Paul Britton

Paul’s legal experience started on Chancery Lane, London, in a multi-disciplinary firm. Paul predominantly worked in the family law department, on applications for prohibited steps orders, requiring him to balance the interests of children against parental rights. In financial dispute proceedings, Paul was required to dissect asset divisions and maintenance agreements, ensuring fair and equitable solutions that would meet his client’s objectives. 

In the same year, Paul acted in a high-profile child abduction case which was heard in Manchester. The case involved matters such as alienation, assault, non-molestation, domestic abuse and contempt of court proceedings.

Paul was also involved in a highly complex, £40 million fraud case involving multi-jurisdictional issues as well as seized goods, frozen accounts and assets. The trial lasted 8 weeks and included expert evidence from forensic accountants, auditors, and asset protection specialists. Other criminal defence work spanned low-level motoring offences, public order, and the supply of drugs.

Paul quickly established himself in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defence, Civil Litigation, and Employment (having mastered in Employment Law in the same year).

In a civil litigation matter, Paul acted for Mr Powell in the well-publicised case of Powell v Thomas. The civil case spanned 2 years and involved sophisticated expert evidence, a quantum meruit agreement and disputes over property interests. The case attracted national media attention and various articles can be found on most mainstream news websites.

Paul continued to represent clients in divorce and financial proceedings. He adeptly guided applicants through the complexities of marital dissolution, addressing issues from property settlements to child custody arrangements. His understanding of the financial intricacies involved in divorces enables Paul to advocate effectively for fair distributions of assets and liabilities. Paul’s approach is meticulous and compassionate, recognising the emotional toll these proceedings can take on his clients.

Later in the year, Paul acted on a contested probate issue for his beneficiary clients who successfully brought a claim against the estate in question. The claim involved The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 which is an act that protects people who are financially dependent on another person when they die.

Paul’s practice areas in criminal defence ranged from police station interviews, drug-related offences as well as sexual allegations.

Paul acted for an international client regarding a contractual interest in property that dated back several years. The matter was heard in Wales and Paul achieved an award that far exceeded his client’s expectations.

Paul also acted for a high net-worth client in an extremely contentious and complex matrimonial dispute involving a complex scenario encompassing divorce, financial disagreements, and delicate child contact arrangements. He adeptly balanced the sensitive issues of asset division, alimony, and child support, ensuring his client’s interests were protected. His approach to this client was direct, strategic and empathetic, recognising the unique dynamics of all divorces.

In late 2017, Paul acted for several clients facing allegations of fraud and financial crimes that resulted in no further action from the Police. Paul continued to build his practice areas in crime and family disputes arising from divorce and child-related issues.

Paul was instructed to act in a complex Admiralty Court case (Queens Bench Division) which crossed with a claim under the Inheritance Act in the Property, Trust and Probate Court (Chancery Division). He successfully secured a maritime asset for his client in the Admiralty Courts, while simultaneously being successful in the Inheritance Act claim. Paul exercised his rights of audience in both cases to achieve the best result for his client.

Furthermore, Paul’s legal acumen was prominently displayed in another high-profile case, a complex matrimonial and Schedule 1 Children Act proceeding involving multiple jurisdictions. This case revolved around a heated dispute over the children’s residence, contact arrangements, and a contentious application for their permanent relocation out of the jurisdiction. Paul’s expertise in international family law was crucial in navigating the different legal systems and cultural considerations. He meticulously addressed each aspect, from the legal intricacies of cross-border custody to the emotional well-being of the children involved.

Throughout the year, Paul also tackled a series of challenging cases centred around issues of intractable and alienated parentage. These cases required Paul to deal with the complex dynamics of parent-child relationships that were strained to the point of alienation. Paul dealt with situations where one parent was consistently undermining the child’s relationship with the other parent, leading to deep-rooted psychological and emotional impacts. Paul’s approach was multifaceted; he not only provided legal guidance but also worked closely with psychologists and child welfare experts to address the underlying issues. These cases often involved intricate court proceedings and delicate negotiations, where Paul’s skills in mediation and conflict resolution were crucial.

At the outset of 2019, Paul took on a challenging case involving a client going through a divorce and financial remedy proceedings, characterised by a complex web of international assets and a contentious jurisdictional dispute. Paul skillfully argued that his client was both habitually resident and domiciled in England. This move was crucial in establishing the English court’s jurisdiction over the case. During this case, Paul navigated through the complexities of cross-border legalities and asset distribution, securing his client 75% of the available matrimonial assets – a significant victory.

Paul represented an elderly client victimised by her accountant. The case involved matters of sophisticated fraud and undue influence. Over several decades, the accountant had skillfully manipulated and financially exploited his client, necessitating a detailed forensic accounting investigation to uncover the full extent of the malpractice. Paul worked closely with forensic accountants and financial experts to trace the unlawful transactions and build a compelling case.

Also in 2019, Paul tackled a complex and commercially sensitive matter, providing immediate legal and strategic advice to a client facing a serious criminal investigation. The client was under scrutiny for allegations with potentially grave consequences. Acting with urgency, Paul’s intervention was pivotal in presenting a strong defence, leading to the authorities deciding not to pursue further action.

Later that year, Paul took on a particularly challenging case involving charges of manslaughter and abduction, serious offences under the jurisdiction of the Crown Court of England and Wales. His rights of audience in the Crown Court allowed him to represent his client directly in the proceedings. Paul meticulously analysed the evidence, developed a nuanced defence strategy, and delivered compelling arguments in court.

By this stage of his legal career, Paul had established a reputation as a renowned Crown Court criminal defence solicitor, specialising in high-level crime cases. His expertise was particularly sought after in defending clients who had been wrongly accused. His track record in the courtroom was marked by a series of successful defences, showcasing his ability to unravel complex legal arguments and challenge prosecutorial evidence. When Paul was described by Lewis Power KC as, “a defender of the wrongly accused” it was not just a testament to his legal acumen, but also to his resolve to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in the legal system.

Paul successfully defended a client accused under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Demonstrating Paul’s deep understanding of financial crime, he dismantled the prosecution’s case, securing an acquittal in a complex legal battle.

In the same year, marked by the challenges of a global pandemic, Paul showcased his adaptability and commitment. He resolved a high-value contested estate for his executor clients. This task required him to balance sensitive family dynamics with legal acumen, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of assets under challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, Paul continued his practice in criminal defence and matrimonial work, proving his ability to handle a diverse caseload. From the initial stages of arrest and detention to interviews under caution or compelled interviews, Paul provided expert guidance to his clients. He conducted thorough internal investigations, advised on self-reporting to authorities, negotiated settlements, and delivered robust representation in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

By 2021, Paul’s legal expertise continued to span a broad range of areas, from Contested Probates to Criminal matters, representing clients in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts. His versatility as a solicitor was evident in his ability to seamlessly transition between different areas of law, each requiring a distinct set of skills and knowledge.

In a notable family law dispute, Paul showcased his exceptional negotiation skills. He adeptly settled a complex £9 million matrimonial matter at the second hearing. His strategic approach led to an agreement with no spousal maintenance, no pension sharing order, and no lump sum payment, culminating in a clean break order. His client said, “This outcome is why I came to Paul. His skill in navigating my case and at financial negotiations was remarkable and aligned with my expectations“.

In another notable case, Paul represented a wife, successfully challenging a post-nuptial agreement in financial remedy proceedings. Paul scrutinised and effectively argued against the validity of the agreement which led to its exclusion from evidence. This success further underscored Paul’s proficiency in matrimonial finance law, particularly in handling complex issues surrounding marital agreements.

In a complex Schedule 1, Overspend, and Costs Clawback action, Paul demonstrated his strategic prowess and persuasive ability in the courtroom. He successfully convinced the court to retroactively apply the agreed child maintenance to the date the proceedings began. This significant legal manoeuvre resulted in securing a lump sum of £25,000 for his client, a crucial financial relief that enabled her to settle all her outstanding debts.

After three years of contentious litigation, Paul secured a judgment in favour of his client for a seven-figure sum. This win was especially notable as costs were awarded in favour of his client on an indemnity basis, a relatively rare and significant achievement in legal proceedings.

Continuing to diversify his legal practice, Paul adeptly handled a variety of cases ranging from fraud to employment and matrimonial issues. His broad expertise made him a sought-after solicitor for a wide range of legal needs.

Paul’s legal expertise and skill have led him to be instructed in a high-profile gross negligence manslaughter case, a testament to his standing as a sophisticated Crown Court criminal defence solicitor. This complex case had serious allegations, including concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice, showcasing the depth and breadth of Paul’s legal capabilities. His involvement in such a significant case shows his ability to handle highly sensitive and challenging legal situations.

Over the years, through his dedicated practice and representation of clients, Paul has ascended to be widely regarded as the ‘top criminal defence solicitor’ in England and Wales. This accolade is a reflection of his exceptional skills, strategic thinking, and successful track record in complex criminal cases. Additionally, his expertise in divorce and matrimonial law is also highly recognised and he has been referred to as the “Top Divorce Lawyer” on British national TV.

Paul continues to serve his clients across various practice areas with unwavering dedication, tireless commitment to justice, and a consistent focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. His approach is not only rooted in deep legal understanding but also in a profound commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. For those seeking his legal services, instructions and consultations can be arranged through the contact section provided below, ensuring direct access to one of the most esteemed legal minds in the country.

Paul is currently working on a challenging matrimonial case, involving financial remedy proceedings – a complex and often contentious aspect of divorce law. In this case, Paul is focussing on how the conduct in question has materially affected the financial circumstances or the fairness of the outcome.

This year, Paul is handling a case involving both pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements that he deems manifestly unfair to his client. In Paul’s expert opinion, the inherent unfairness of these agreements renders them non-binding. Although the financial dispute is in its early stages, Paul is confident in the strength of his client’s position. There has been a thorough examination of the circumstances which has uncovered aspects of disclosure problems, duress and change of circumstances.

Given Paul’s track record, his confidence suggests a strong case for challenging the validity of these arrangements. He is committed to achieving an equitable resolution for his client, and his expertise in navigating the complexities of marital agreements is likely to be a significant factor in the progress and outcome of this dispute.