Paul Russell QC

Barrister Profile

Paul took silk this April 2011. 

He has a strong reputation in the specialist fields of personal injury and clinical negligence and is regularly instructed to act in high value claims. 

He is particularly experienced in dealing with both the bringing and defending of claims involving catastrophic injury, motor related insurance and MIB issues, industrial disease, RSI, stress at work and employers’ liability generally. 

Paul is recognised as a Leading Personal Injury silk in Chambers & Partners. In the 2012 edition, he is described as "genial and diligent." He is praised for how quickly he gets to grips with the medical jargon and the significance of a case, and how "he conjures up creative ways of navigating through complex cases."

He has previously been quoted by interviewees as “using his amiable personality to his advantage when negotiating a busy caseload”; “his charm acts as a powerful persuasive influence in catastrophic injury, industrial disease and stress cases.” Clients have said that Paul is “exactly the kind of person you want to have behind you”; a fine all-rounder whose “intellect, experience and thoroughness” are combined with a “wonderful ability to communicate with people on any level.”

He is an ex serving member of the Bar Council Professional Conduct Committee, but remains a member of the Barristers’ Complaints Advisory Services Panel. He is presently a member of the PIBA Executive Committee. Away from the Bar, he is a Youth Offending Team panel member at the London Borough of Wandsworth.

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

Waters v. Hayley [2010] EWHC 920 (QB) - claim for indemnity by occupier against electrical contractor following visitor rendered paraplegic falling down lift shaft in residential property.
McDonnell and Another v. Walker [2009] EWCA (Civ, CA) 1257 - Limitation appeal on forensic prejudice following commencement of second action post Horton v Sadler.
Khalaf v. Gujral 8/9/09 (CC - unreported) - Rylands v Fletcher claim, neighbour dispute, alleged leaking swimming pool.
Wight v. Cummings 2/6/09 (QBD - unreported) - Assessment of damages in fatal claim; loss of a chance of deceased becoming a teacher considered. 
Alsac v. The Study Society 1/4/09 (CC - unreported) - Preliminary determination of limitation issues in the context of allegations of undue influence.
Turner v. Green and MIB [2008] EWHC 3133 (QBD) - identity of rider of motorcycle where severely injured Claimant claimed he was riding pillion and that the owner was driving; owner said Claimant stole/borrowed motorcycle and crashed while riding solo; claim dismissed.
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) – establishing reasonable doubt 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 in a prolapsed disc case.
Heil v. Rankin [2000] 2 WLR 1173 – Court of Appeal guidance on levels of general damages.