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MA (Cantab) (First Class) (Law & Economics) (Trinity Hall); LL.M. (University of California, Berkeley) (Fulbright)
MA (Cantab) (First Class) (Law & Economics) (Trinity Hall); LL.M. (University of California, Berkeley) (Fulbright)
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Competition Law: “I really enjoy working with him because of his very clear, easy to understand advocacy.” “He is hugely energetic, really available, gets really stuck in and is really committed to cases.” “He has great strategic insight and oversight, and is proactive, thoughtful and easy to work with.” “Paul is one of the leading competition barristers.” “He is always utterly committed to the cause and is prepared to be tough when called for.” “Paul is an outstanding leading counsel; he is highly collaborative and collegiate, as well as tactically astute, energetic and great to work with.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Sport: “An aggressive and very impressive performer.” “He is one of the top silks around.” “Paul is very persuasive, agile and direct.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Leading silk in Competition: “Rightly regarded as one of the very few top barristers in this area. Paul is forceful and a formidable opponent but capable of flexing his style so that he is effective in front of all tribunals; an absolute star.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Sport: “Paul is a punchy advocate if that is what a case demands.” – Legal 500, 2024
Competition Law: “A very good advocate, who is tenacious and determined. He always goes the extra mile.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2023
Group Litigation: “He is one of the best competition KCs in the market and has a broad range of experience encompassing a number of the lead cases in collective actions, which he brings to bear very effectively in his cases.” “He is an excellent advocate and a very commercial silk.” “Paul is excellent, collegiate and very helpful.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Sport: “Paul Harris KC is excellent with football matters.” “He plays in a more cerebral way, is very dependable and has good common sense. These make him stand out.” “Paul Harris KC is formidable.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Paul is The Lawyer Barrister of the Year 2021
Sport: “He is tough and extremely well prepared in court.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Competition Law: “If you want him to go to battle for a client he is fantastic – he will make the points very strongly.” “I think he is good at seeing the big-picture strategic points. Very good at understanding the dynamic of the cases and where the pressure points are – this is thanks to his experience. He has an adaptable style on his feet as well. He is excellent, approachable and open to new ideas.” “Paul is easy to work with; he is client-focused and personable.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2022
“Paul is one of the most tenacious advocates at the Bar. He is not afraid to take and argue a point that might not, at first blush, be hugely attractive to the court.” – Legal 500, 2022
“Head and shoulders the best sports lawyer at the Bar. A brave and effective strategist and a persuasive advocate.” – Legal 500, 2022
Paul is recognised as one of The Lawyer’s Hot 100 2021
Barrister of the Week, The Lawyer, December 2020
Paul is a highly experienced commercial litigator, known for his court room and strategic skills. He also sits as an arbitrator in commercial and sports matters and gives evidence as an expert witness. His reputation extends, in particular, to the fields of administrative/public, broadcasting, general commercial, competition including collective actions and subsidy control, energy, entertainment, European, pharmaceuticals and sports law.
Building on his success as Barrister of the Year in 2021, Paul’s practice continues to see him lead in the field of collective actions under the Competition Act and includes acting for the claimants in the multi-billion pound Bulb judicial review in the energy sector, R. v. BEIS ex.p. British Gas. Paul is the only Silk in the UK to have appeared in both of the leading collective action appellate authorities, Merricks v. Mastercard in the Supreme Court (2020) and Gutmann v. LSER in the Court of Appeal (2022). He also appears for both claimants and defendants in multiple other collective actions and will lead the defence in the first ever liability trial under the collective regime in late 2023 (Boyle).
In 2022, as well as continuing to lead the defence for Daimler in multiple Trucks Cartel damages actions, including two collective actions, and acting for the claimants in a big tech dispute in the High Court, Paul chaired 9 Olympic Funding arbitration appeals brought by athletes who had been denied funding by UK Athletics, appeared for Leeds United FC at CAS in an appeal relating to an international transfer and became involved in the dispute concerning LIV Golf.
In 2021, Paul acted in a commercial broadcasting dispute in the Commercial Court relating to COVID force majeure clauses, acted for claimants in a cartel damages dispute about car parts worth hundreds of millions of pounds, gave advice to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Committee, acted for Middlesborough FC and Hull City FC in arbitrations and appeared before the FIA Stewards in the Championship-deciding dispute at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In 2020, Paul led the successful appeal before CAS by Manchester City FC against the decision by UEFA to ban the Club from the Champions League, succeeded for the Claimant in the Supreme Court in what has been described as the largest ever UK damages action, Merricks, and defended 9 Barbarians players in RFU disciplinary proceedings relating to lockdown breaches.
In 2019, Paul acted in several disputes concerning FRAND licencing and for claimants in relation to card payment schemes, for Liverpool FC in a commercial sponsorship case, and in a challenge concerning a Lloyd’s syndicate.
In 2018, Paul led the defence in an expedited commercial and competition trial about the launch of a controversial on-line property portal, OnTheMarket, and led the judicial review challenge by Intercontinental Exchange against the CMA in relation to ICE’s merger with Trayport.
In the world of commercial arbitration, Paul has acted as advocate in commercial arbitrations concerning satellite services and international gas supply and pricing and as arbitrator in disputes concerning boxing, tennis, football, sprinting, hammer throwing, marathon running and hurdling.
Paul is established as the leading Silk in the world of Formula 1. As well as acting for Mercedes GP and Sir Lewis Hamilton at Abu Dhabi 2021, and in multiple other disputes, including before the International Court of Appeal (such as ‘Pirelli Tyre-gate’ & ‘Ricciardo fuel-flow’ & ‘Brawn double-diffuser’), he regularly acts for other teams, managers, drivers and sponsors and regulatory and commercial bodies in the sport.
Paul’s practice includes representing many football clubs – as well as agents, players, directors, regulatory bodies and other commercial entities connected with the sport. Recent and regular clients have included Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace FC, Derby FC, Fulham FC, Hull FC, Leeds United FC, Leicester City FC, Liverpool FC, Luton FC, Manchester City FC, Manchester City Womens FC, Manchester United FC, Middlesborough FC, Newcastle United FC, Plymouth Argyle FC, QPR, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Watford FC, West Bromwich Albion, The Football Association, and the FA Premier League. Paul is very experienced in all manner of other sports and sports commercial disputes, in all disciplinary and regulatory fora, including CAS. For example, Paul represents Saracens RFC and has acted regularly for the RFU.
Paul often represents overseas clients, in particular from the US, the Middle East, APAC and the EU/EEA, with many of the disputes in which he is involved having a multijurisdictional angle and multi-forum litigation.
Paul remains qualified as an EU lawyer post-Brexit, having been called to the Bar in Ireland in 2018.
Other high- profile current or recent cases include:
Administrative, including Human Rights
Commercial Competition
Other Commercial including arbitration
Broadcasting
European
Sports and Olympics
VAT
Paul was for many years a member of the A Panel of Treasury Counsel and amassed considerable experience in the field of public and administrative law, both for and against the Government. He continues to be particularly active in contested court/tribunal work, at all levels, and is regularly instructed in judicial review proceedings and/or to advise in relation to judicial review. Recent examples include Eurotunnel (2016)(Supreme Court) and ICE v. CMA [2017] CAT, John Lewis plc v. OFT [2013] CAT 7 (judicial review challenge concerning extended warranties website decision), Portsmouth Supporters Trust (2013) (state aid complaint concerning a football stadium), Tottenham Hotspur and others v. The Olympic Park Legacy Corporation and others (Admin) (2012) (judicial review and state aid challenge to the decision to select the West Ham Consortium as the preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium), BAA v. Competition Commission [2012] EWCA Civ 1077 (Court of Appeal)(judicial review challenge to order compelling divestiture of Stansted airport).
Other high profile cases have included the urgent judicial review challenge under s.120 of the Enterprise Act to the Secretary of State’s decision, in the context of the banking/financial crisis, not to refer the Lloyds/HBOS merger to competition commission.
Paul has appeared in many other leading Court of Appeal cases on public administrative/European law matters:
Paul has also appeared in the New Zealand High Court and Court of Appeal in a case concerning attempted publication and broadcast of materials by a former member of Her Majesty’s Special Forces.
Other recent public law issues include legitimate expectation (substantive and procedural), declarations against the State, express and implied powers, social security, false arrest and imprisonment, trespass, misfeasance in public office, agricultural tenancies, possession orders, debentures, unfair and wrongful dismissal, race and sex discrimination, injunctions (interlocutory and final).
Paul specialised in Human Rights law at Cambridge University and again as part of his LLM at Berkeley. Paul’s LLM thesis advocated the incorporation of the ECHR into UK domestic law and since the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998, Paul’s practice has covered human rights litigation including, recently, Article 6 (right to a fair trial), Article 8 (private and family life), Article 10 (freedom of expression), Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) and Article 1, Protocol 1 (protection of property rights).
Cases include Boughton (conscientious tax objectors case under Article 9), ex p. Jackson (Article 10 right to a public or other enquiry) and Taylor (Article 14 and meaning of “victim” under HRA).
Paul has a wealth of experience in relation to all aspects of regulatory judicial review.
Paul is a well-known Leader in the field of commercial competition litigation, currently/recently instructed in many of the highest value and profile proceedings in the country e.g. Mastercard – collective action (a Lawyer top 10 case; biggest ever UK damages action); Trucks Cartel (leading the defence for a major truck OEM); Agents’ Mutual v Gascoigne Halman (new property portal); Ecotricity v. Tesla Inc. – a Lawyer top 10 case for 2015 – (access of electric cars to UK motorway network); Unwired Planet v. Google & Samsung & Huawei (FRAND licensing and abusive injunctions); Emerald v. BA and ors (Air Cargo litigation); Newson v. IMI (Copper Cartel litigation); Pfizer v. Actavis (second medical use patents and foreclosure for non-patented indications); NHS v. Reckitt Benckiser (abuse of dominance re Gaviscon), as well as a number of other confidential matters concerning commercial restrictions in the field of professional sport and entertainment (movies and music), such as collective sales, exclusivity, salary caps, financial fair play, and broadcasting. Given the span of his work, the litigation encompasses all manner of other commercial issues, commonly including: jurisdiction; applicable law; limitation; all aspects of commercial contracts; conspiracy; scope of damages; unlawful interference; breach of confidence; inducement of breach of contract; causation; quantification of loss etc.
Paul’s practice continues to see a particular concentration where his true specialist expertise and experience in the fields of sports, entertainment, music and other media work overlap particularly, for example, as regards broadcasting/streaming (e.g. collective sales and purchasing) and joint ventures/projects etc.
Paul is also noted for his ability and experience in expedited litigation, often commenced with urgent interim relief applications of one kind or another.
In recent times, Paul has also been instructed in relation to issues such as industrial valves, floating oil rigs, cross-Channel wine trading, joint ventures, trade shows, pan-European software distribution, advertising, dominance on ferry and bus routes, essential facilities at ports/airports, corporate hospitality, wool production, paper and other merchandising distribution, broadcasting, discrimination, predatory pricing, excessive pricing, margin squeeze, cartel damages actions, real estate development, exclusivity, collectivity, objective necessity, and foreclosure.
Paul is vastly experienced in approaching and dealing with the CMA, and subsequent proceedings in the CAT- and in guiding clients through investigations and procedures, including ‘dawn raids’ and leniency. Paul has particular expertise in competition penalties and competition compliance and regularly provides (solicitor and/or client) seminars.
Further details of experience are available upon request.
Paul has extensive experience of many other areas of Community law in addition to competition– such as state aid and free movement and establishment – and appears regularly in the CJEU and General Court. Recent CJEU appearances have included animal health, customs valuation, tax, television broadcasting and intra-Community provision of services.
He is often instructed as a specialist Community law advocate in domestic litigation and arbitration. Familiar topics for Paul in High Court litigation include state aid, direct effect, Marleasing, emanations of the State, damages against the State, travaux preparatoires, abuse of rights, and Article 4TEU.
Recent cases in which he has been instructed that feature Community law include state aid in the context of football stadia (Olympic stadium, Portsmouth, Plymouth) parallel imports (of pesticides), broadcasting of designated events under the TV Without Frontiers Directive, application and interpretation of the Animal Waste Directive, the Veterinary Checks Directives, the Principal, Sixth and Eighth VAT Directives, the Excise Goods Directive, the Waste Framework Directive, the FMD Directives, the TSE Regulation, free movement rules (for sports professionals), wrongful dismissal by the European Commission, application and interpretation of the Customs Code, Euro defences to criminal proceedings, countervailing duties, Community law derogations, IP licensing and areas of harmonisation.
Other topical ECJ cases in which Paul appeared include RTL Television (application of the TV Without Frontiers Directive to films and soap operas), Tempelman (vires of European disease control legislation) and Bacardi (alcohol advertising at sports events).
Paul continues to be highly in demand as a sports law advocate. His success in leading the legal team for Manchester City FC in its appeal at CAS against the decision by UEFA to ban it from the Champions League for two seasons has cemented his position at the top of the sports law tree.
Chambers and Partners recognised Paul for many years as the number 1 ‘star’ sports law junior barrister in the UK, writing that: “…in terms of the sports market, [he] is already considered to be amongst the most luminous of the Bar’s leading lights. His elevated standing is affirmed by his case list, which includes some of the year’s biggest sports issues … sources believe Harris is “both an absolute A* practitioner intellectually, but also top-notch on the practical side of things, and a man who understands the nuances of a case.” Clients from within the sports industry are unequivocal in their praise: “Harris is a no-nonsense barrister who knows the sports industry intimately and understands exactly what sports people want.”.
More recently, directories have reported:
Sport: “Very commercial, understands the client’s needs, and is extremely user-friendly. He is extremely bright and a robust, competent advocate.” “An expert in his field and very, very experienced in sport.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Leading silk in Sport: ‘‘A very forceful and direct advocate.’’– Legal 500, 2020
“Hugely well regarded” in the sports space. He is described by peers as “a very bright and strong advocate”, and wins praise for his work on arbitration and litigation proceedings” – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
Sport: “A real sports expert.” “Excellent advocate and impressive clarity of thought in competition-related but also commercial matters.” “Extremely robust.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Paul is noted for his approachability and willingness to fight tenaciously for clients’ interests: “[Paul Harris] is ‘extremely bright, yet down-to-earth’ and reaps strong praise for his ‘considerable experience in sports law cases and familiarity with the Premier League and Football Association rules and regulations’.” Legal 500, 2011; “…[Paul produces] outstanding work and [has a] tireless work ethic.” Clients are particularly keen to laud his availability and commercial approach…”: Chambers and Partners 2010.
Paul has unparalleled experience before all varieties of sports forum, whether they be disciplinary, arbitral, High Court or European and has appeared in all manner of sports-specific tribunals including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), FIFA, UEFA, The FA, the FAPL, Sports Resolutions, Premier Rugby, 6Nations, Magners League, International Hockey, Formula 1 International Court of Appeal, the World Motor Sports Council, English Cricket Board, Amateur Swimming Association and so on. Paul’s write-up as a leading Litigator in The Lawyer “Hot 100” 2009 refers to his “…slew of sports cases, representing the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile in the appeal hearing concerning Lewis Hamilton, representing West Ham United FC in its dispute with Sheffield United FC, as well as taking a role in the Carlos Tevez litigation.”.
More recently, Paul was described in The Times as Sports Barrister of the Year for his role in defending Mercedes GP in the ‘Tyregate’ affair, and has amassed more F1 advisory and litigation experience than any other barrister.
Recent sports disputes include:
Recent football disputes include:
Paul has also acted in other sports disputes relating to athletics, golf, basketball, boxing, ice hockey, A1GP racing, rugby league, swimming, greyhound racing, speedway racing and snooker – including in relation to issues such as ticketing, corporate hospitality, challenges to governing bodies, breakaway competitions, touting and other secondary ticketing, licensing, transfers, promotion, undue influence, duress, agency, disciplinary, corporate governance, sponsorship, advertising, branding, media rights, passing off, bias, salary cap and implied terms.
Paul is experienced in international sporting disputes; for instance, disputes about the operation of cricket and hockey in India.
Clients include clubs, governing bodies, national unions, leagues, agents, players, directors and commercial partners.
Paul is former Vice-Chairman of the British Association of Sport and Law (BASL) and co-author of two chapters (transfers, and relations with sports governing bodies) in Butterworths: Sport Law and Practice.
Paul acts often in the niche fields of sport, entertainment and media commercial and competition, including, by way of examples, the following issues:
Paul’s VAT and Customs practice is varied and extensive, both for and against HMRC. He is particularly active as advocate in contested High Court and Tax Tribunal work. Chambers & Partners states that “Paul Harris “always impresses” on VAT cases, consistently proving himself a “real fighter.”” He is known for his abilities both to roll up his sleeves and to handle difficult judges and opponents.
Paul has a wealth of VAT experience, both domestically and in the Court of Justice of the European Union, covering issues such as election to waive exemption/options to tax property,s.106 property planning gain agreements, single/multiple supplies, place of supply, time of supply, economic activity, avoidance, exemptions, territorial jurisdiction, charities, out of scope supplies, neutrality, distortions of competition, right to deduct, cost components, usual place of residence, intra-EC movements of goods, locus standi, excise diversion fraud, MTIC fraud, other carousel fraud, seizure and forfeiture of excise goods, partial exemption special methods, out of country supplies, debentures, general betting duty, abuse of rights, vouchers, penalties.
Recent sectors in relation to which Paul has advised and/or litigated include complex property transactions, including anti-avoidance measures, fiscal neutrality and zero-rating of supplies of manufactured goods, corporate frauds (dishonesty attribution to company, penalties, mitigation, proportionality), motor manufacturing (VAT period staggers, legislation and policy), insurance (economic and non-economic activities, right to deduct), supplies of car parking services, supplies of telecoms – supplies of computers (customs valuation of laptop computers) supplies of land development and architectural.
Competition Law: “I really enjoy working with him because of his very clear, easy to understand advocacy.” “He is hugely energetic, really available, gets really stuck in and is really committed to cases.” “He has great strategic insight and oversight, and is proactive, thoughtful and easy to work with.” “Paul is one of the leading competition barristers.” “He is always utterly committed to the cause and is prepared to be tough when called for.” “Paul is an outstanding leading counsel; he is highly collaborative and collegiate, as well as tactically astute, energetic and great to work with.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Group Litigation: “Paul is hugely energetic; he really gets stuck in and is very committed to the case.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Sport: “An aggressive and very impressive performer.” “He is one of the top silks around.” “Paul is very persuasive, agile and direct.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Leading silk in Competition: “Rightly regarded as one of the very few top barristers in this area. Paul is forceful and a formidable opponent but capable of flexing his style so that he is effective in front of all tribunals; an absolute star.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Sport: “Paul is a punchy advocate if that is what a case demands.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Group Litigation – Legal 500, 2024
Competition Law: “A very good advocate, who is tenacious and determined. He always goes the extra mile.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2023
Group Litigation: “He is one of the best competition KCs in the market and has a broad range of experience encompassing a number of the lead cases in collective actions, which he brings to bear very effectively in his cases.” “He is an excellent advocate and a very commercial silk.” “Paul is excellent, collegiate and very helpful.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Sport: “Paul Harris KC is excellent with football matters.” “He plays in a more cerebral way, is very dependable and has good common sense. These make him stand out.” “Paul Harris KC is formidable.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Leading silk in Competition: “Paul is rightly respected as one of the leading barristers in this area. He is a clear and forceful advocate, a brilliant technician and an exceedingly clever strategist.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in Sport: “Paul has a strong intellect and is an excellent advocate.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in Group Litigation: “He is a clear and forceful advocate, a brilliant technician and a clever strategist.” – Legal 500, 2023
“Paul Harris QC is a titan of the bar when it comes to competition matters. He is seasoned on cartel litigation cases, abuse of dominance and merger clearance.” – Competition, Who’s Who Legal Global Guide 2022
“Stands out as a “tough advocate” who is “absolutely brilliant in sport and competition cases.” – Competition, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2022
Recommended in Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2022
Sport: “He is tough and extremely well prepared in court.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Competition Law: “If you want him to go to battle for a client he is fantastic – he will make the points very strongly.” “I think he is good at seeing the big-picture strategic points. Very good at understanding the dynamic of the cases and where the pressure points are – this is thanks to his experience. He has an adaptable style on his feet as well. He is excellent, approachable and open to new ideas.” “Paul is easy to work with; he is client-focused and personable.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2022
Leading silk in Competition: “Paul is one of the most tenacious advocates at the Bar. He is not afraid to take and argue a point that might not, at first blush, be hugely attractive to the court.” – Legal 500, 2022
Leading silk in Sport: “Head and shoulders the best sports lawyer at the Bar. A brave and effective strategist and a persuasive advocate.” – Legal 500, 2022
“The “tenacious” Paul Harris QC is celebrated for his “ability to get the heart of the key issues quickly” and his “strategic understanding of the big picture as well as the details”. – Competition, Who’s Who Legal Global Guide 2021
Recommended in Sports, Who’s Who Legal Global Guide 2021
Sport: “He is bright, engaging, very articulate and ferocious in cross-examination.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Competition Law: “He is very good at getting his boxing gloves out and going in to fight.” “He is good to have on your side when you’re backed into a corner.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2021
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘An excellent choice for contentious sports matters, particularly those involving competition law issues.’’– Legal 500, 2021
Leading silk in Sport: ‘‘Very well-known. A top practitioner for good reason – super-committed, very energetic – you can see why he is busy and well-regarded. He really is in your corner in a way clients appreciate.’’– Legal 500, 2021
“Excels in a variety of sports matters, most notably high-value arbitration proceedings.” – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2020
Sport: “Very commercial, understands the client’s needs, and is extremely user-friendly. He is extremely bright and a robust, competent advocate.” “An expert in his field and very, very experienced in sport.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Competition Law: “A powerful advocate and a strong force in court.” “He narrows down the salient points and is forceful in his delivery of them.” “Clients completely rely on his advice and really value everything he says,” valuing the fact that he is “very clear-cut and direct.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2020
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘Very pragmatic and straightforward.’’– Legal 500, 2020
Leading silk in Sport: ‘‘A very forceful and direct advocate.’’– Legal 500, 2020
“Receives recognition from respondents as “a very strong advocate in court” and “a standout on sports-related issues” – Competition, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
“Hugely well regarded” in the sports space. He is described by peers as “a very bright and strong advocate”, and wins praise for his work on arbitration and litigation proceedings” – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
Competition Law: “He is a very effective courtroom advocate,” and “knows his subject matter very well.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2019
Sport: “A real sports expert.” “Excellent advocate and impressive clarity of thought in competition-related but also commercial matters.” “Extremely robust.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘Hardworking, responsive and a forceful and aggressive advocate.’’– Legal 500, 2018
Leading silk in Sport: ‘‘A hardworking, responsive and forceful advocate.’’– Legal 500, 2018
Competition Law: “He is very good at getting on top of the detail and is a great cross-examiner who presents complex issues in a simple manner.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Sport: “He is very user-friendly and a real sport expert.” “He is a seriously bright lawyer.” “He exudes utter confidence and is extremely good with clients.” “He lives up to his reputation: a big hitter in the sport sector with vast competition law experience.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘Very knowledgeable and extremely able.’’– Legal 500, 2017
Competition: “He is very commercial and understands the client’s position. He is aggressive when he needs to be and can be very innovative as well.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Sport: “He’s incredibly bright and very good on his feet. A very forceful advocate, he doesn’t give up.” “He’s the doyen of competition law and competition sports work.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Leading silk in Commercial Litigation: “Exceptional for commercial litigation and competition advice.” – Legal 500, 2016
Leading silk in EU and Competition: “A ferocious litigator, who never fails to impress with his ability to take control.” – Legal 500, 2016
Leading silk in Sport: “Very authoritative, articulate and commercial.” – Legal 500, 2016
Competition: An “excellent advocate”, who is well-schooled in competition litigation. Peers add that “he is a dynamic and potent force in the courtroom.” – WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2016
Sports: Has “a very high-profile practice”, acting for clubs, governing bodies, leagues, agents, players and commercial partners, including sponsors and broadcasters. Sources appraise his level of knowledge and dedication to the field as “exemplary”. Clients also remark on his “responsiveness” and “unfussy” handling of complex matters. – WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2016
Competition Law: “Incredibly fearless, incisive and decisive.” “He is insightful and incredible both on his feet and also in preparation.” “His cross-examination was phenomenal and really persuasive.” – Chambers UK & Chambers Global, 2016
Sport: “He is very intelligent, responsive, and a real heavyweight advocate.” “He is a combative driving force who is good on detail and strategy.” – Chambers UK, 2016
Leading Silk in EU and Competition Law: ”Very approachable and client-friendly.” Legal 500, 2015
Leading Silk in Sports Law: ‘Very articulate, very easy to deal with and very effective.” Legal 500, 2015
Leading Silk in Commercial Litigation Law: ”An excellent commercial litigator.” Legal 500, 2015
Competition Law: “Like a one-man commando unit, he’s highly forceful in court.” “A great leader who is excellent on his feet; it’s always impressive to see him in action.” – Chambers UK, 2015
Sport: “He’s an extremely good sports lawyer who provides pithy, commercial advice.” – Chambers UK, 2015
‘He is particularly well known for disputes in the sports, media and telecoms sectors.’ Paul Harris QC is recommended as a leading silk in Commercial Litigation. Legal 500, 2014
‘Very bright and decisive.’ Paul Harris QC is recommended as a leading silk in Media, Entertainment & Sport and EU and Competition Law. Legal 500, 2014
Paul Harris QC is ranked in Band 1 under Sports Law. “He is very, very hard-working and well regarded, and has an effective style when it comes to clients.” “He is a force of nature; he’s very aggressive and goes for the jugular every time.” Chambers UK, 2014
Under Competition Law: He is a particularly popular choice as lead counsel in follow-on damages actions, not least because of his outstanding litigation skills. “An absolute delight to work with, he is incredibly clever and truly a litigators’ litigator.” “He is very good at devising a strategy.” Chambers UK, 2014
“Paul Harris QC of Monckton Chambers is fast becoming one of the silks of choice for sports advocacy. Peers agree that he is “a first-rate barrister who knows the sports industry inside-out and works very well with clients as a result.” Sports clients are keen to work further with a barrister who “speaks a language we understand; he has the appearance, he gets the strategy – when we’re loading the cannon for a hearing, we want him to fire it.”” Chambers UK, 2013
Under Media, Entertainment and Sport: “The ‘thorough and reliable’ Paul Harris QC successfully acted for the applicant in Brennan v Health Professionals Council, and represented several major sports bodies in their challenge to Ofcom’s decision to compel Sky to provide the Sky Sports 1 and 2 channels to other pay TV retailers.”- Legal 500, 2012
Paul Harris QC is recommended as a leading silk in EU and Competition Law. Legal 500, 2012
Paul Harris QC is recommended as a leading silk in Media, Entertainment and Sport Law. Legal 500, 2012
Under Competition/European Law, Paul Harris QC is “Commended for his expertise and skill, he is described by solicitors as “a fantastic street fighter in court.” He has been acting in the high-profile recruitment industry cartel case Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd v Office of Fair Trading. – Chambers UK, 2012
Sports Law: “Well supported in the market is Paul Harris QC of Monckton Chambers. He may have only recently taken silk but, in terms of the sports market, is already considered to be amongst the most luminous of the Bar’s leading lights. His elevated standing is affirmed by his case list, which includes some of the year’s biggest sports issues … sources believe Harris is “both an absolute A* practitioner intellectually, but also top-notch on the practical side of things, and a man who understands the nuances of a case.” Clients from within the sports industry are unequivocal in their praise: “Harris is a no-nonsense barrister who knows the sports industry intimately and understands exactly what sports people want.” ” – Chambers UK, 2012
EU & Competition recommend Paul Harris QC as a leading silk. Legal 500, 2011
Media, Entertainment & Sport states that ‘new silk’ Paul Harris “is ‘extremely bright, yet down-to-earth’ and reaps strong praise for his ‘considerable experience in sports law cases and familiarity with the Premier League and Football Association rules and regulations’.” Legal 500, 2011
Tax: Corporate & VAT recommends “‘the high rated’ Paul Harris QC ‘who appeared in ERF v HMRC’.” Legal 500, 2011
Paul Harris is regarded as one of “chambers’ rising stars.” – Global Competition Review: Barrister Survey, 2011
Under Competition/European Law “Paul Harris wins recognition for his “diligence and consistently commercial advice.” “Impressively aggressive as conditions dictate,” he is not one to shirk the fight. Of late, he has acted in such cases as British Afternoon Greyhound Services v Amalgamated Racing” – Chambers UK, 2011
“Paul Harris of Monckton Chambers is another with a tremendous profile within the sports sector. He is frequently involved with sports cases from a competition angle, and draws praise for his advocacy style, which is “straight up and direct – he understands that you need to avoid the kind of pyrotechnics which some of his peers tend to use and which alienate sports tribunals.” ” – Chambers UK, 2011
Winner of the 2010 EU and Competition “Junior of the Year” – Chambers Bar Awards