Private client specialists Paynes Hicks Beach and Mischon de Reya have been instructed to advise on the impending divorce of Sir Paul McCartney and Lady Heather McCartney, in the second high-profile private client matter to hit the headlines in the last week.

Paynes Hicks partner Fiona Shackleton has been instructed by Sir Paul, while Mischons consultant Anthony Julius is to advise Lady Heather on the proceedings, which will see them carve up Sir Paul’s £825m cache.