Matthew accepts instructions in public law proceedings to act on behalf of local authorities, parents, children, and intervenors. Matthew regularly appears in care cases before every level of judge and frequently appears in lengthy final and fact finding hearings. His public law experience includes:
- Contested final hearings
- Fact-finding hearings – including non-accidental injury and sexual abuse cases
- Appeal proceedings
- Applications for declarations authorising local authorities to deprive children of their liberty
- Applications for expert evidence and assessment under section 38(6)
- Contested interim removal applications
- Applications for FGM Protection Orders
- Matthew was recently led in a lengthy fact-finding hearing that concerned allegations of sexual abuse and FII.
Matthew has experience of cases involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse, and cases involving allegations of radicalisation and extremism. Matthew is also regularly instructed to advise on issues concerning the law and practice in this area.
Matthew is a Bar Pro Bono Unit Panel Member and frequently accepts instructions to represent vulnerable clients on a pro bono basis.
Notable Cases
Re W (A Child) (Inflicted Injury) (Delay) [2024] EWCA Civ 418
Re PQR (Children) [2017] EWFC B86.
C (Children) [2016] EWFC 6
Y v S [2017] EWHC 1020 (Fam)
Recommendations
Chambers and Partners 2023: “Matthew is a very good advocate, thorough and good with the more difficult parent clients.” “Matthew is an excellent junior who is well prepared with excellent client care. He is methodical and focused.” “He can pick up work and run with it quickly.”
Legal 500 2023: “Matthew provides clear advice and is down to earth with the clients. He is always well prepared, straight talking and very approachable. He will always discuss the case with clients and take their thoughts and views on board.”
Chambers & Partners 2022: “Matthew is excellent in his representation of vulnerable clients. He is always well prepared.”
Legal 500 2022: “Matthew is an excellent all round barrister with a particular strength in his advocacy and client care skills. I have seen first hand how he explains matters to clients in a careful and thorough manner, whilst being understanding to their needs and worries.”
Chambers and Partners 2021: “He has an excellent manner with clients and is dedicated and able to define a clear thread in a case and pursue it.”
Legal 500 2021: “Extremely knowledgeable and analytical, with strong case preparation as a result.”
Chambers and Partners 2020: “He’s a safe pair of hands, and is very good for directions hearings.” “He’s able to deliver unpalatable advice well.”
Awards/Scholarships
Birmingham Law School Lady Barber Prize for Mooting 2009
Inner Temple BPTC Exhibition Scholarship Award 2010
Inner Temple Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award 2010
BPP Law School Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono Projects Prize 2011
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