Not Only Paul McCartney But Legal Counsel Divorcing Heather Mills
Only a few weeks ago, it looked like Paul McCartney’s divorce was going to end with an eye-popping agreed $102 million settlement with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Heather Mills.
But now it is almost certain to go to trial, as the almost-settled case erodes into acrimony, reports the London Times.
The impasse has been sparked by Mills’ insistence on publicly discussing her five-year marriage with the singing star, a former Beatle. This has also been instrumental in prompting her solicitor, Anthony Julius of Mishcon de Reya, to quit, which is not conducive to settlement either, the Times writes. Such a break-up between lawyer and client, which apparently was instigated in this case by Mills’ counsel, is unusual and ordinarily happens for good reason, according to the newspaper.
Apparently, “it is Ms. Mills’ recent behavior, in defiance of both legal advice and an undertaking given during the current proceedings not to speak out, that has triggered the move,” the Times writes. The code of conduct for British solicitors allows withdrawal “where there is a breakdown in confidence between you and the client and where you are unable to obtain proper instructions.”
The $102 million settlement predicted earlier would have set a record in the British courts, as discussed in a previous ABAJournal.com post.
Fiona Shackleton at Payne Hicks Beach represents McCartney and declined to comment.
