Practice Overview
Matthew’s practice encompasses financial remedies, private law children, and jurisdiction disputes whether finance or children related.
He has particular expertise of undertaking cases and nuptial agreements for HNW and UHNW individuals involving assets of up to £1bn. He also has significant interest in internal and external relocation cases that include SEN elements – Matthew is a champion for Neurodiversity in Law. Additionally, Matthew is adept at handling family cases with ongoing parallel proceedings (such as immigration).
Matthew joined 1GC after five years away from the Bar working firstly as a Partner at Forsters LLP and latterly as Head of Family at Wedlake Bell LLP. Prior to this, Matthew spent 10 years at a specialist matrimonial finance chambers.
Having spent 5 years instructing counsel on matters, Matthew loves fully integrating himself into a team with the instructing solicitors on any matter. He knows what life on the other side of the profession is like and how much instructions matter and are precious.
Matthew is qualified as a mediator for both civil and family disputes and is by now an experienced mediator having conducted a number since he completed his training. Matthew can be instructed as a private FDR judge or as a direct access barrister within ‘one lawyer’ models to avoid conflict.
Matthew has been recognised in 2024 Spear's 500 index as a top recommended family law barrister.
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Direct Access
Matthew undertakes some direct access work, particularly that around nuptial agreements which he has significant experience of drafting and negotiating due to having spent 5 years in private client firms in London.
He also enjoys giving early strategic advice to clients in the immediate aftermath of their divorce, or pre-separation, often before they instruct a solicitor.
When appropriate, Matthew refers direct access clients to trusted solicitors.
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Notable Cases
Alexander Valeryavich Timokhin v Anna Annatolyevna Timokhina [2023] EWHC 58
Whittingham v Whittingham [2017] EWHC 3318
Arbili v Arbili [2015] EWCA Civ 542
AC v SC 23 Jun 2015 [2015] Lexis Citation 129
CS v ACS & Anor [2015] EWHC 1005
Mann v Mann [2014] EWCA Civ 1674
Lofthouse v Box [2014] EWHC 1795
A v L (departure from equality: needs) [2012] 1 FLR 985
Traversa v Freddi [2011] EWCA Civ 81 (at first instance - Matthew was in New Zealand at the Court of Appeal stage)
W (A Child) [2010] EWCA Civ 1648
As a pupil, Matthew assisted on the leading nuptial agreement case of MacLeod, as well as other substantial cases such as Myerson.
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What the Directories Say
“an unbelievable lawyer” (Chambers UK UHNW 2023 - Band 3)
“a real joy to work with… a really unquestionably sound judgement… straightforward… superb at dealing with trusts” (Chambers UK UHNW 2022 - Band 3)
“outstandingly bright, hard working and energetic… excellent forensic judgement combined with… sensitivity” (Legal 500 2024)
“clever, creative, empathetic and has a big brain… paving the way for the next generation of lawyers” (Legal 500 2024)
“heavily involved in the case of Macleod in the Privy Council, which changed the law on nuptial agreements… deep understanding…” (Spear’s 2023)
“incredibly bright… fantastic technical ability” (Chambers UK UHNW 2022 - Band 3)
“fantastic… top quality” (Chambers UK UHNW 2021 - Band 3)
“Energetic, empathetic and can always see the bigger picture” (Legal 500 2021)
“a star of the future” (Chambers UK 2019) - when still at the Bar
News
Spear's 500
Top Recommended
2024
