Pinsent Masons tax compliance partner Bullock dies

PINSENT MASONS’ head of litigation and compliance James Bullock has died suddenly at the age of 47.

A statement issued by the firm read: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm that James Bullock, a partner and a member of the senior leadership team at Pinsent Masons, passed away suddenly on the morning of 14 September.

“James joined legacy firm KLegal in 2000, where he founded one of the UK’s first specialist tax litigation practices. When that business folded back into McGrigors in the wake of regulatory changes, James took on the role of head of risk advisory Services and ultimately joined the McGrigors board. James played a lead role in developing McGrigors’ City offering prior to its merger with Pinsent Masons in 2012.”

Since then, he headed Pinsent Masons’ litigation and compliance practice, which grew domestically and international. He remained a fee-earning lawyer and well-known figure in the tax world throughout his career.

Pinsent Masons added: “He developed a reputation as a passionate and uncompromising litigator while building a tax disputes practice recognised by the legal directories as elite. Outside of work James cared deeply about politics and education, and sat on the board of governors of Blundell’s School in Tiverton. It is hard to overstate James’ impact on our business and contribution to its success. James was an ebullient character and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”