Paul Southby

Paul is a Partner in our Commercial Litigation team, based at our Nottingham office. He specialises in substantial contract disputes, complex company and shareholder litigation, engineering disputes, product liability claims and significant debt and money recovery matters. He also advises on disputes involving regulatory investigations, particularly those relating to environmental law, health and safety, and product safety.

Paul trained in London and has spent many years advising clients as a Partner at a number of national and international law firms. Over the course of his career, he has built a strong reputation for handling complex and high-value disputes across a wide range of sectors. His expertise includes advising where questions of directors' personal liability arise, helping clients navigate the legal, commercial and personal implications of such challenging situations.

His clients range from major corporate organisations to owner-managed businesses and private individuals, all of whom benefit from his practical, commercially focused approach to dispute resolution.

Known for his calm, pragmatic and approachable style, Paul understands that litigation is rarely something clients choose to face. He works closely with clients to provide clear, realistic advice and is often praised for making difficult and stressful situations easier to manage while focusing on the best possible outcome.

Alongside his legal career, Paul spent several years outside private practice as Regional Director for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in the East Midlands. This experience gives him a valuable perspective on the wider commercial and economic challenges facing businesses and their leaders. He is also closely involved in economic development and civic life in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and was High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 2022/23.