Paul Russell

Barrister Profile

Paul has a strong reputation in the specialist fields of personal injury and professional negligence and is regularly instructed by both major insurers and unions to act in high value claims.

He is particularly experienced in dealing with both the bringing and defending of claims involving catastrophic injury, industrial disease, and employers’ liability.

He is recognised as a Band 1 "Leading Junior" in Chambers & Partners 2008 (Personal Injury) and is quoted as being “a great person to have on your side,” with a “sensible, clear-thinking approach.” Paul is described as a “confident advocate,” who is valued for his “ability to grasp a case thoroughly.”

He was a member of the Bar’s Professional Conduct Committee for five years over the period 1998 – 2002. 

Paul is a current member of the Barristers' Complaints Advisory Service Panel.

Qualifications

Durham University (BA Hons Law)

Professional Membership

Personal Injuries Bar Association Executive Committee Member
London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association Committee Member

Interesting Cases

Banner v. Wright and MIB 15/4/08 (QBD - unreported)  – capacity to conduct litigation under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 
McCreadie v. Palmer 21/2/08 (CC - unreported) – liability for horses under the Animals Act 1971.
Turner v. Arriva North East Limited (2006) EWCA Civ 410 (CA) – pedestrian killed when in collision with a bus; driver acquitted of negligence; questions of look out and speed.
Hassler v. AOK Allegmeine Ortkankrasse 25/7/05 (QBD) – periodical payments; German national in persistent vegetative state; German health insurer.
Connolly v. Ministry of Defence Lawtel 31/10/03 (QBD – Admin) – burden of proof under Article 4 of the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983.
Pell v. Moseley Lawtel 21/10/03 (CA) – liability of motorcyclist overtaking turning vehicle ahead. 
Butterfield v. Ministry of Defence Lawtel 8/10/02 (QBD – Admin) – reasonable doubt as to whether treatment with a particular drug would have resulted in better health satisfied burden of proof under Article 5(4) of the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983.
Steliou v. Compton (2002) EWCA Civ 275 (CA) – relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9
Skerman v. Bollman Manufacturers Lawtel 31/5/02 (CA) – whether trial Judge entitled to reject the conflicting medical evidence of both parties and form his own view on the acceleration of spinal symptoms.
Heil v. Rankin (2000) 2 WLR 1173 – Court of Appeal guidance on levels of general damages.