Enterprise Chambers

Matthew has a broad commercial chancery practice, covering both traditional chancery and commercial disputes. He has a meticulous eye, and a commercial perspective. He is noted for his insolvency experience, and has been described as a “steely advocate”.

Commercial

Matthew’s practice includes all aspects of commercial litigation, including contractual disputes, sale of goods and partnership disputes. He frequently acts in claims against guarantors, and has given a number of seminars concerning such claims.

Insolvency & Restructuring

Insolvency accounts for a significant proportion of Matthew’s practice. He has considerable experience in a broad range of insolvency matters, including:

Transaction at undervalue (TUV), preference, misfeasance and unlawful distributions claims; Sham trusts; Disputes as to the bankrupt’s share in jointly owned property, including the application of the principle of equity of exoneration; Administration orders; Applications to extend administrations; Applications to make distributions to unsecured creditors; Applications in respect of office-holder’s fees and expenses; Directors disqualification.

Company

Matthew is experienced in a broad range of company disputes, including shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice petitions and just and equitable winding up petitions.

Property

Matthew deals with all aspects of Property law, including conveyancing, charges, easements and restrictive covenants. He has acted in a number of cases concerning the application of section 2 of the Law of Property Act 1989 and the issue of whether the vendor is obliged to return a deposit.

Wills, Trusts and Probate

Matthew accepts instructions in all aspects of Trusts and Probate. His experience includes:

Traditional probate disputes (allegations of lack of testamentary capacity, want of knowledge and approval, undue influence); Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; Advising on the construction of wills; Advising in potential professional negligence claims, including issues concerning inheritance tax; Applications to remove personal representatives; Applications for accounts against intermeddling executors; Applications to revoke probate on the ground that the will was a false document.

Called to the Bar, Middle Temple: 2010 (Certificate of Honour)

Member of Chancery Bar Association

Associate Member of Insolvency Lawyers Association

Associate Member of R3 Association of Business Recovery Professionals

Member of North East Commercial Bar Association

LLB Law, University of Leeds: 2006 – 2009 (First Class Hons; Hughes Scholar for highest overall mark)

Bar Vocational Course: 2009-10 (Outstanding)