One minute with ... David Harkness

How did you end up in tax?

I studied tax during my law degree and found it fascinating. It provides a unique mixture of something difficult but interesting and practical.

What’s the biggest practical problem you face in your role on a day-to-day basis?

Competing demands on my time.

Who in tax do you most admire?

My former partner Stephen Reisbach was an inspiration – he’s incredibly modest but with an encyclopedic knowledge of tax law and a great eye for detail.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’d give to someone entering the profession?

There is no such thing as a stupid question. I remember as quite a junior lawyer sitting in a large meeting where someone was going on at length and everyone else was sitting nodding. I...