Paul Tarne

Paul is a Partner who specialises in acting for public bodies. His clients include local authorities and emergency services. He undertakes a range of multi-disciplinary work including the defence of civil proceedings, public inquiries and coronial matters.

Notable cases include representing Greater Manchester Combined Authority, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, a Core Participant, as their designated legal representative in the Public Inquiry into the Manchester Arena Terror Attack.

He is renowned for handling sensitive and challenging cases, which often include claims of significant value. A further example of Paul’s work is the successful defence of a claim for £25 million brought by four claimants for misfeasance and malicious prosecution.

Paul is also vastly experienced in dealing with employers' liability and public liability claims. Examples include defending fraudulent claims, such as Washington v Oldham MBC [2016] and Maybury v Oldham MBC [2009]. In both instances, the individuals concerned were convicted and received custodial sentences.

He is a frequent contributor to articles and a speaker at external events on topics such as inquests and inquiries, highways law, education, commercialisation of the public sector and emergency services law and liability.

Paul was awarded Lawyer of the Year by the Legal 500 in the Public Sector category of the Northern Powerhouse Awards 2023.