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

Matthew can provide advice and/or representation in the following areas: 

Contract and Consumer Law: 

-       Claims under the Consumer Credit Act

-       Consumer contracts

-       Shipbuilding contracts

-       Refit contracts

-       Sale of yachts

-       Charter contracts

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 and Tenant:

-       Possession hearings

-       TOLATA

-       Disrepair claims

-       Property disputes

Employment Law: 

-       Constructive or unfair dismissal

-       Allegations of bullying or harassment

-       Health & Safety concerns

-       Discrimination

-       Whistleblowing

-       Redundancy

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

• Associate Fellow, Nautical Institute

• British Maritime Law Association (National branch of the Comité Maritime International)

• London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA, supporting membership)

• American Bar Association

• Professional Yachting Association

• The Bar Yacht Club

• The Honourable Society of Inner Temple

Notable Cases

• 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. 

• SE V Large Yacht Management [2021]: Advised a crew member regarding a claim for wrongful/unfair dismissal, English jurisdiction. Settled prior to Tribunal hearing. 

• 2023 - Advised owner of a large yacht on their rights and obligations under a Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Seafarer’s Employment Agree (SEA) following the injury of a senior crewmember. The owner followed this advice in full.

• Captain V Yacht Yard [2022]: Advised a captain regarding a PI claim.  Claim followed a serious injury caused by a faulty deck hatch, in the Bahamas. Vessel was still under warranty from the builder. English Jurisdiction. Claim settled. 

• A v UK Banks: (small claims / fast track) [2021-2023]  Successfully represented private individuals in a number of separate claims against UK’s major banks. Claims arising out of undisclosed commission on PPI policies, pursuant to s140 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

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.