Matthew Pascall

Media and communications law

Matthew played a central role in the successful resolution of the historic phone hacking litigation, which culminated in a significant settlement in January 2025. The case involved key claimants, including Lord Tom Watson and the Duke of Sussex, and marked a milestone in the battle for privacy rights and media accountability in the UK.

As the leading provider of after-the-event (ATE) insurance, Temple Legal Protection supported the claimants throughout the litigation. Matthew, with his extensive experience in commercial ATE insurance, worked closely with the legal teams representing the claimants, including David Sherborne of 5RB and other key legal experts from Hamlins and Clintons.

His expertise in navigating the complexities of high-profile media cases allowed the legal teams to secure a settlement without the financial risk typically associated with such high-stakes litigation.

Matthew’s role was instrumental in ensuring that the claimants could pursue justice without the fear of significant financial burden. Through his guidance, Temple’s ATE insurance allowed the claimants to challenge powerful media organisations with confidence, ultimately leading to the landmark settlement.

The case also saw News Group Newspapers issue an unprecedented apology, acknowledging the unlawful activities of private investigators hired by its journalists.