Matthew Stewart

Year of call:

2019

Education:

2017 - The University of Leeds Law (LLB Hons) 2:1

2019 - The University of Law - Leeds Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) Very Competent

Career:

2020 - Pupil at Park Square Barristers, Leeds

2021 - Tenant at Park Square Barristers

2021 - Level 1 Prosecutor

2021 - Level 2 Prosecutor

Appointments:

Awards:

2019 - KBW Criminal Moot Finalist

2019 - 3rd Place at CEDR National Negotiation Competition

Having completed his pupillage under the supervision of Gill Batts, Matthew has developed a busy practice in prosecuting and defending in both the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. He is known for his relatable personality and fearless approach to trials which sees him regularly instructed by both the CPS and defence solicitors to act on their behalf.

Matthew has significant experience in dealing with offences of violence, dishonesty, public order and road traffic offences. Such range of experience has required Matthew to deploy his specialist knowledge in applications on matters of law, such as hearsay and bad character applications. He also has experience of dealing with sensitive matters in the Youth Court.

Matthew prides himself on his meticulous preparation and client-led approach. He is keen to continue to develop his criminal practice.

Notable cases

  • R v Allen – Instructed to represent a former headteacher charged with historic sexual offences against former pupils. Suspended sentence imposed.
  • R v N – Instructed to represent a Defendant charged with possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Defendant acquitted after successfully challenging expert evidence.

Contact Matthew’s clerks

Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202

Gina Hawkins on 0113 213 5205

Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203

Lucy Finney on 0113 213 5220

 

Matthew enjoys a busy mixed civil practice and is regularly instructed on a variety of matters including small claims track trials, credit hire, Stage 3 disposals and interim applications. He has experience of dealing with hearings both remotely and in person.

Matthew is regularly instructed on credit hire cases acting for both claimants and defendants. He is familiar with the relevant arguments and case law in relation to all of the key areas including need, enforceability, impecuniosity, period and rate.

Contact Matthew’s clerks

Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252

Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609

Joshua Duree on 0113 213 5246

Mike Alexander on 0113 2135268

Ben Ellison-Tope on 0113 2135207

 

Matthew is keen to expand his private and public children law practice. He has experience of both prosecuting and defending in the criminal courts, giving him the emotional intelligence and experience in dealing with sensitive matters.

Contact Matthew’s clerks

Claudine Cooper on 0113 202 8604

Paul Foster on 0113 213 5209

Arnela Siranovic on 0113 213 5212

Matthew has undertaken a secondment with and continues to be instructed by Humberside & South Yorkshire Police. This involves drafting applications and providing advice in relation to protective public orders, such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Stalking Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders.

Most recently, he has been advising on the COVID-19 health regulations procedure used by the police throughout lockdown.

Contact Matthew’s clerks

Madeleine Gray on 0113 202 8603

Patrick Urbina on 0113 213 5250

Imogen Brown on 0113 2135225