Clifford Chance's (CC) former head of VAT Etienne Wong has taken up a fast-track pupillage at Tax Chambers, 15 Old Square, in an unusual career move for a City law firm partner.

Wong left CC earlier this year to begin a bar conversion course after 25 years at the firm, 15 of which were as partner. He qualified in 1990 and was promoted in London nine years later.

Wong is midway through a four-month pupillage, having been called to the bar at the end of July. His official start date at chambers is 1 December.

Tax Chambers senior clerk Tony Hall said: "While it might surprise some people that the former head of VAT at Clifford Chance is required to undertake even a reduced pupillage, we are delighted to have been able to offer Etienne the necessary support as he transfers to the Bar. […] As a practising pupil, he is already busy with his own instructions."

Wong said: "After spending a quarter of a century with Clifford Chance, I felt it was time to see the wider world. When the possibility of jumping to the other side of the profession came up, it was exciting.

"The idea of a greater focus on the law, and a move away from administration and logistics and commoditisation – and the opportunity to do my own advocacy – were all very appealing. It was very much the right choice for me."

At CC, Wong's practice covered indirect taxes as well as taxation of outsourcing, financing and real estate transactions.