Introduction
Introduction
Matthew combines legal, maritime, and academic knowledge to provide informed and pragmatic legal solutions. With over 20 years of senior-level experience in the super yachting industry, Matthew served as a captain, owner’s representative, and maritime consultant on some of the world’s most prestigious super yachts, often engaged directly by high-profile owners. Leveraging his unique blend of skills and background, Matthew now advises and represents various stakeholders in the yachting industry, including yacht owners, shipyards, captains, and crew members.
Matthew’s practice encompasses a range of specialist legal areas, from contractual and employment issues to commercial litigation. Additionally, he offers maritime operational compliance advice, covering areas such as ISM, ISPS, MLC, and more.
Accustomed to working at the highest standards of professionalism and excellence for the world’s most exacting individuals, Matthew is adept at advising and representing clients in court or arbitration proceedings, as well as acting as an arbitrator.
Practice
Practice
Matthew can provide advice and/or representation in the following areas:
Maritime, Contract and Consumer Law:
- Claims under the Consumer Credit Act
- Consumer contracts
- Shipbuilding contracts
- Refit contracts
- Transactional disputes
- Charter party disputes
Tort Law & Other Maritime Commercial Litigation:
- Professional negligence
- Employers’ liability
- Emotional distress
- Financial losses
- Injuries
- Invasion of privacy and other issues
- Salvage rights, collision disputes and other marine-related issues.
Landlord, Tenant and ASB:
- Possession/eviction proceedings
- TOLATA claims
- Disrepair claims
- Closure orders
- ASB Injuctions
Employment Law:
- Constructive or unfair dismissal
- Allegations of bullying or harassment
- Health & Safety concerns
- Discrimination
- Whistleblowing
- Redundancy
Education and Qualifications
Education and Qualifications
Legal Qualifications:
Master's (LLM), Legal Practice, BPP Law School (London), Distinction
Post Graduate Certificate in International Law, Bristol Law School
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), BPP Law School (London)
ODR ADR Civil Commercial Mediator
2020 Lexis Nexis research certification
Maritime Qualifications:
MCA Master’s 3000GT unlimited area – Yacht (STCW78 II/2)
ISM & ISPS certificates
GMDSS (Radio operator) GOC
ECDIS training - generic & Transas type specific
PADI Divemaster
Proficiency in Medical care aboard ship (Ship's Captain Medical)
Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW2010)
Memberships
Memberships
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The Nautical Institute (Associate Fellow)
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British Maritime Law Association (National branch of the Comité Maritime International)
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London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA, supporting membership)
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American Bar Association
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Professional Yachting Association
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The Bar Yacht Club
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The Honourable Society of Inner Temple
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The South Eastern Circuit
Notable Cases
Notable Cases
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2024 - Drafted application for leave to appeal in high value cargo arbitration.
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Shipyard V Yacht Owner [2022]: Appointed by the respondent as an arbitrator on this high value yacht refit dispute. Non-UK, common law jurisdiction. Matthew’s combined experience, especially his extensive experience in shipyards, was put to its full use during these proceedings where the dispute was of a very technical nature concerning the quality of the work, and whether it conformed to the terms of a standard form MYBA contract. Proceeded to a full hearing with a finding of split liability.
Arbitration & Mediation
Arbitration & Mediation
Matthew accepts appointments as either arbitrator or mediator, having been previously appointed to assist with high value disputes in both roles, particularly relating to his Maritime background and specialist knowledge.