Matt Bishop

Matt is the only non-Partner solicitor personally ranked by Chambers and Partners in their UK 2026 guide for Crime in the South, earning recognition as an ‘Associate to Watch’. This distinction highlights Matt’s exceptional dedication to achieving results and making a meaningful impact within the legal community.

Alongside his ranking in the 2026 Chambers and Partners Guide, Matt received the following comments from professional referees:

‘Matthew Bishop is an excellent young solicitor with knowledge and ability far beyond his experience.’

‘Matthew is definitely one to watch in crime. He is always prepared and goes above and beyond for clients and counsel, allowing great results to be achieved.’

‘He is astute and gets issues that need to be addressed.’

Matt specialises in representing clients in criminal matters. He has significant experience in representing clients facing some of the most serious offences, including multi-handed and multi-national fraud, sexual offences, and serious violent offences (including GBH and attempted murder). He has seen considerable success in securing not guilty verdicts and favourable sentences.

His notable cases include:

R v H – Defended a fake taxi-driver accused of serious sexual offences in two Crown Court Trials and successfully at the Court of Appeal;
SFO v D – Defended one of five accused of conspiracy to defraud circa £5m from investors in a multi-national ‘waterbond’ scheme (ongoing as of Sept 2025);
R v G – Acquittal in a drug supply case, successfully arguing modern slavery;
R v F – Acquittal in a ‘hammer attack’ GBH against an ex-partner;
R v W – Represented one of five accused of drug gang-related kidnap and GBH – exploration of the represented client’s vulnerabilities and exploitation;
FCA v F – Acquittal of a client accused of importing multiple kilograms of cocaine from Jamaica – requiring explanation of significant mental health difficulties regarding intent;
R v A (youth) – Avoided a custodial sentence for a youth in a serious GBH case against a shop-worker;

Matt is happy to accept instructions in all manner of criminal cases, as well as the firm’s other practice areas.

He regularly conducts advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court and is an accredited police station representative, representing clients from the outset of their case through to trial. Matt’s client-focussed approach, strategic thinking and meticulous preparation ensure he provides clear, considered and robust legal advice to clients.

Matt possesses a first-class Law with Business Management LLB from the University of Sussex, and Masters with Distinction in Law, Business and Management from the University of Law. He is also a supervisor of the University of Sussex’s Criminal Justice Law Clinic.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys going on walks with his dog, travelling, and playing badminton.