Paul East QC

A former Attorney-General, Paul has worked closely with Bell Gully on public law matters for a number of years. He regularly advises clients on a range of public law issues, as well as providing representation within the parliamentary and legislative arena.

He has appeared before parliamentary select committees on behalf of companies and organisations and made representations on a wide range of government regulations and legislation.

Paul commenced practice as a lawyer in 1971. He was first elected to Parliament in 1978. During his political career he held a variety of Cabinet posts including Minister for State Services, Defence, Corrections and Crown Health Enterprises. He was Leader of the House and served as the country's Attorney-General for seven years. Upon leaving Parliament he was appointed the New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

A company director and Queen's Counsel, he has also been involved in a wide range of organisations and became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to Parliament and the law.