Matthew joined the firm in 2026, having worked in a criminal defence practice since 2021.
Team
Matthew Bishop // Associate
Matthew Bishop // Associate
Matthew is ranked in Chambers and Partners in their UK 2026 guide for Crime, earning recognition as an ‘Associate to Watch’. This distinction highlights Matthew’s dedication to achieving results and making a meaningful impact within the legal community.
Alongside his ranking in the 2026 Chambers and Partners Guide, Matthew received the following comments from professional referees:
‘Matthew Bishop is an excellent young solicitor with knowledge and ability far beyond his experience.’
‘Matthew is definitely one to watch in crime. He is always prepared and goes above and beyond for clients and counsel, allowing great results to be achieved.’
‘He is astute and gets issues that need to be addressed.’
He has significant experience in representing clients facing some of the most serious offences, including multi-handed and multi-national fraud, sexual offences, and serious violent offences (including GBH and attempted murder). He has seen considerable success in securing not guilty verdicts and favourable sentences.
His notable cases include:
R v H – Defended a fake taxi-driver accused of serious sexual offences in two Crown Court Trials and successfully at the Court of Appeal;
R v C – Defended a Senior Partner of a law firm accused of fraud by abuse of position by appropriating client account funds of over £1.2m;
R v J – Defended in a ‘glassing’ GBH attack in a busy restaurant, securing a non-immediate custodial sentence;
SFO v D – Defended one of five accused of conspiracy to defraud circa £5m from investors in a multi-national ‘waterbond’ scheme;
R v G – Acquittal in a drug supply case, successfully arguing modern slavery;
R v F – Acquittal in a ‘hammer attack’ GBH against an ex-partner;
R v W – Represented one of five accused of drug gang-related kidnap and GBH – exploration of the represented client’s vulnerabilities and exploitation;
FCA v F – Acquittal of a client accused of importing multiple kilograms of cocaine from Jamaica – requiring explanation of significant mental health difficulties regarding intent;
He regularly conducts advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court and is an accredited police station representative, representing clients from the outset of their case through to trial. Matthew’s client-focussed approach, strategic thinking and meticulous preparation ensure he provides clear, considered and robust legal advice to clients.
Matthew possesses a first-class Law with Business Management LLB from the University of Sussex, and Masters with Distinction in Law, Business and Management from the University of Law. He is also a supervisor of the University of Sussex’s Criminal Justice Law Clinic.