Olliers

Managing Director

Managing Director & Solicitor

Olliers’ Managing Director Matthew Claughton is widely regarded as having steered the firm to its market leading position. He is the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Criminal Lawyer of the Year 2023. Matthew understands the pressure faced by an individual under criminal investigation or prosecution. There are very few cases he has not dealt with. Matthew leads a team of over 25 lawyers and their level of expertise is such that he can match the right lawyer to the right client – every single time.

Matthew and his team act for clients facing serious criminal allegations, accusations of fraud, as well as those who may face criticism before professional bodies or during the course of public inquiry/inquest.

He leads the pre-charge team which has a nationwide client base and an outstanding track record. Here he sets out his approach to pre charge work:

“The most effective criminal lawyer is the one who prevents their client being charged. Never mind headline grabbing acquittals in the Crown Court, far better to avoid a prosecution in the first instance.

At Olliers, we specialise in representing clients through during the investigation stage of a case. It is what sets us apart.  Our focus is on ‘pre-charge engagement’ and preventing prosecutions with successful representations against charge.”

Matthew is ranked as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500. He is the only lawyer to win the Manchester Legal Awards Partner of the Year award twice.

What they say about Matthew

Legal 500 2024 ‘Matthew Claughton is a visionary. He is the person who has steered the firm from being a group of legal aid criminal defence lawyers to being the most professional legal service providers in the north. He is also a top-class lawyer, especially when it comes to top end financial crime.’

Legal 500 2024 ‘Matthew Claughton is outstanding. Absolutely dependable and an inspirational leader to his team.’

Legal 500 2023 ‘Matthew Claughton is the “go-to” solicitor for people who are being investigated in all manner of criminal and fraud offences.’

Legal 500 2022 ‘Matthew Claughton is top class for any financial crime requirement. When you instruct him you are assured of the very best service and the very best result.’

Legal 500 2021 ‘Matt Claughton – managing partner, the go-to solicitor for private crime. Impeccable acquittal rate, straight talking but super bright.’

Legal 500 2020 rated Matthew as a ‘brilliant tactician, who makes things go away with the minimum of fuss.”

Legal 500 2019 ‘The ‘super bright’ Matthew Claughton leads the practice and advises on crisis management issues and investigations.’

Legal 500 2018 ‘Practice head Matthew Claughton specialises in allegations of serious fraud and regulatory issues; he regularly acts for clients in investigations, and has a strong reputation in crisis management work.’

Law Society; Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers; Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association; Criminal Law Solicitors Association.

Manchester Metropolitan University (1985 LLB).

Trained Ollier Wilner & Jones; qualified 1990; partner Olliers 1991.

Family, Manchester United, squash.