Partner

Alan Barr

Alan is Head of Personal Tax Planning, based in Edinburgh, and one of Scotland's best-known tax and private client practitioners. As well as estate planning and all that comes from that, he covers the full range of taxes. He has expertise in capital taxes and property tax issues including land and buildings transaction tax. He has contributed to authoritative publications in relation to wills, tax planning and trusts; and is a co-author of the leading book 'Drafting Wills in Scotland'.

Alan brings a broad depth of legal knowledge and experience to transactions and planning for a wide range of clients, from very wealthy individuals to those with more modest needs – including the interface between their personal and business interests. Hugely respected within the legal and wealth planning professions, Alan is the ’go-to‘ lawyer for other professionals in this field where difficult issues require to be tackled.

Living Brodies' values

Alan's knowledge of private client work is vast and he works collaboratively with clients to find the right solution for them.

Key highlights

Lecturer in tax at Edinburgh University.
Serves on several Law Society and other advisory committees, on tax and private client matters.
Has delivered an annual seminar to more than 300 fellow professionals for over 30 years.

Rankings

Ranked as a Senior Statesperson in Private Wealth Law by Chambers UK High Net Worth Guide.
Ranked in the Hall of Fame in Legal 500 UK 2024.
Ranked individual in Tax by Chambers UK 2024.
Leading Individual (Band 1) in Legal 500 UK for Personal Tax, Trusts and Executries and Corporate Tax.
Recently identified by Citywire Wealth Manager as one of 'The top ten lawyers every wealth manager needs to know'.

"He delivers sound and imaginative advice."

Chambers UK 2024

"Alan Barr is an excellent all-rounder with strong tax skills."

Legal 500 UK 2023

"Alan Barr is the lead solicitor that you want on your team where you are breaking new ground on an extremely complex matter and have many clients with different perspectives around the table. The level of creativity and sophistication that he brings to identifying and implementing new structures is remarkable."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2023, Private Wealth Law

"He adds value at every step without losing sight of commercial necessities, saving time, money and stress. He can explain complex legal matters in a way that is easily understood, he stands his ground firmly but nicely and you are genuinely sorry to end a project working together."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2023, Private Wealth Law