Kings Chambers

Matthew Smith is able to deal with any civil costs dispute, and is one of only three counsel to also be a qualified costs draftsman.

Moreover, his knowledge of the law outside costs makes him particularly adept at dealing with the more unusual topics that may arise in costs litigation, such as novel points of principle, costs in tribunals, children and costs etc.

Matthew has a niche practice in dealing with issues concerning contracts of retainer, including advising the steps which are required to mend (or undermine) ‘broken retainers’. This goes hand-in-hand with his specialism in non-contentious costs. He has drafted a number of retainers (both conditional and non-conditional), and is adept at giving advice which is aimed at maximising profit (both for defendant firms and claimant firms) and minimising risk.

Matthew also has wide experience of group litigation, applications for security for costs, issues concerning success fees, after the event insurance, costs concerning patients, costs concerning children, and fixed costs.

Matthew is an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

Associate of the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen

University: Cambridge (Trinity Hall) Degree: MA Year of Call: 1991 (Lincoln’s Inn)

Examination for associate membership of the ALCD (2009)