Phone: +44 1423 509 000
Managing Director I Commercial I Digital
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Paul founded Berwins in 1986 and led the firm to become one of the leading law firms in North Yorkshire, before taking the bold step of leading the opening of its Berwins Digital Leeds office in 2013.
Paul is a longstanding trustee of the United Hebrew Congregation, Leeds, one of the leading synagogues in the UK outside of London. He has played a major role in the establishment of a key strategic cross communal youth organisation in Leeds, the revival of the Leeds Jewish community, and in the establishment of the Provincial Synagogue Presidents’ Conference. Extending a professional focus in the digital sphere, Paul is also a Director of the Leeds Digital Festival.
From a broad-based background which has enable him to take a pragmatic and practical approach to all his work, Paul has developed his practice to become a highly experienced and trusted commercial and company lawyer with a deep specialism in digital contracts and advising software companies and digital marketing agencies across their businesses. He is UK External Counsel to a major US software company and adviser to one of the UK’s leading digital agencies. In 2022, Paul expanded his horizons even further by becoming a CEDR-accredited Mediator.
Paul is a dedicated sportsman and fundraiser, starting with his initial participation in the London Marathon in 1981. Since 2001 his focus has been on running and cycling, with many triathlons, duathlons and road-running races to his credit, and tens of thousands of pounds raised for charity. His most recent marathon in 2015 raised over £5000 for local and national charities. With a Master’s degree in history, Paul is also fascinated by his academic subject, and has continued his studies and adult education teaching, with a special interest in radical religious thought.
"Founding partner and [Commercial] team head Paul Berwin ‘is down to earth, keen to help, and always acts in his client’s best interests’"
Legal 500 - Corporate and Commercial (2017)
"The ‘consistently excellent’ IP team at Berwins focuses on trade mark applications and licensing, particularly on the contentious side, and is led by head of commercial and digital Paul Berwin, who is ‘friendly and approachable’ "
Legal 500 - Intellectual Property (2017)
"Name partner Paul Berwin heads the commercial and digital division of Berwins in Harrogate and has a knowledge of IT law which ‘stands out head and shoulders above other legal firms in the IT sector’ "
Legal 500 - IT and Telecoms (2017)
Paul Berwin of Berwins Solicitors represents a portfolio of SME clients. He is noted for his pragmatic approach to complex transactions and extensive knowledge of the technology sector.
Chambers (2017)
Paul Berwin of Berwins Solicitors is an expert on digital contracts and frequently works with software companies in the USA. He is praised by sources for his responsiveness, availability and "strong understanding of the IT sector."
Chambers 2017
"Founder Paul Berwin heads the ‘exemplary’ [Employment Law] practice at Berwins"
Quoted in Legal 500 (2016)
He is able to stand firm in negotiations, in a diplomatic fashion, while uncovering practical solutions to our stumbling blocks.
Quoted in Chambers 2015
He treats our business almost as if it's his own – he is very responsive and always goes the extra mile
Quoted in Chambers 2015
Paul Berwin has a speciality in Intellectual Property and IT/Digital business which makes him my first choice for any online, IT, digital or technology based client.
I know that his “techie” knowledge is detailed because my techie clients tell me how surprised they were at his knowledge.
Business coach and adviser
The ‘proactive' Paul Berwin focuses on non-contentious issues, and helps clients build their brands in ways which are distinctive and defensible.
Quoted in Legal 500 2014
Paul Berwin, as ever, gives us a great deal of support, and his in-depth knowledge of the IP and IT topics is very much appreciated. He always strives to react and respond quickly, often to short notice requests from us, and is able to combine diplomatic firmness and patience when dealing with our clients/prospects.
Client – Software Company
One of the positives the client shared with us was that our core contract was clear & professional – they felt it addressed all their key points straight out of the box and was a much better starting point than our competitors whose contracts were ‘all over the place’.
Client – Software as a Service provider
