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Paul Chaisty KC

Year of Call: 1982 Year of Silk: 2001

"Paul is undoubtedly a legend in his own lifetime. His advocacy skills are truly unparalleled, and his cross-examination is so thoroughly devastating and entertaining, it is both an honour and a privilege to see him in action.’ Legal 500 2025

Legal 500
Portrait of Paul Chaisty KC
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    Practice Overview

    Paul is a leading specialist in chancery and commercial litigation across all fields especially commercial disputes, corporate shareholder actions, civil fraud, partnership, banking, sports law, and domestic and international arbitrations. Appears at all levels including Supreme Court/Privy Council, Court of Appeal, High Court and domestic and international arbitrations and is regularly instructed in litigation abroad including in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Singapore (where he is a registered overseas lawyer), the Isle of Man and in the Bahamas on an ad hoc basis.

    A specialist trial lawyer with a strong reputation for tactical advice and ruthless cross-examination Paul regularly acts in connection with freezing injunctions, provisional liquidators, and associated interim applications. Rated as “Star of the Bar” since 2015. Deputy High Court Judge in Chancery Division and QBD. Also a full member of Kings Chambers, Manchester. 

    • Areas of Expertise
      • Expertise Shortlist Banking and Financial Services

          Paul acts across a range of issues including shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions and equitable winding up, director’s duties, director disqualification, corporate liquidations. Currently acting in respect of a number of trials in the BVI concerning major shareholder interests in respect of business interests in China and Hong Kong and also Ukraine. A nominated KC to act on behalf of the Government on winding up cases and director disqualification applications.

           

      • Expertise Shortlist Commercial Litigation

          Paul has vast experience in all fields of commercial and business disputes including share and asset sale agreements and breach of warranty claims, misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duties, general areas of contract law, and in particular claims of misrepresentation fraudulent and otherwise. Advocate across all fields and courts and particular emphasis on trials and also particular interim applications- freezing orders, search orders, security for costs, and contested disclosure applications. Regularly advises and acts for professional partnerships and LLPs in respect of general partnership disputes and restrictive covenants and springboard injunctions.

      • Expertise Shortlist Company

          Paul acts across a range of issues including shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions and equitable winding up, director’s duties, director disqualification, corporate liquidations. Currently acting in respect of a number of trials in the BVI concerning major shareholder interests in respect of business interests in China and Hong Kong and also Ukraine. A nominated KC to act on behalf of the Government on winding up cases and director disqualification applications.

      • Expertise Shortlist Insolvency

          Paul acts across a range of issues including shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions and equitable winding up, director’s duties, director disqualification, corporate liquidations. Currently acting in respect of a number of trials in the BVI concerning major shareholder interests in respect of business interests in China and Hong Kong and also Ukraine. A nominated KC to act on behalf of the Government on winding up cases and director disqualification applications.

      • Expertise Shortlist International and Offshore

          ​Paul acts across a range of issues including shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions and equitable winding up, director’s duties, director disqualification, corporate liquidations. Currently acting in respect of a number of trials in the BVI concerning major shareholder interests in respect of business interests in China and Hong Kong and also Ukraine. A nominated KC to act on behalf of the Government on winding up cases and director disqualification applications.

      • Expertise Shortlist Partnership and LLP

          Paul acts across a range of issues including shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions and equitable winding up, director’s duties, director disqualification, corporate liquidations. Currently acting in respect of a number of trials in the BVI concerning major shareholder interests in respect of business interests in China and Hong Kong and also Ukraine. A nominated KC to act on behalf of the Government on winding up cases and director disqualification applications.

      • Expertise Shortlist Private Client Trusts and Probate

          In the area of wills and trusts, Paul has extensive experience in disputes both domestic and international between trustees and beneficiaries, the appointment, removal and replacement of trustees and executors and the administration of trusts and estates.  He also has experience in acting for and against trust corporations both in the Courts of England and Wales and in advising in offshore jurisdictions.

          Paul undertakes all aspects of drafting, advisory and litigation work in the following areas:

          Wills, probate and administration

          Issues involving the validity of wills and trusts, construction and rectification claims

          Duties of Executors, Administrators and Trustees

          Breach of trust claims

          Inheritance Act claims

          Related professional negligence

      • Expertise Shortlist Professional Negligence

          ​Regularly advices and acts in respect of professional negligence claims against solicitors and accountants. Currently engaged in a number of very high value claims arising out of promotion of and investment in film schemes and in respect of banks mis-selling of financial products.

      • Expertise Shortlist Property

          Paul is a leading specialist in chancery and commercial litigation across all fields especially commercial disputes, corporate shareholder actions, civil fraud, partnership, banking, sports law and domestic and international arbitrations. Appears at all levels including Supreme Court/Privy Council, Court of Appeal, High Court and domestic and international arbitrations and is regularly instructed in litigation abroad including in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Singapore (where he is a registered overseas lawyer), the Isle of Man and in the Bahamas on an ad hoc basis.

           

      • Expertise Shortlist Sports, Entertainment & Media

          Paul acted in a number of high profile commercial cases involving sports related issues and clients. Acted at first instance and Court of Appeal for Wayne and Coleen Rooney in connection with agency agreements, West Ham United in respect of claims for damages following the Tevez affair and demotion of a premier league club also acted for West Ham United in respect of claims by former manager and currently acting for high profile football managers. Regularly consulted by premier clubs in respect of commercial interest relating to football activities.

    • Notable Cases
        • Acting for Joint Liquidators before BVI Commercial Court in respect of sanctions applications relating to Madoff Ponzi schemes -  2025.
        • Acting in Cayman Courts on numerous interim applications in respect of claims to shareholdings and freezing injunctions and committal   -   2025. 
        • Beijing Songxianghu v. Kam [2025] EWHC 3068 (Comm) -   Applications relating to anti-suit injunctions and asset disclosure orders.
        • Gallagher v. Fraser[2025] EWHC 2326 (Comm) -   12 day trial.    Claims for breach of collateral warranties and misappropriation.
        • Holyhead Marina v. Griffiths & Armour   -   10-day trial of professional negligence against insurance brokers.   Case settled after trial and before judgment.
        • Hasan v. Al-Raudi [2025] EWHC 1272   -    Applications in relation to company register and person with significant control.
        • JMW v. Injury Lawyers 4U Ltd [2025] EWHC 1405   -   Claims relating to breach of shareholders agreement and applications to amend.
        • Mold Investments v. Holloway [2025] EWCA Civ 986   -   Acting for intervenor in respect of applications to set aside freezing orders and cross-examination.
        • Notus Group v. British Engineering Services Holdco Ltd [2025] EWHC 1391   -   2-week trial in respect of claims for breach of warranty and allegations of bribery.
        • Jusan Technologies v. Uconinvest LLC [2025] EWHC 704   -   Registration- ultra vires of directors process and effect of Section 40 of Companies Act 2006.
        • J Levison Services v. Medivet Group [2025] EWHC 1390   -   5-day trial for contractual claims arising from sale of business and entitlement to deferred payments.
        • JMW v. Injury Lawyers 4U Ltd [2024] EWHC 3703   -   Claims in respect of shareholders agreement and effect of entire agreement clauses.
        • Cheshire Estate & Legal Ltd v. Blanchfield [2024] EWCA Civ 1317   -   Court of Appeal.   Issues of resignation to set up rival law firm and fiduciary duties.
        • Hughes v. Revenue & Customs [2024] EWHC 1765   -   Misfeasance in public office and issues of assignment of claims.   Summary judgment.
        • C2 v. Infinity [2024]   -   2-week trial in BVI in respect of contractual claims for share of profits on investments.
        • Peter Waddell Holdco v. Bluebell Cars [2024] EWHC 1627   -   Interim injunctions and issues of director’s powers and duties, step-in rights and adequacy of damages.
        • Uconinvest LLC v. Jysan Holdings [2024] EWHC 1532   -   Freezing injunctions and full and frank disclosure.
        • Wells v. Hornshaw [2024] EWHC 970 and [2024] EWHC 330   -   3-week trial.   Unfair prejudice.
        • THG plc v. Zedra Trust [2024] EWCA Civ 158   -   Court of Appeal.   Limitation periods and unfair prejudice petitions.
        • Arbitration in respect of law and management agreements in respect of 5* hotel in Warsaw   -   2023.
        • Alam Investments [2023] EWHC 1460   -   8-week trial.   Unfair prejudice and share ownership.
        • Kwok v. Juan [2022] UKPC 52   -   Unfair prejudice.   Issues as to role of appellate court on findings of fact and exercise of discretion.
        • Sancus Financial Holdings v. Holm [2022] UKPC 1   -   Privy Court and practice of review of facts on second appeals.

         

         

    • Recommendations

        Chancery, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Partnership, Professional Negligence, Real Estate Litigation, Restructuring/Insolvency (Chambers & Partners 2016)

        Property, Commercial, Banking and Insolvency (The Legal 500)

        Listed in the Silks 100 list for England and Wales (Chambers & Partners 2014)

        'Lawyer of the Week' (The Times, 22 July 2010)

    • What the directories say

         

        Listed as one of only 21 KCs as a “star at the bar” Chambers Directory since 2015.

        "He highly knowledgeable, user-friendly and happy to always pick up the phone and have a chat. Paul is a fantastic performer on his feet, and great in cross-examination." Chambers 2026

        "As a trial lawyer, he is sensational. He's one of the most incisive, effective and natural cross-examiners I have ever seen." Chambers 2026

        "He is the one-stop shop of excellence and a ferocious barrister in the best sense." Chambers 2026

        "Paul is a highly efficient barrister who displays sharp strategic acumen and a keen awareness for the client's commercial objectives.  His advocacy is formidable for opponents, focussed on the important issues and highly persuasive with judges"  Legal 500 2026

        Paul is the best trial advocate available today.  He is devasting in cross-examination with a pleasant but firm approach to the judge.  He is the automatic choice for a complex case" Legal 500 2026

        "Paul is undoubtedly a legend in his own lifetime. His advocacy skills are truly unparalleled, and his cross-examination is so thoroughly devastating and entertaining, it is both an honour and a privilege to see him in action.’ Legal 500 2025

         "Paul is exceptionally tenacious, a real fighter, and very accessible. He explains things to clients beautifully so they understand often difficult points of law." Legal 500 2025

         "Paul is without a doubt the most effective cross-examiner and a superb trial lawyer. He has a command of the minutiae of cases and is a charming yet forceful advocate." Legal 500 2025

        “Paul is a very strong barrister for banking and finance matters.” Chambers UK 2025

        “Paul is an excellent advocate with a fantastic reputation.” Chambers UK 2025

        “Paul’s trial preparation and cross-examination skills are great.” Chambers UK 2025

        “He is very skilful in cross-examination and is a compelling advocate.” Chambers UK 2025

        “He just has an incredible eye for detail.” Chambers UK 2025

        "Paul is a superb advocate, persuasive and charming when needed, and brutal in cross-examination." Legal 500 2024

        "Paul is a brilliant cross-examiner, good with clients and a real fighter in the court room." Legal 500 2024

        “Paul Chaisty is very tenacious, excellent on cross-examination and a real fighter. He is somebody that you want on your side.” Chambers UK 2024

        “Paul Chaisty has fantastic cross-examination skills and an incredible eye for detail.” Chambers UK 2024

        “He is a standout silk. Incredibly well prepared well in advance (even by KC standards). Unflappable in and out of court and instils an instant sense of calm and control in any team he is a part of.” Chambers UK 2024

        “Paul’s an incredibly experienced multi-jurisdictional litigator. He’s available, bright, and pragmatic. He provides tremendous direction and is also a very good team player. ” Chambers UK 2024

        “Paul is the best trial lawyer. He brings a superb balance of strategic and commercial thinking with the need to prepare for trial from the outset. He is a first-rate exponent of the art of cross-examination, and usually leaves the opposing witness wishing they had not given a witness statement in the first place.” Legal 500 2023

        “Paul is direct and succinct, a very cogent cross examiner and very attentive to client needs in any one scenario. He is a good listener and he is always pitched against leading silks in London and always delivers.” Legal 500 2023

        “Paul is one of the most formidable advocates that I’ve ever seen. Once he gets his teeth into something, he never lets go. He’s incredibly pragmatic and approachable, and clients love him.” Chambers UK 2023

        “Paul is a demon cross-examiner and a thorough barrister.” Chambers UK 2023

        “Paul is a very impressive barrister who is immensely prepared.” Chambers UK 2023

        “Paul Chaisty KC is absolutely brilliant advising in conference and as an advocate. He is able to adapt to court procedures all over the world.” Chambers UK 2023

    News & Events

    • News

      Serle Court Recognised in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2026: The English Bar Offshore

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    • He highly knowledgeable, user-friendly and happy to always pick up the phone and have a chat. Paul is a fantastic performer on his feet, and great in cross-examination.

      Chambers UK Bar

    • He is the one-stop shop of excellence and a ferocious barrister in the best sense.

      Chambers UK Bar

    Education & Qualifications

    Nottingham University LLB First

    Exeter College, Oxford BCL

    Lincoln’s Inn: Hardwicke and Cassell Scholar

    Appointments

    Deputy High Court Judge authorised to sit in Chancery and Queen’s Bench Division and Mercantile Court.

    Called to the Bar in the BVI and on ad hoc basis in the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.

    Qualified mediator.

    Memberships

    COMBAR

    Chancery Bar Association

    Northern Circuit Commercial Bar Association

    Northern Chancery Bar Association

    Awards

    Chambers 100

    Ranked

    Chambers UK

    Ranked - Leading Barrister

    News & Events

    • News

      Serle Court Recognised in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2026: The English Bar Offshore

      Serle Court is pleased to have once again been recognised among the leading offshore sets in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2026: The... Read More

      News

      Serle Court Achieves Top Tier Ranking in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2025: The English Bar Offshore

      Serle Court is delighted to have once again achieved top-tier recognition in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2025: The English Bar Offshore, with... Read More

    View all related news & events