Paul Michell specialises in commercial and employment law.

He regularly advises and appears in:

• complex discrimination claims

• equal pay claims

• whistleblowing claims

• TULRA and TUPE cases

• high profile claims for wrongful/unfair dismissal

• claims where breach of fiduciary duty/commercial wrongdoing (e.g. inducement; secret profits; breach of covenant; confidentiality; conspiracy; breach of database rights etc) is alleged and injunctive relief sought

• work-related stress/personal injury claims

• contract/commercial disputes, many relating to the workplace (e.g. bonus and good/bad leaver issues), sports and the media

• director/partner/company/shareholder disputes

• regulatory matters, such as disciplinary tribunals

• professional negligence disputes, primarily in relation to employment/discrimination issues

Paul has acted as an independent adjudicator in many hi-level and sensitive internal grievance disputes and disciplinary proceedings, particularly in the finance and higher education sectors.

Clients include:

The BBC, BMW, Brewin Dolphin, the British Red Cross, BUPA, the Commonwealth Foundation, Danielle Lloyd, the EHRC, the Elders Foundation, the Football Association, the GMB, Trevor Horn CBE, HSBC, the Land Registry, the London School of Economics, the Open Society Foundation, the FA Premier League, the Professional Footballers' Association, the LSE, the RNIB, the Royal Ballet School, Serco, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Toshiba, the TUC, the University of the Arts, the University of Durham, UCL, and a variety of other educational and financial institutions, as well as many individual claimants.

Lloyd Jacob Exhibition, Middle Temple

Astbury Scholar, Middle Temple

Lawyer of the Week, The Times

Chambers & Partners 2025: (Employment) "Paul is a nimble and exceptionally strong advocate." "Paul is an excellent advocate who is always very well-prepared."

Who’s Who Legal 2024: Recommended for Labour, Employment & Immigration.

Chambers & Partners 2024: "Paul is an excellent advocate who is easy to deal with and readily accessible." "He is pragmatic, very responsive and a first-class advocate."

Legal 500 2024: “An outstanding communicator and a scintillating advocate: sophisticated, intelligent, confident and compelling.”

Chambers & Partners 2023: "Paul is a vastly experienced and forensic counsel." "He is a very effective advocate on complex cases and always committed to winning."

Legal 500 2023: “Paul is a go-to counsel for complex tribunal cases. He is exceptionally easy to work with, gets across the detail very quickly, and is a very effective advocate who is committed to winning the case. He has a very reassuring and calm manner with clients.”

Chambers & Partners 2022: "Paul Michell is a knowledgeable barrister, who gets to the point and is great to liaise with." "He is excellent at negotiating in a way that will achieve a settlement."

Legal 500 2022: "Paul is just outstanding to work with – laser-like attention to detail, sharp on his feet and good with clients."

Chambers & Partners 2021: "He's hugely knowledgeable and hard-working, and offers exemplary client service." "He's very bright and very experienced."

Legal 500 2021: “Has incredible attention to detail and an in-depth understanding of the law. At the same time, he is commercial in his approach and understands the needs of clients, so as to give clear direction on the strategy of a case.”

Chambers & Partners 2020: "Simply brilliant in his advocacy." "A very thorough barrister who has great attention to detail."

Legal 500 2020: "He has comprehensive expertise on High Court injunctive procedures, encyclopaedic knowledge on disclosure, confidentiality, and data protection."

Chambers & Partners 2019: "Vastly experienced in employment law matters, but particularly focuses on wrongful dismissal and discrimination cases, with knowledge of restraint of trade and injunctive relief matters. He acts for a range of clients but has particular expertise in the education and sports sectors." "He has great attention to detail and is very client-friendly." "He has a very quick mind and immediately gets to the nub of a case."

Nicola Johnston, Pinsent Masons LLP: "... A brilliantly skilled advocate, he is always on top of the facts, even at the early stages of litigation ... Paul's personality shines through and we are asked by clients to instruct him again and again. Having instructed Paul for many years, I could not recommend him more highly."

Andy Williams, Charles Russell LLP: "An impressive ability to immediately grasp the legal principles of any case, whilst not losing sight of any of the detail... extremely easy to get along with... tenacious on his feet. Definitely someone to have on your side, rather than opposing you."

Elizabeth George, Leigh Day: "Paul is first-rate. His advice is always clear, relevant and, inevitably, right. He is a pleasure to work with."

Tom Cowling, Ecotricity Group Ltd: "All the attributes of a top employment counsel: intelligent, immensely knowledgeable in his field, articulate and highly personable."

Brian Palmer, Rossenblat Solicitors: "Paul is diligent and personable and his advocacy is exceptional. He is also very adept at focusing clients on the commercial aspects of cases. I would far rather have Paul representing my clients than opposing them."

Judicially commended for "extremely able arguments... put forward ingeniously" (Burton J), and for submissions which are "elegant and economic" (Laws LJ) and "intelligent and measured" (Underhill J).

• Recorder (crime, South East Region) (2023-)

• Fee-paid Employment Judge (South East Region) (2013-)

• Visitor for Loughborough University (2013-)

• Industrial Law Society

• Employment Law Appeal Advice Scheme

• Bar Pro Bono Unit

• Administrative Law Bar Association

• Cloisters point of liaison for FRU

Paul is the author of the chapters on ‘Confidentiality and Restraints of Trade’ in From Counsel, which is a substantial and authoritative online resource for practitioners.

For over ten years, Paul has drafted the 'Employment Tribunal' and 'Employment - Proceedings in the High Court and County Court' precedents in Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents of Pleadings.

Paul carries out advocacy training / assessments at the College of Law.

He also does familiarisation training for individuals due to give evidence in High Court/tribunal claims.

BA (Hons) & MA in English Literature, Downing College, Cambridge

Dip. Law, City University

DISCRIMINATION / WHISTLEBLOWING

• Chumbu v. Disabilities Trust – EAT- Reported at [2024] ICR 131: Paul acted for the Trust in its successful defence of an appeal against the striking out of this sex and race discrimination claim, following the claimant’s non-compliance with an ‘unless’ order.

• Favaro v. University of London -Employment Tribunal: Paul acts for the University in this discrimination claim, in which Dr Favaro alleges she was treated less favourably as a result of her research into gender critical issues. For recent press coverage see here: Daily Mail, Telegraph dated 15/04/23 and Telegraph dated 29/04/23.

• Williams v. Commissioner of Metropolitan Police – Tribunal: Paul is currently acting for Robyn Williams in this race discrimination claim against the Metropolitan Police, which is due to be heard next year by the tribunal. Ms Williams is a black police Superintendent, who was commended for her work concerning the Grenfell Tower disaster. She was dismissed following her conviction in relation to a WhatsApp message her sister had sent to her. She was reinstated on appeal. An application by the police for a judicial review of that appeal outcome failed; so, she retained her job. Reported in The Week.

• Piepenbrock v LSE - Tribunal: EAT & Court of Appeal: Paul successfully acted for the LSE in this case, where Dr Piepenbrock's discrimination claims included allegations against a former colleague (D) which were found to be untrue. After a 7-week trial, the tribunal held that he was not a credible witness, that his approach to individuals who he believed had wronged him was “frequently malicious and actively destructive”, and that his “vilification” of D on a public website he controlled showed “his willingness to destroy her reputation”. See The Express for press coverage. The EAT made an order to protect D, by reference to her Convention Rights and/or the “interests of justice”. See Piepenbrock v London School of Economics and Political Sciences. The case is reported by the Employment Lawyers Association. Dr Piepenbrock' s appeal to the Court of Appeal against the EAT’s judgment was recently dismissed.

• X v Ofgem - Tribunal - EAT & Court of Appeal - Reported at [2019] ICR 715: Paul successfully argued that words ought to be read into the Utilities Act 2000 to allow the Claimant to continue his whistleblowing claim against OFGEM, in circumstances where he would otherwise be committing a criminal offence. The tribunal held that the 2000 Act effectively criminalised the Claimant's claim and the disclosure of key documents. However, it accepted that because of Article 6 (fair trial) and Art 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the tribunal's obligation to give effect to those rights where "possible", it was appropriate to interpolate words into the 2000 Act to exclude whistleblowing claims from criminal sanction. The tribunal's decision was overturned by the EAT. The Claimant's appeal was to be heard by the Court of Appeal in late 2020. However, the Government then amended the 2000 Act to decriminalise disclosures in the context of whistleblowing claims. For press coverage, see here.

• X v Y- Tribunal: Paul represented "X", a Chief Executive Officer at "Y", a leading commercial barristers' chambers, in an equal pay and sex discrimination claim in which she named the male senior clerk and senior members of chambers as protagonists. Prospective witnesses for "Y" included several KCs and two High Court judges. Matters were satisfactorily resolved.

• Taylor v Berks Healthcare NHS Trust - Tribunal: Paul represented the Claimant, a mental health practitioner, who alleged that she was detrimentally treated and dismissed after making complaints about bullying and mistreatment of whistle-blowers. For press coverage, see here.

• Abraham v Football Association Premier League - Tribunal: Paul acted for the FAPL in this ‘front page' whistleblowing and discrimination claim brought by a former worker who (amongst other things) alleged she was harassed by exposure to 'sexist emails' sent to/from the FAPL's Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore. For press coverage, see here.

• Lokhova v Sberbank - Tribunal: Paul acted for Ms Lokhova in this high profile sex discrimination claim brought against her Russian employer, Sberbank. Ms Lokhova, was awarded £3.2m in damages after the tribunal found her career had been destroyed by sexual taunts and other unacceptable conduct by male work colleagues. For press coverage, see here.

• Hainsworth v MoD - Tribunal - Court of Appeal Reported at [2014] IRLR 728: Paul acted for the intervenor, EHRC (leading Chris Milsom), in this case concerning whether or not an employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments extends under EU/domestic law to non-disabled employees acting as carers to disabled people. For press coverage, see here.

• X v Mid Sussex CAB - Tribunal - Supreme Court - Reported at [2010] 423 ICR, EAT, [2011] IRLR 335, CA, [2013] IRLR 146, SC: Paul successfully represented the CAB in the EAT, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in this claim which had highly significant implications for the 100 million-strong voluntary sector across the EU. It concerns whether volunteers were protected under the "employment and occupation" provisions of Directive 2000/78/EC. For press coverage, see here.

• Kulikauskas v Macduff Shellfish (Scotland) Ltd - Tribunal - EAT & CJEU - Reported at [2011] ICR 48, EAT: Paul was instructed by Mr Kulikauskas in this case which was referred to the CJEU to determine whether or not Council Directive 2006/54/EC afforded protection for persons treated less favourably because of their association with a pregnant woman. In written observations, the Kingdom of Spain and the European Commission supported Mr Kulikauskas' case; the UK and Poland opposed it. The claim was settled prior to the CJEU hearing. The terms of reference can be seen here.

• EBR Attridge Law v Coleman (No.2) - Tribunal - EAT - Reported at [2010] ICR 242, EAT: Paul successfully represented Ms Coleman in EBR Attridge's appeal against the tribunal's decision that the DDA could be interpreted so as to accord with Directive 2000/87/EC and the ECJ's decision in Coleman v Attridge Law (see below). Underhill P held that it was appropriate to read words into the DDA. The Wikipedia account of the case can be seen here.

• Coleman v Attridge Law - Tribunal: EAT & CJEU - Reported at [2008] IRLR 722 ECJ; [2007] ICR 654 EAT: In this landmark case, Paul persuaded the tribunal to make a reference to the ECJ to determine whether or not Directive 2000/87/EC is intended to prohibit associative discrimination in the context of disability. Paul appeared at the ECJ hearing, where the ECJ affirmed that the Directive's protection extends to associative discrimination. Major changes were made to the draft Equality Act 2010 and the law in other EU states as a result.

• Dizaei v Dick Fedorcio and others - Tribunal: Paul acted for Mr Fedorcio in his successful defence of this race/religious discrimination claim brought by Dr Ali Dizaei, a former Commander in London's Metropolitan Police Service, following evidence Mr Fedorcio gave at the Leveson Enquiry. For press coverage, see here.

• Rajapakse v The Commonwealth Foundation - Tribunal: Paul represented the Commonwealth Foundation in its successful defence of this high value whistleblowing claim, which received considerable media interest. For press coverage, see here.

• Nikki Sinclaire v UKIP, Nigel Farage and others - Tribunal: Paul represented Ms. Sinclaire, an MEP, in her claim of sexual orientation discrimination against UKIP. A satisfactory outcome was obtained. For press coverage, see here.

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

• Ambridge v. Maleary and others: High Court: Paul acts for Mr Maleary in this insurance sector case. Mr Maleary assists in the business of insurance business start-ups. It is alleged he induced other defendants to prepare to launch a rival MGA in competition with their ex-employer, the claimant, and thereby obtain an unlawful head start. A seven -figure sum is claimed. Inducement is denied. The ex-employee defendants all deny wrongdoing, and claim they were forced to work in a ‘toxic’ work environment before resigning. For recent press coverage see here: The Insurer and Insurance Insider.

• YM&U (UK) Ltd v Stephenson & others - Tribunal: High Court: Paul acted for the defendants, who are theatrical and filmic agents representing many household names who allegedly set up in competition with YM&U (a talent agency) in breach of various post-termination restrictions. A satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• Kintetsu World Express (UK) Ltd v JAS Forwarding (UK) Ltd - Tribunal - High Court: Paul acted for KWE in complex team moves/breach of confidentiality case, in which allegations of conspiracy and widespread abuse of KWE's data were made. A satisfactory outcome was obtained shortly before trial.

• Cathay Composites Ltd v Bancroft - Tribunal: Paul acted for the Defendant in this claim involving allegations of repudiatory breach/client poaching/misuse of confidential information. A satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• Addison Lee Ltd v Hampshire - Tribunal - High Court: Paul acted for Addison Lee in its successful application for injunctive and other relief against a former employee whom it alleged had removed database extracts with a view to competing with its business.

• Kaltenbach Ltd v Behringer Ltd & Smith - Tribunal - High Court: Paul acted for the Defendants in this claim, which involved hotly contested allegations of client poaching, database infringement, & misuse of confidential information. A satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• UK Recruitment GB Ltd v Calver & Others - Tribunal - High Court: Paul successfully represented the Claimant in this case involving senior employees allegedly setting up in competition and using the Claimant's confidential data.

• SBR Design Consultants Ltd v Lumsden - Tribunal - High Court: Paul represented the Defendant in this claim, which involved alleged client poaching and exploitation of proprietary information. A satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• Euromoney v Gulf Financial Conferences & Others - Tribunal: High Court: Represented the Claimant in this case involving alleged breaches of restrictive covenants by way of client poaching. Following injunctive proceedings, a satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• Arthur J Gallagher v RFIB Group & Others - Tribunal - High Court: Paul acted for the Claimant – one of the largest insurance broking businesses in the world- in this case involving 'team moves', and allegations of conspiracy and employee poaching. A multi-million-pound settlement was obtained.

PRIVACY / CONFIDENTIALITY

• Bains & Others v Moore, K2 & Bigazzi (2020) - Tribunal - High Court: Paul represented Mr Moore in this high profile case in which the claimants alleged that Mr Moore was a corporate spy, paid by Mayfair-based K2 intelligence agency, who had infiltrated anti-asbestos campaign groups and obtained confidential/private information to assist the asbestos industry. For press coverage, see here.

• Danielle Lloyd v Carphone Warehouse - Tribunal - High Court: Paul represented the Claimant, a media celebrity, in this case involving breach of confidentiality. It arose after an employee of Carphone Warehouse took copies of sensitive photos from Ms Lloyd's mobile phone, and tried to sell the material to national newspapers. A satisfactory outcome was obtained. The case formed part of the BBC television series See You In Court, in which Paul appeared. For press coverage, see here.

WRONGFUL DISMISSALS

• Rawsthorn v Easygroup - Tribunal: Paul acted for the Claimant in his successful wrongful and unfair dismissal claim. The Respondent's founder and owner, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, gave evidence. The tribunal was deeply critical of Sir Stelios.

• Black & Others v SPZ - Tribunal & High Court: Paul represented SPZ, the music company of Trevor Horn CBE (producer of bands such as ABC and Frankie Goes to Hollywood) in claims brought by former senior employees following the termination of their fixed term contracts. A satisfactory outcome was obtained.

• Ayers & Baigent v Brewin Dolphin Ltd - Tribunal - High Court: Paul represented the Defendant company (one of the largest UK independent private client investment managers) in its successful defence of a claim by two ex-employees to trail fees "in perpetuity" following the termination of their employment. For press coverage, see here.

TUPE

• Paul advised a major communications company on the impact of TUPE in the context of mass transfer of various services and employees.

• GMB v Northumberland County Council - Tribunal: Paul represented the GMB in this multi-million-pound claim involving alleged widescale breaches of TUPE consultation provisions, following the dissolution of six district and borough councils and the transfer of the councils' employees to the new unitary council. A satisfactory resolution was obtained.

• Wright & Others v Vizards Wyeth & Others - Tribunal: Paul represented the partners of Vizards Wyeth in this claim concerning whether or not a team move by the family law group constituted a "self-made" TUPE transfer.

SPORTS / MEDIA

• Football: Tribunal. Paul has been instructed in a number of cases for the Football Association/Football Association Premier League.

REGULATORY/DISCIPLINARY

• Re: X: Paul has recently acted as investigator for a major entity in the financial services sector, where allegations of non-financial impropriety where alleged, and FCA-reportable issues were raised.

• Shah v University of Hull - High Court: Paul acted for the university in its successful defence of injunctive proceedings brought by a senior academic member of staff to restrain disciplinary proceedings.

• O'Neill v University of Birmingham - High Court: Paul acted for the University in its successful defence of an application by the Claimant, an academic member of staff, for an injunction to restrain the University from taking disciplinary proceedings against her.

• Disciplinary / Grievance Processes: Paul has adjudicated over numerous high profile/high value disciplinary/grievance processes in various sectors, including health, insurance, charity, education, finance and local authority.

• UCL v Z: Paul acted for the University in internal Statute 18 disciplinary proceedings against a male lecturer, Z, for alleged sexual misconduct towards a female student. Z was duly dismissed.

• UCL v X: Paul acted for the University in internal Statute 18 disciplinary proceedings against a female lecturer, X, for alleged sexual misconduct towards male students. X resigned before the conclusion of the proceedings.

• NHS Hospital Trust v Z: Paul represented Z, a consultant charged with several counts of serious misconduct, at the Trust's internal disciplinary hearing. Z was given a first stage warning at the conclusion of the case, and the most serious charges were dismissed.

• NHS v Y: Paul represented Y, a consultant charged with 10 counts of serious misconduct. Almost all charges against Y were withdrawn or dismissed, and Y was given an oral warning.

OTHER

• Ofonagoro v Sparta Global - Tribunal (2020): Paul represented the claimant in successfully arguing that a clawback provision in his employment contract relating to internal training costs was an unenforceable penalty clause. For press coverage, see here.