Matthew Butt

A leading Silk practising in inquests and inquiries, police regulation, criminal and extradition law. Matthew has particular expertise in cases relating to terrorism, national security and firearms tactics. He is currently acting in the Manchester Arena, Grenfell Tower and Jermaine Baker public inquiries. He represented the Metropolitan Police Service and Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters in the inquests arising out of the Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge and Palace of Westminster terrorist attacks. An expert in international criminal law, Matthew successfully acted for Colonel Kumar Lama when he was tried at the Old Bailey for war crimes allegedly committed during the Nepalese civil war. Regularly instructed to represent accused officers in police disciplinary hearings and appeals, recent cases include the Sean Rigg and Henry Hicks misconduct cases. Advises and represents on all matters connected with licensed activities, including gambling, alcohol, regulated entertainment, street trading, firearms and taxis before licensing committees and on appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Clients include major casino operators, licensing authorities, the police, national pub operators and festivals.

University College London (LLB; Dip Law); Gray’s Inn (2002 Atkin Scholar; 2000 Lord Justice Walker Scholar); English Union American Scholar 2001.