Paul Way studied law at the University of Sydney, where he took the Bachelor of Laws degree. Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is widely regarded as Australia's first university, and its law program formed one of the principal routes into legal practice in New South Wales during the mid-twentieth century.
He was admitted to the bar in New South Wales in 1957, completing the transition from university study to professional legal practice in the state.
Paul Way's principal documented professional position is his partnership in Henry Davis York, a Sydney law firm. Henry Davis York was founded in 1893 and took its name from Henry Davis, its founder. By the time of its later history, it was described as a leading Australian law firm with offices in Sydney and Brisbane, and it was headquartered in Sydney.
The firm combined with the global firm Norton Rose Fulbright on December 1, 2017, after which it operated as part of that international network. Its specialties included banking and finance, corporate and commercial work, and public sector matters, reflecting the commercial practice areas typical of large Australian city firms.
A partner in an Australian law firm is a senior practitioner who shares in the firm's ownership and governance. Way's career began with his admission to practice in New South Wales in 1957, and his partnership with Henry Davis York forms the firm's documented link in his professional life.
