about Patrick Selley

A Dual Professional: Solicitor and Notary Public

The office of a Notary Public is the oldest branch of the legal profession in England and Wales and carries significant international weight. Patrick operates this practice as a separate legal function while maintaining his role as a Partner at Keystone Law. His notarial work involves the preparation and authentication of documents destined for use in foreign jurisdictions. This service is vital for companies expanding overseas or individuals managing assets in different territories. He ensures that every instrument he seals is legally compliant and truly understood by the parties involved. His commitment to detail ensures that your cross-border transactions proceed without administrative friction.

Patrick Selley is a highly distinguished legal professional who balances a robust litigation practice with the specialised responsibilities of a Notary Public. Based at the innovative firm Keystone Law in London, he brings over four decades of experience to the complex world of dispute resolution. His career began in 1983 following his graduation from the University of Bristol and since then he has navigated high-stakes legal environments across the globe. Having worked in major financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Leeds, he joined Keystone Law in 2009. His recent qualification as a Notary Public from University College London in 2023 further enhanced his ability to serve international clients. This dual capacity allows him to provide a seamless transition between domestic legal advice and international document authentication.

Litigation Expertise at Keystone Law

Within his capacity as a solicitor, Patrick is recognised for his tenacity in the field of commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He has a particular niche in professional negligence, financial disputes and the complexities surrounding personal guarantees. Throughout his tenure at Keystone Law, he has represented a diverse array of clients including major businesses and high-profile individuals. He approaches every case with a strategic mindset designed to protect the financial interests of his clients.

Patrick’s began his career at the specialist international shipping and commodities law firm of Holman Fenwick Willan and worked in their London and Hong Kong offices and occasionally Paris representing a range of ship owning interests and those of their insurers. He is well-versed in both domestic and international arbitration forums and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. This technical breadth allows him to handle multi party cases across a number of jurisdictions where necessary. He frequently contributes to legal discourse through “keynotes” and articles regarding developments in banking litigation. His ability to distil complex legal principles into actionable advice is highly valued by his clients

Accessibility and Personal Interests

While Keystone is based in Chancery Lane in London, Patrick lives and, for much of the time, works in the South West of England. He offers notarial services across Devon, including Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth, providing flexibility for clients outside the capital. This geographical reach is particularly beneficial for businesses in the maritime and agricultural sectors of the West Country. It is part of the Keystone model that their lawyers pricing is competitive while delivering a high level of personal attention to every instruction.

Patrick reflects this approach in the notarial services he provides as a separate and distinct capacity to his role at Keystone.

Outside the courtroom and the notary’s office, Patrick leads a life enriched by music and the natural world. He is an accomplished pianist and can often be found practising on his Pleyel grand piano. His love for the outdoors is evident in his passion for kayaking around the scenic coastline of Burgh Island. He lives with his wife, a retired dental surgeon turned successful novelist, who shares his appreciation for the cultural and natural beauty of Devon. This balance between a rigorous professional life and creative hobbies contributes to his grounded and empathetic approach to law. He remains a dedicated member of the legal community in both London and the South West.