Matthew Stanbury

Ranked in 3 Practice Areas

Band 1

Administrative & Public Law

The Regions (Bar)

4 Years Ranked

Band 1

Civil Liberties & Human Rights

The Regions (Bar)

2 Years Ranked

Band 2

Inquests & Public Inquiries

The Regions (Bar)

3 Years Ranked

About

Provided by Matthew Stanbury

UK Bar

Practice Areas

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK-Bar

Administrative & Public Law - The Regions (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Matthew Stanbury specialises in public and administrative law cases that arise in the context of prison and criminal law. He typically acts for claimants in judicial reviews which challenge decisions by the Ministry of Justice or the Parole Board.

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Civil Liberties & Human Rights - The Regions (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Matthew Stanbury is highly regarded for his wide-ranging civil liberties practice, encompassing areas such as Court of Protection cases and significant Crown Court matters. His diverse client base includes prisoners, bereaved families and individuals facing criminal charges. He has significant expertise in miscarriage of justice compensation cases.

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Inquests & Public Inquiries - The Regions (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Matthew Stanbury offers a diverse set of experience including acting for families in prison or care-related inquests and in 'justice after acquittal' cases.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Matthew Stanbury is an approachable but meticulous advocate for his clients. His attention to detail is second to none and he commands that detail in his arguments before the court.

Administrative & Public Law respondent
UK-Bar

Matthew's attention to detail is second to none. He commends this attention to detail before the court and tribunals, making it appear that all of his submissions represent common sense.

Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondent
UK-Bar

Matthew Stanbury is a very good advocate with great knowledge of inquest law.