Paul Kanolik

My Approach

Disputes invariably involve overcoming difficult challenges and meeting different objectives. I get my greatest job satisfaction from solving clients’ problems, achieving their desired outcomes, and making a positive difference to them.

I take an analytical and logical approach to each case, with the ultimate objective of seeking to reach a conclusion which is favourable as well as cost-effective to my clients.

Aside from pure commercial factors, there are often other sensitivities involved in cases, and I am mindful that each client’s case therefore requires a tailored approach to suit their circumstances.

Area of Expertise

I act on a diverse range of civil and commercial disputes, with particular specialisms in banking and finance, betting and gaming, and intellectual property disputes, which includes the following:

Banking and Finance Litigation

• Bridging loan disputes;
• Enforcing or defending personal guarantees;
• Mis-sold mortgages, pensions, or other financial products;
• Spreadbetting, CFD and other financial trading disputes;
• Negligent advice by banks and other financial advisors;
• Fraud, unlawful means conspiracy, and other dishonesty-related disputes with financial institutions and advisors;
• Breaches of loan agreements, contracts, overdrafts, or other debt instruments by financial institutions.

Commercial and Property Disputes

• Contractual disputes (e.g. breach of contract);
• Consumer rights and consumer credit/finance issues (e.g. in relation to the sale and supply of goods and services and consumer finance agreements);
• Corporate and partnership disputes (including disputes between directors, shareholders and partners);
• Defamation;
• Property (e.g. breaches of leases and tenancy agreements);
• Professional negligence;
• Debt recovery and set aside and defence of judgments entered into by creditors.

Betting and Gaming Disputes

• The recovery of monies on behalf of vulnerable individuals, including in relation to social responsibility and the protection of children and vulnerable persons;
• The non-payment of winnings; and
• Where monies have been stolen or misappropriated by third parties for the purposes of gambling. 

Intellectual Property

• Trademark infringement disputes;
• Advice regarding copyright protection and infringement;
• Design right disputes and advice;
• Passing off claims;
• Software licence and mobile app infringement disputes;
• Trade marks registrations

Recent Work

• Successfully negotiated the settlement of a 7-figure outstanding liability down to £10,000 on behalf of a borrower client.
• Defending court proceedings brought by a bridging lender for the repossession of property.
• Successfully recovering the full amount of a vulnerable client’s losses in relation to a share dealing account via a Financial Ombudsman Service complaint.
• Acting on the appeal to the Court of Appeal in the landmark case of Gibson v Betfair (TSE Malta LP).
• Called to give evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Reform in relation to a potential Gambling Ombudsman.
• Successfully acted for a lottery syndicate on the recovery of a jackpot win.

Professional Associations & Qualifications

• Recommended as a ‘Leading partner’ in the Legal 500 UK for Commercial Litigation in the South West, with Ellis Jones Solicitors being ranked as a Tier 1 Firm for commercial litigation.
• Previously commended and rated in the Legal 500 as having an ‘uncanny ability to achieve the best settlement available’, 'astute and commercially minded', and a 'preeminent lawyer in betting and gaming disputes in Dorset’.
• Winner of "Lawyer of the Year" at the Dorset Legal Awards 2018.
• LLB Law Degree (2:1) and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Distinction).
• Qualified as a Solicitor in October 2012.