David Tipping

Field Court Tax Chambers Scholarship

Field Court Tax Chambers 2020-21 Scholar David Tipping

College: Christ Church

I graduated from the BA Jurisprudence (with European Law) in 2020, spending a year at the University of Leiden in 2018-19. In the future, I hope to pursue a career at the tax Bar.

Could you tell us about your journey to Oxford? Why did you choose to study at the Law Faculty?

The tutorial system for teaching was a major factor in wanting to study at Oxford. A tutorial is like a small piece of advocacy in itself - the student presents a viewpoint and has to defend it under pressure. When one adds the beauty and the history of the city as well, there is no better place to study law.

What do you hope to achieve whilst studying law in Oxford?

First and foremost, I hope to improve my theoretical understanding of the law and build on the foundations of my undergraduate degree. I also hope to sharpen my critical thinking skills - after all, the BCL isn’t just about learning what the law is, but developing opinions about what it ought to be.

What have you found most rewarding about your programme so far?

The wide range of options is completely different from my undergraduate studies and it has allowed me to specialise my BCL to suit my interests. For example, I have been able to specialise in tax law while still taking modules in private law and financial law - this provides me with a holistic understanding of the law and makes me a better lawyer as a result.

What have you found most challenging about your programme so far?

The workload was certainly a little overwhelming at first! Balancing all four subjects at the same time requires excellent organisation and time management but, after some practice, I have settled into a routine and figured out the best way to approach my reading lists each week.

Are you involved with or joined any projects or societies?

Although the circumstances of this year have made joining societies a little harder, I’m a member of the Oxford Union, who have had some fantastic speakers, as always. Like most aspiring barristers, I’m also a keen mooter and recently represented my college in the second round of the postgraduate Cuppers Championship.

How has the scholarship benefitted your studies and professional development?

As well as supporting the year financially, the scholarship is a great boost to my confidence. It has also helped me to begin developing a network of contacts which I hope to make the most of throughout my career.

Through the generosity of Field Court Tax Chambers, this scholarship is worth £10,000 and is awarded annually to students embarking on the BCL, MJur or one year research degree (including one year of the DPhil). Available to UK , EU, and overseas students alike, this scholarship is for students with an interest in proceeding to the bar.