Paul has been part of CLM since 1996 and became a Partner three years later. He is now chair of the firm’s partners. Paul leads our Corporate & Commercial team and works with companies of all shapes and sizes – from local SMEs to large corporates and exporters. His clients span diverse industries but they all come to Paul for the same reason: they need to get things done to grow and thrive.
Pragmatic and plain-spoken, Paul has a knack for making the complex simple. Whether he’s setting up ownership structures, guiding mergers and acquisitions, drafting bespoke contracts or untangling compliance issues, he cuts through legal jargon and helps people understand exactly what’s required to reach the best outcome. He’s also known for bringing people together to find practical solutions that work for everyone.
Alongside his client work, Paul sits on the Investment Advisory Committee for the Acorn Foundation, helping ensure local bequests make the greatest possible impact in the Bay of Plenty community. He enjoys being able to apply his commercial expertise in a way that benefits people and causes close to home.
Originally from Rotorua, Paul studied law in Wellington before settling in Tauranga where he and his wife, Sam, have raised their family. He enjoys going for decent walks around scenic spots, playing a round of golf (not always successfully), and spending time at the family bach at Whiritoa, just south of Whangamata. He’s also a keen skier, with Cardrona and The Remarkables topping his list of favourite fields to visit each winter.
