Exchange Chambers

Family

Matthew, a former Solicitor since 2004, joined Exchange Chambers in April 2022. He is a specialist children law practitioner who has built an excellent reputation as a highly competent, diligent and pragmatic lawyer.

As a solicitor-advocate and since being called to the Bar, Matthew has developed an established practice in both public and private law proceedings. His experience covers the fullest range of child protection law, including significant matters such as the death of or serious injury to a child, alleged sexual abuse, fabricated or induced illness and Deprivation of Liberty/Inherent Jurisdiction proceedings.

In public law proceedings, Matthew is often instructed to represent parents and wider family members although he is frequently instructed on behalf of children (through their Guardian and for competent children directly). In respect of the latter, Matthew’s broad previous experience as a Solicitor for the child/children leaves him well placed to act in these often challenging situations.

Matthew also maintains a busy practice in privately funded private law cases, many of which require finding of fact hearings to determine allegations of abuse and/or alienating behaviour.

Family Law Bar Association

Northern Circuit

Association of Lawyers for Children

Member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

LLB Hons – Liverpool John Moores University Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice – College of Law (now University of Law) Chester