Fiona Shackleton, who represented Sir Paul McCartney in his divorce from Heather Mills, has taken the title of the most high profile lawyer in the UK, according to a survey from Sweet & Maxwell.

She’s taken the title of most high profile lawyer from Anthony Julius, who represented Princes Diana during her divorce from Prince Charles.

Fiona Shackleton received the most press mentions in the last twelve months, totalling some 274 press cuttings. Julius fell from the top spot to fourth place with just 69 press cuttings in the past year, compared with 195 press cuttings in 2007. Julius acted as Heather Mills’ divorce lawyer at the beginning of her battle with Sir Paul McCartney.

The second most high profile lawyer in the UK in the past twelve months was Bruce Buck, from ‘Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’. He attained 234 press cuttings, largely through his being the chairman of Chelsea FC.

Alina Lourie, the author of the report, claims that it shows the sort of issues that the UK public have interested in during the last twelve months.

While cases associated with high-profile public figures naturally receive a large slice of press coverage, the overall levels of press coverage devoted to lawyers represents the important role they play in shaping current affairs.