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About Paul

Paul specialises in advising on, drafting and promoting legislation relating to railways, harbours, energy schemes and other public infrastructure. He also advises on negotiations and drafting of protective provisions and undertakings for both promoters and objectors and has extensive knowledge of transport, human rights, planning, compulsory purchase, compensation and environmental law. Relevant work also includes  advising on constitutional matters for harbour authorities and other statutory bodies.

Relevant Experience

  • Leading the team acting for the Department for Transport on the Hybrid Bills for High Speed 2 and Crossrail and  continuing to advise on the implementation of this legislation
  • Promoting Private Bills in the United Kingdom and Scottish Parliaments
  • Promoting and opposing numerous Transport and Works Act and development consent orders for railway, marine development and energy projects
  • Promoting tram legislation in the West Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds
  • Advising statutory harbour authorities including promoting harbour orders at Southampton, the Port of London, Grimsby, Hull, Immingham, Ipswich Teignmouth and Troon

Professional Memberships

Law Society of England & Wales
Society of Parliamentary Agents (Secretary 1996 to 2002, President, 2004 to 2006)

Career Experience

1992 to present: Partner, Winckworth Sherwood

1992: Roll A Parliamentary Agent

1991: Re-qualified as a Solicitor

1986: Joined Winckworth Sherwood

1985 to 1986: Pupillage with David Oliver QC & John Martineau at 13 Old Square, Lincoln's Inn

“You can count on him for top-rate guidance – he is a quiet man but he never wastes a word.”

Chambers and Partners UK

Sources view him as “clearly the top man for parliamentary agency work.”

Chambers and Partners UK, 2016

‘Paul Irving remains without equal in this field – his quiet almost self-effacing manner belies his longstanding expertise and impeccable judgement.’

Legal 500 2022

Paul Irving stands out for his “endless knowledge, analytical ability and impeccable judgement.”

Legal 500, 2017