LAWYER PROFILE
Matthew Hardcastle

Matthew Hardcastle

UK 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Kingsley Napley LLP

Practice Areas

Matthew’s specialty is in pre-charge investigations and litigation. Matthew has particular experience acting in high-profiles matters, including cases involving members of the media, the entertainment industry, professional athletes, politicians, and regulated individuals.

Criminal defence and police investigations

Matthew has acted in a number of the most significant investigations of the past five years and has established himself as one of the country’s leading specialists in Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace investigations providing advice to both companies and individuals.

He’s also specialised in police station representation and acts for young people accused of serious criminal offences.

White collar crime

Matthew regularly acts for regulated individuals and company officers facing a criminal investigation, including in a number of significant SFO investigators and prosecutions.

Publications

Matthew combines his practice with academic work and he is the author of the leading practitioners’ texts on providing advice during a criminal investigation. He is the co-author of three books on police station law and procedure:

Defending Suspects at Police Station;

Police Station Adviser’s Handbook;

Blackstone’s Police Station Handbook

He’s also the co-author of Legal Action Group’s Police Station: Update; on the editorial review board of The Criminal Law Review; and is the chair of Criminal Law Week: Live.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Crime - London (Firms)

Band 5
Band 5

Individual Editorial

Matthew Hardcastle specialises in police station representation and other pre-charge work. He has experience advising high-profile clients such as ultra high net worth individuals and leading professionals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Matthew is an unbelievably astute and competent solicitor. He is calm, measured, thoughtful with a very warm and supportive manner.

    CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Matthew is an expert in criminal law and procedure.

    CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • A serious, confident, highly experienced criminal litigator with excellent client communication skills.

    CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Ranked Individuals at Kingsley Napley LLP (78)

London (Firms)

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