Matthew Mortimer

Practice areas

Crime
Civil
Family

Profile

Matthew accepted tenancy at Devon Chambers at the beginning of October 2023. He continues to enjoy a busy and varied common law practice.

Crime

Matthew both prosecutes and defends in the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court, his practice covers all areas of criminal law. Matthew is a CPS Grade 2 prosecutor and is regularly instructed by the CPS in Crown Court trials, recent examples include matters of grievous bodily harm, strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Matthew is regularly instructed to defend. This includes matters from first appearance in the Magistrates Court through to conducting trials in the Crown Court. Matthew prides himself on his meticulous preparation and ability to reassure clients in conference. Matthew also acts in the youth court.

Matthew has appeared before the Court of Appeal representing both the Crown as the respondent to an appeal against a manifestly excessive sentence, and a client as the respondent to a Solicitor General’s Reference against an unduly lenient sentence. Matthew has a focussed approach to written advocacy, utilising his organisation.

Family

Matthew enjoys a broad family practice including both public and private matters. Matthew appears in family matters from the Magistrates Court to the High Court.

Matthew is regularly instructed in private matters, from first hearings through to final hearings and multi day finding of fact hearings. Matthew’s approach has been complimented by both professional and lay clients, particularly his ability to reassure lay clients and give clear and concise advice.

Matthew is also instructed in public law matters. He is continually instructed to represent the local authority, the parents and the children through their Guardians. Matthew has an ability to cut through the complex issues to achieve efficient resolution.

Regulatory

Matthew also appears in regulatory matters. He has appeared on behalf of the local authority in matters relating to the Town and Country Planning Act, trading standards matters and licensing appeals. Matthew receives regular instructions to privately prosecute on behalf of other professional bodies. Matthew’s background in geography is particularly valuable in relation to environmental matters.

Civil

In terms of his civil practice, Matthew is often instructed in a range of hearings, such examples being small claims arising out of road traffic accidents, credit hire matters and infant settlement approval hearings. Matthew also has a paper based civil practice and is happy to advise on matters such as property disputes and the value of claims. Matthew is frequently instructed in civil applications on behalf of professional bodies, such as the local police force. Recent examples of such applications are Sexual Risk Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and orders under the Dangerous Dogs Act

Matthew is regulated by the Bar Standards Board.