Michael Paton

Michael is consistently ranked in Chambers Global, Chambers High-Net-Worth Guide and The Legal 500 Caribbean. 

He is also ranked by the IFLR 1000 and Citywealth Leaderslist.

Commentators highlight Michael Paton as the “dean of lawyers in investment funds,” as well as praising him as “solution-driven, approachable and always willing to help.” He is also valued by his clients for his “strong accountancy skills.” In addition to his investment funds work, he has further expertise in M&A and trusts. (Chambers Global 2021)

Michael Paton is a highly experienced practitioner who is described as being “very good at trust structuring and general planning matters.” He is seen as “a top-level lawyer” who is“very good” for this work. (Chambers HNW 2020)

“A superb, brilliant attorney,” Michael Paton is a leading practitioner in financial services matters. Additionally, he is praised for his “excellent service” to clients in the trusts and estates arena and is a deft hand at investment fund launches and M&A. (Chambers Global 2020)

‘Michael Paton is one of the most renowned lawyers in the Bahamas and is very responsive, practical, knowledgeable and personable.’ (The Legal 500 Caribbean 2020)

Michael remains a “key player“ at the firm, and receives particular acclaim for his trusts and investment funds work. Market sources praise his combination of “real-world experience” and “very creative“ approach. (Chambers Global 2018)

“He is very competent, experienced, available and to-the-point,” says a market insider; “he gets things done and is very enjoyable to work with.” One source notes that “he is very good on investments,” explaining: “He has been actively involved in improving the investment funds law. He is a man of considerable experience. He has very good clients and is technically gifted.”  (Chambers HNW Guide 2018)

He is regarded as “one of the foremost securities lawyers in the country“. (Chambers Global 2017)

Michael  handles non-contentious trusts work at Lennox Paton. He focuses on advisory work for private clients and trust companies. Described as “very experienced“ and “very knowledgeable,”  he is a non-practising qualified CPA. Sources also highlight his speciality in investment funds matters.  (Chambers HNW Guide 2017) 

Michael received his education at Radley College, England (1981), Tulane University, USA (1985) and the University of Westminster, England (1990).

He has been admitted to the Bar of England and Wales (1991), the Bahamas Bar Association (1991) and the State of Louisiana Board of Certified Public Accountants (1986).

• Member of Lincoln’s Inn
• Member of the International Bar Association
• Member of the International Tax Planning Association
• Director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board (2002-2006)
• Commodore of Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (2001-2012)
• Co-chairman of the Bahamas Government Task Force on Private Pensions (2010)
• Deputy Chairman of The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (since 2017)