Matthew enjoys a practice encompassing a wide range of civil matters, particularly Commercial; Property; Insolvency; and Construction (further detail can be found by clicking on the headings below). Matthew provides a practical and cost-effective service to clients in a timely and friendly manner.
Matthew is experienced in all stages of litigation from pre-action conduct and advice, through interim applications and trial, up to appeals and enforcement.
Matthew is qualified to accept instructions through the Bar’s Public Access Scheme.
Cases
Matthew recently represented one of the opposing creditors in a restructuring scheme cross class cram down application (pursuant to Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006) in Re The Great Annual Savings Company Ltd [2023] EWHC 1141 (Ch). The court refused to sanction the plan in what is now the leading authority on how the Court will approach the views of opposing creditors, particularly HMRC. Matthew was instructed by Judge & Priestley to represent TotalEnergies Gas and Power who would have lost c.£5m had the restructuring plan been approved.
Matthew represented the defendant in Read v Eastern Counties Leather Group Limited [2022] EWHC 31 (Ch) and succeeded in striking out a High Court claim which sought to set aside a settlement reached between the parties in earlier proceedings and for recission of an earlier order for possession. The case is now referred to in the Wite Book at 3.4.6 in relation to the rule in Henderson v Henderson. The claimant contended that the settlement had been obtained through fraud by way of fraudulent misrepresentations. The settlement compromised a claim of over £2m. Matthew successfully applied to have the High Court claim struck out with summary judgment entered for the defendant.
Further information
Memberships
Matthew is a member of the Property Bar Association.
Seminars and Training
Matthew enjoys providing focussed training and update sessions. He has previously given talks on recent developments in case law, procedural matters, and costs, in the areas of property, insolvency and construction law. If you would like Matthew to deliver a talk, he is happy to provide bespoke training sessions.
Qualifications
- Bar Professional Training Course (City Law School)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Law (City Law School)
- BA (Hons) History (Durham University)
Pro Bono
Matthew volunteers for the City Law School’s Company Insolvency (CO:IN) scheme to provide free advice and representation to companies at the Winding Up Court. As the scheme assists unrepresented companies on the day of the winding up hearing. Matthew has become accustomed to providing practical and commercial advice quickly and effectively. Matthew’s interview for ‘Law in Action’ and an interview with one of the scheme’s student volunteers is available here.
Interests
Matthew has a wide variety of interests from history and politics to the theatre and travel. He is also a keen marathon runner and a lifelong Bristol City fan.
