Paul graduated in Law and Economics from the University of Ulster and joined the leading defence practice of Donnelly & Wall in 1998. 

He subsequently graduated with distinction from the University of Northumbria and was called to the Bars of England & Wales (Middle Temple) and Northern Ireland in 2001; developing an extensive civil and criminal litigation practice with a focus on Judicial Review. 

Paul is a Tutor at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (Queen's University, Belfast) and was an Advocacy Tutor within the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland (2003-2006).

He was a Trustee of Antrim District Citizens Advice Bureau (1998-2008), serving as both Chair (2001-2004) and Vice-Chair (2004-2008), and a non-executive Director of Citizens Advice Northern Ireland (1999-2003). 

Paul is a dual qualified Barrister and Solicitor Advocate in England & Wales.