Matthew Stanbury

Matt’s day-to-day practice is split between inquests and civil claims, usually involving actions against the police. He also frequently accepts instructions and public law cases focusing on judicial reviews on behalf of prisoners, bereaved families and cases with a civil liberties angle. He has acted as leading junior in the criminal and civil jurisdictions, including in the Court of Appeal and has also appeared in a number of recent cases in the Supreme Court.

Matt frequently appears at inquests on behalf of bereaved families, usually in the context of deaths in custody where he draws upon his substantial experience of prison law and practice. He also has particular expertise in mental health cases and deaths in secure hospitals.

Matt is instructed to act on behalf of claimants in cases across the public law spectrum, but in particular those with a human rights or civil liberties aspect. He has been involved in a number of recent and high profile cases, including at the highest level.

Having started life at the Bar as a criminal practitioner, Matt continues to accept instructions in some criminal cases. He has a specialist criminal appeals practice and has been involved in a number of leading cases, including R v Hunter [2015] 2 Cr App R 9, the leading case on good character directions. He has acted in a number of Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) referrals and judicial review challenges to CCRC decisions.

In 2023 Matthew was appointed a Recorder.