.png)

PAUL RUSSELL
Education:
B Soc Sc, LLB, University of Cape Town
LLM (Commercial Law), University of Bristol, England ​
Paul is a founding director of Nortons and a leading authority in competition law and diamond industry regulation. His extensive experience and deep understanding of these complex fields make him an invaluable asset to clients seeking strategic guidance and effective representation.​​
Paul's expertise in competition law is comprehensive, covering a wide range of issues, including:
Merger Control: He advises on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including joint ventures, pre-merger notifications, and obtaining regulatory approvals.
Anticompetitive Conduct: Paul has extensive experience in cartel investigations, dawn raids, prohibited practices, abuse of dominance, and leniency applications.
Compliance and Enforcement: He assists clients with navigating the complexities of competition law compliance, including risk assessments, audits, and training programs.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Paul represents clients in competition law disputes, including litigation before the Competition Tribunal and courts.
WHAT SETS PAUL APART​
Unparalleled Expertise in Diamond Industry Regulation
Paul's unique specialization in diamond industry regulation sets him apart. His in-depth knowledge of the Diamonds Act, Diamond Export Levy Act, and related legislation is unmatched in South Africa. This expertise stems from his years as Senior Legal Counsel at De Beers, where he played a key role in shaping downstream diamond legislation and advising on complex regulatory issues.​
A Trusted Advisor to Industry Leaders
Paul's reputation for excellence has led Anglo American/De Beers and numerous international diamantaires to rely on his counsel for strategic guidance and effective representation. His deep understanding of the diamond industry, combined with his legal acumen, makes him a sought-after advisor in South Africa and beyond.​
A Proven Litigator
Paul's expertise extends to commercial and general litigation. He has successfully represented numerous large, listed, and multinational companies in high-stakes disputes, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Client-Focused Approach
Paul is committed to understanding his clients' business needs and providing practical, tailored solutions. He combines his legal expertise with a deep understanding of commercial realities to deliver effective results that align with his clients' strategic goals.