Profile description
Professional Profile - Paul Newman
Background
Paul originally studied modern and medieval languages at Clare College, Cambridge, graduating in 1980 with a degree in French and Spanish. He is an MA of the University. He completed the Diploma in Law at City University, London and ‘Bar Finals’ at the Inns of Court School of Law in Gray’s Inn. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in November 1982.
His pupillage was completed at Gray’s Inn Chambers, then the Chambers of David Kemp QC, where he experienced a range of personal injury, employment and general contractual claims, including construction. Later, and following a further pupillage in Cardiff, Paul practised at the Bar in Manchester before joining a firm of construction claims’ consultants. From there Paul moved to solicitors’ practice, working for two regional ‘heavy weights’ before returning to the Bar in 2007.
Practice
Since 1988 Paul’s practice has been predominantly contentious and non-contentious construction law, though he undertakes some property and personal injury work. He advises across a broad range of construction disputes, both under standard form contracts and under less formal arrangements. His practice includes matters under The Party Wall Etc. Act 1996. He is experienced in arbitration, adjudication, mediation and Court proceedings. He is an ADR Group accredited mediator (2001), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (1999) and an RIBA accredited adjudicator (1998). He is permitted to undertake public access work (2007) and regularly does so.
Though Paul’s practice as a mediator is substantially based on construction and property disputes, he has also mediated disputes in other sectors – general commercial (e.g. franchising, sale of goods and partnership), personal injury, probate / TOLATA and libel).
Languages
Fluent French and German with a good working knowledge (including written) of Spanish.
Testimonials
“We would like to thank you for your valuable contribution you made toward the litigation we were recently exposed to. Your quick grasp … proved a real salve and we are both very grateful.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday and on behalf of this firm and the parties, may we take this opportunity of thanking you for your assistance and perseverance throughout the day.”
“Thanks go to you for your invaluable assistance!”
Directories
‘vast experience and reassuring depth of knowledge.’
Legal 500 2013
“Very impressive advocacy skills. Mr Newman dealt with an application to enforce an adjudicators’ decision for us. His advocacy skills were most impressive, and we were granted the enforcement.”
Chambers and Partners 2014
“He is very personable and always understands what is required from him”
Legal 500 2014
“Very personable and approachable”
Legal 500 2015
Paul Newman
"He has a wealth of experience in construction contract disputes, and his knowledge is always up to date."
Legal 500 2016
Notable Cases
Boardwell v K3D Partnership Property (2006) ADJCS04/21
Lovell Projects Ltd v Legg & Carver (2003) BLR 452
Rankilor (1) / Perco Civil Engineering Ltd v M Igoe Ltd (2006) ADJ LR 01/27
David & Teresa Bothma (T/A DAB Builders) v Mayhaven Healthcare Ltd [2007] EWCA Civ. 527
Melhuish & Saunders Ltd v Hurden & Hurden [2012] EWHC 3119 (TCC)
Wycombe Demolition Ltd v Topevent Ltd [2015] EWHC 2692 (TCC)