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Tenacious and personable in equal measures, Matthew is a consummate litigator. A clear and articulate communicator, with deep technical knowledge and a collaborative approach, Matthew is equally at home in the courtroom or in mediation.
Clear, articulate communication and timeliness are Matthew's key strengths as he advocates on behalf of his clients and works collaboratively with other parties and stakeholders to resolve complex legal disputes. Matthew is a consummate litigator and practised negotiator.
Matthew, who draws upon experience at various other well-respected firms, has a practice with a particular focus on contractual disputes, building and construction, property disputes, personal and corporate insolvency matters, and estate disputes. He has appeared for clients in all divisions of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, New South Wales Court of Appeal, the District Court of New South Wales; Local Court of New South Wales; Federal Court of Australia; Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia; Supreme Court of Victoria; and various administrative tribunals. He is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council and the Law Society of New South Wales.
With a personal approach and an emphasis on clearly communicating complex issues to his clients, Matthew works towards just, quick and cost-effective outcomes with his clients’ best interests first and foremost in mind.
Tenacious and personable in equal measures, Matthew is a consummate litigator. A clear and articulate communicator, with deep technical knowledge and a collaborative approach, Matthew is equally at home in the courtroom or in mediation.
Clear, articulate communication and timeliness are Matthew's key strengths as he advocates on behalf of his clients and works collaboratively with other parties and stakeholders to resolve complex legal disputes. Matthew is a consummate litigator and practised negotiator.
Matthew, who draws upon experience at various other well-respected firms, has a practice with a particular focus on contractual disputes, building and construction, property disputes, personal and corporate insolvency matters, and estate disputes. He has appeared for clients in all divisions of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, New South Wales Court of Appeal, the District Court of New South Wales; Local Court of New South Wales; Federal Court of Australia; Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia; Supreme Court of Victoria; and various administrative tribunals. He is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council and the Law Society of New South Wales.
With a personal approach and an emphasis on clearly communicating complex issues to his clients, Matthew works towards just, quick and cost-effective outcomes with his clients’ best interests first and foremost in mind.
Restraint of Trade Clauses in Franchise Agreements: What NSW Franchisees Need to Know and Lessons from Narellan Franchise Pty Ltd v RBME Pty Ltd (No 2) [2022] NSWSC 1590 — Matthew explores the legal principles governing restraint of trade clauses in franchise agreements, explaining why these provisions are not automatically enforceable and how NSW's unique legislative framework allows courts to uphold restraints only to the extent they are reasonable. Drawing on recent case law, the court's reasoning on goodwill, the limits of a franchisor's "legitimate interest," and the boundaries of a court's power to read down poorly drafted restraints.
Techfuel -V- Coulson — Matthew writes about a matter he ran from the District Court through to a successful Court of Appeal outcome on behalf of Techfuel Pty Ltd. The article breaks down a dispute where the meaning of a single phrase ("fire season") became the centre piece of a contractual battle between an aviation fuel supplier and its client. Through unpacking the court's reasoning on contractual construction, termination clauses, and penalty enforceability, Matthew highlights how poorly defined contract terms can lead to costly litigation, and why obtaining legal advice when negotiating commercial agreements is essential.
