Public Notary Exeter

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 widely 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 corporations and high-profile individuals. His experience extends to acting for members of world-famous pop groups and advising CEOs of luxury motor brands. He approaches every case with a strategic mindset designed to protect the financial interests of his clients. His deep understanding of banking law makes him a formidable advocate in disputes against financial institutions.

Patrick’s expertise is also heavily utilised in the maritime sector where he advises on disputes involving ship and yacht brokers. He is well-versed in both domestic and international arbitration forums such as the LCIA and LMAA. This technical breadth allows him to handle cases involving multi-party product liability and complex debt recoveries. He frequently contributes to legal discourse through “keynotes” and articles regarding developments in banking litigation. His ability to distill complex legal principles into actionable advice is highly valued by his peers. He remains a steadfast defender of his clients’ rights within the Royal Courts of Justice.

Accessibility and Personal Interests

While his primary professional base is Chancery Lane in London, Patrick maintains a strong connection to 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. He is known for charging a fair price while delivering a high level of personal attention to every instruction. His dual-location practice reflects the modern, flexible approach pioneered by Keystone Law. Clients appreciate his ability to combine City-level expertise with local accessibility.

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 when not engaged in legal research. 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 writer, 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.

Notarial Services in Exeter

Patrick Selley, provides a comprehensive range of notarial solutions for both individual and corporate clients. Whether you are dealing with international property, overseas business transactions, or personal documentation, I will ensure your paperwork meets strict global standards.

Core services include:

  • Notarisation & Legalisation: Expert authentication of documents for use abroad, including coordination with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
  • Apostille Services: Streamlined handling of Apostille certificates to ensure your documents are recognised by Hague Convention member countries.
  • Powers of Attorney: Specialist notarisation of Power of Attorney documents for international legal matters.
  • Witnessing & Certification: Official witnessing of signatures and the provision of certified copies for:
    • Proof of Identity (Passports/Driving Licences)
    • Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
    • Educational Qualifications and Professional Transcripts

Local Expertise: Based in the heart of Exeter, I pride myself on providing a precise, efficient service that simplifies the complexities of international law.


Office: The Senate Southernhay Gardens Exeter EX1 1UG