Mills and Mishcons split as divorce row drags on

Mishcon de Reya has parted company with client Heather Mills in the middle of her high-profile divorce battle with Sir Paul McCartney, it emerged yesterday (8 November).

The news ends an 18-month relationship between Mills and litigation specialist Anthony Julius, whose former clients in divorce proceedings include Princess Diana.

Confirming the move, a spokesperson for Mishcons said: "We are no longer representing Heather Mills anymore."

Although the firm gave no reason for the split, the news follows a string of controversial television interviews given by Mills during which the former model was heavily critical of media coverage of her multimillion-pound divorce battle.

Commenting on the news, Manches family partner James Stewart said: "Quite often lawyers and their clients part ways and she will now want to instruct somebody who is an experienced family lawyer and effective negotiator. There are lots of them around."

In October 2006 Mishcons' safeguard procedures came under scrutiny after confidential information regarding the case was leaked to the press, including allegations that McCartney had mistreated Mills.

The case is the latest in a series of high-profile divorce cases, including insurance magnate John Charman's £48m dispute and the House of Lords rulings in Miller and McFarlane last year, which strengthened the position of claimants divorcing wealthy spouses.

Former Beatle McCartney is being represented by Payne Hicks Beach family law partner Fiona Shackleton.