges and vigorously defend his clients’ interests at every turn.
Areas of Specialism: HMRC Tax Investigations & Disputes • VAT and Customs Litigation • Tax Tribunal Appeals • HMRC dawn raid response • Missing Trader (MTIC) VAT fraud cases
Publications: Selected articles on Lexology and LinkedIn.
Contact: monty.jivraj@rll-legal.com