Paul is a partner in the trust, estate and inheritance disputes team.
Top ranked in the directories, Paul is described as a ‘star litigator' and ‘a formidable opponent'; as well as listed in The Lawyer's Hot 100 2020.Paul specialises in all types of trust and probate disputes. This includes claims about the validity, construction and rectification of wills and trusts, Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims, removal of executors and trustees, and contentious estate and trust administrations.
The Court has appointed him administrator in a number of contentious estates. A barrister interviewed by the leading independent legal directories commented: ‘if I were a client with a contentious trusts or probate claim, I would, without hesitation, go to Paul'.
Paul also advises on contentious Court of Protection matters, both financial, and health and welfare, involving those unable to manage their own affairs. These include statutory will applications and disputes over the appointment or conduct of attorneys and deputies. Occasionally he acts as a ‘litigation friend'.
He also advises on professional negligence claims arising out of trust and estate administration, and failed estate and tax planning.
Paul Hewitt enjoys an excellent reputation for his work on complex private client disputes. "There is a uniquely commercial aspect to his work and he is exceptional at judging whether something is worth running," observes one source. Another comments: "He really knows what he's doing and is absolutely determined to do the best with his clients."
The Lawyer says "There aren't too many lawyers who can claim to have acted in a case spanning more than 70 years concerning two countries, a bank and a former state. However, that is precisely what Paul Hewitt did when representing the 8th Nizam in High Commissioner for Pakistan In the United Kingdom v Prince Muffakham Jah & Ors last year, a dispute linked to a £1m fee that eventually ballooned to £35m."
He heads the firm's work for charities and not-for-profit organisations on legacy income with Stephen Richards.
Clients
Recent recognition
Me in a minute
I love the challenge of my specialist area
I wanted to be a lawyer since I was about ten even though I don't think we knew any lawyers. As my wife and colleagues know only too well I enjoy a good debate and if I hadn't gone into the law, I would most probably have pursued a career in politics.
I love the challenge of my specialist area. Disputes about wills and trusts require detailed knowledge of the law but they also require strategic planning, detective work and understanding of the family emotions that often drive discord, as well as commercial common sense.
Probably my highest profile case is acting for His Exalted Highness the VIII Nizam of Hyderabad over the ownership of £35 million his grandfather deposited with NatWest bank in 1948 (the money is also claimed by the governments of India and Pakistan).
The case I am proudest of is Burgess v Hawes - a finely balanced probate dispute where our preparation tipped the balance in a winner takes all scenario.
I act for a whole variety of charities, as well as individuals, some high profile. I am very proud of my record in resolving the vast majority of disputes without putting clients through the risk, stress and expense of going to court.