Paul helps clients anticipate, influence and navigate the public policy context in which they operate.
Paul has been a commercial lawyer with the firm since 2001, working with government, regulators and private sector clients on some of the most complex areas of public policy, including the design and implementation of new regulatory regimes and associated projects, public sector transformations and innovative service delivery models as well as major infrastructure projects. He has particular nuclear sector expertise.
Paul provides legal and strategic advice to clients to assist their engagement with policymakers and navigate political and legislative hurdles.
Paul is ranked in Band 2 of Chambers and Partners for Parliamentary & Public Affairs. Paul has been commended (Chambers UK, 2024) for "a first-class awareness for the commercial aspects of public affairs and is always cooperative and engaging", "a great understanding of policy landscape, is very thoughtful and an effective communicator", "Paul has been brilliant; he has provided easy-to-understand illustrations, while at the same time showing awareness of potential complexities and legislative context."
Paul joined the firm’s Brexit team shortly after the EU referendum, becoming Brexit Director in July 2017. More recently he played a key role in the firm's response to the pandemic.
Paul is co-author of the UK chapter of The Public-Private Partnership Law Review (1st, 2nd and 3rd editions).
Since February 2017 Paul has been on the LexisPSL Energy Consulting Editorial Board.
Background
Paul has a Master of Arts (Oxon) PPE.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
- a major US tech company on the legal risks of proposed legislation to its core products. Working alongside the client's public affairs advisors on the passage of the legislation and stakeholder engagement. Providing strategic and legal advice on the options for improving workability and business impact
- a major US energy company on the UK regimes applicable to corporate and employee political donations
- a number of major companies in relation to assessing and addressing the implications of Brexit
- HM Government's Cabinet Office on the creation of MyCSP, the first "John Lewis-style" public-private mutual joint venture business created from a central government service
- the UK Ministry of Defence on the Materiel Strategy, a project to transform its £14 billion per annum defence procurement capability
- Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (the UK energy regulator) on the design of the regulatory and contractual structure for the selection of offshore transmission owners which own and operate the transmission links to offshore wind farms
- EDF Energy on its plans to build new nuclear generating stations in the UK including helping shape the new regulatory framework, navigate the legislative hurdles and finalise various £ multibillion contractual arrangements with the UK government
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