Machins Solicitors LLP

Private Family Law

Partner, Private Family Law Team

Paul has been a specialist family law expert for over 34 years, starting his career with Machins Solicitors LLP in 1991 and qualifying as a solicitor in 1993. He became a partner in 1997 and has dealt with family law related work ever since. During his long career, Paul has developed expertise in all areas of family law including highly complex financial matters, cohabitation disputes, private and public children’s law cases and domestic abuse cases. He has always undertaken his own advocacy whenever possible, including multiple day final court hearings in what was formerly the Magistrates and County Court’s (now the Family Court) and the High Court and continues to do so.

Due to the breadth of his legal knowledge and experience, pragmatism, ability to represent a client objectively and the sheer number of cases he has dealt with, Paul is able to analyse a case at the outset, identify the issues to be addressed and provide accurate legal advice at the earliest opportunity. That frequently leads to a resolution without the need for court proceedings, avoiding long delays and unnecessary legal costs. He takes an analytical approach to his work, applying calm logic while understanding the emotional nature of family law. He seeks to engage the other party and their solicitor to take a collaborative approach to a case. He always strides to work openly and constructively to find solutions that benefit both sides, which allows everyone to move on that much sooner and lessen the impact on clients and those around them.

If court proceedings are required Paul’s clients rarely asked to be represented by barristers. They recognise the benefit he brings to court cases in particular, providing continuity of legal representation from the outset to conclusion. Separation can be a difficult time for many and the knowledge that they will have the same solicitor helps to lessen anxiety, avoids repetition, allows a professional relationship to develop and will almost always provide significant cost savings. He is, when required, a straight talking tenacious litigator with countless court days of direct experience of cross examination of witnesses and presentation of cases, more often than not with the other party or parties being represented by a barrister and a solicitor.

Paul's out of work interests include running frequent marathons and ultra marathons and coaching rugby and athletics. Paul also founded The Hospice of St Francis Running Club in Berkhmasted.