No5 Barristers' Chambers

Crime

Matthew Brook has been a specialist criminal practitioner since 1999. He took Silk in 2024. He acts both for the prosecution and for the defence.

Matthew is one of the few counsel based in the Midlands who has built up a specialist terrorism practice. Over the past 8 years, he has been instructed both to prosecute and to defend in a number of high-profile, complicated terrorist cases, ranging from far-right extremism to terrorism linked to the so-called “Islamic State” and “ISIS-K”.

Matthew has extensive experience in both prosecuting and defending trials relating to homicide, large scale drug supply and sexual offences.

When defending, Matthew uses his extensive experience in prosecuting serious cases to his client’s benefit. This knowledge helps him highlight, and take advantage of, disclosure and other weaknesses in the Crown’s case.

Matthew considers that early case preparation is often key to the successful resolution of cases. To this end, he is always willing to discuss cases with instructing solicitors whether in person, by telephone or in writing. His aim whenever giving advice is that it should be clear, practical and realistic.

Criminal Bar Association

Trinity Hall, Cambridge [MA]

[Awarded a First in Law degree]