Harrison Drury appoints barrister Paul Brook to enhance client offering

Harrison Drury has retained experienced barrister Paul Brook as a consultant to provide additional support to clients in resolving disputes.

Paul, who has been a barrister for more than 35 years, will support our commercial and property litigation teams, enabling us to provide clients with access to external counsel at an early stage.

He will advise our clients on disputes involving commercial contracts, property and construction, and shareholder and partnership matters, as well as with issues arising from insolvency. He has a particular interest in disputes arising from the breach of directors’ duties.

John Chesworth, executive chairman, said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve client service. Bringing Paul in is a strategic move that deepens our expertise and further enriches the quality of advice we give to our clients.”

Sean Gibbs, head of our commercial litigation team, added: “Working closely with our solicitors, Paul will act as a valuable external counsel, providing an independent voice to guide clients through court procedures. Ultimately, this is about working efficiently and effectively as a team on behalf of clients to resolve disputes in the clients’ best interests.”

Pictured above: John Chesworth, Paul Brook and Sean Gibbs.

Paul has extensive experience of working with clients in the commercial, property and development, and rural and agricultural sectors. As well as his expertise in court proceedings, he also provides advice and advocacy skills on alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation.

Paul added: “My approach is one of principled negotiation of outcomes in the best interests of clients, taking account of commerciality, the prospects of success and the client’s objectives.

“I’m excited by this new consultancy role with Harrison Drury because it offers the firm and its clients specialist barrister support much earlier in the process of a dispute, meaning we explore all the options for resolution and, hopefully, get to a favourable outcome quickly.”

Paul, who has been a practising barrister since 1986, started his career in London, subsequently spending much of his career in Yorkshire and the North East becoming a member of Parklane Plowden Chambers in 2008 and going on to establish Sentinel Barristers in 2016.