BEIJING, June 26 -- Madonna has reportedly hired the divorce lawyer who represented Sir Paul McCartney.

Singer Madonna and her director husband Guy Ritchie arrive on the red carpet at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 21, 2008.(Photo: chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies) Photo Gallery>>>

    The "4 Minutes" singer was said to be impressed by Fiona Shackleton's handling of the former Beatle's bitter battle with ex-wife Heather Mills and wants her to represent her case against Guy Ritchie.

    A friend of the singer insists Fiona is the natural choice for Madonna, telling Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Madonna always seeks out the best in whatever field she is interested in at any given time.

    Fiona Shackleton is the best." Madonna - who reportedly has no pre-nuptial agreement with Guy - had been hoping to resolve their difference but has reportedly realized their relationship is irreparable; she needed a proper legal consultation.

    One friend of the lawyer - who also represented Prince Charles in his divorce from Princess Diana - said: "Madonna was impressed by Fiona's work for Sir Paul and the way she handles herself in the public eye. She is a consummate professional."

    Earlier this month, Madonna was forced to deny rumors she had been having talks with Nicholas Mostyn QC - the lawyer who represented Heather in her divorce from Paul.

    Madonna's spokesperson denied those claims, but of the latest rumors would only say: "We are unable to comment on this." Madonna, 49, and Guy, 39, have a seven-year-old son Rocco and an adopted son David, two. Madonna also has a daughter, 11-year-old Lourdes, from a previous relationship.