Matthew Claughton, criminal defence solicitor
Olliers’ Managing Director Matthew Claughton is widely regarded as having steered the firm to its market leading position.
Matthew is an outstanding lawyer ranked by the Legal 500 2022 as a top tier practitioner in both fraud and criminal law. Quotes from the Guide include:
- ‘Matthew Claughton is top class for any financial crime requirement. When you instruct him you are assured of the very best service and the very best result.’
- ‘Matt Claughton – managing partner, the go-to solicitor for private crime. Impeccable acquittal rate, straight talking but super bright.’
- ‘The ‘super bright’ Matthew Claughton leads the practice and advises on crisis management issues and investigations.’
- ‘Practice head Matthew Claughton specialises in allegations of serious fraud and regulatory issues; he regularly acts for clients in investigations, and has a strong reputation in crisis management work.’
He is the 2021 winner of the Manchester Legal Awards Partner of the Year, having previously won the award in 2015. In February 2021 Matthew celebrated 32 years with Olliers.
Matthew specialises in defending allegations of serious crime, fraud, regulatory matters and sexual offences. He is often asked to act for clients during the investigation stage of the criminal process, and has a reputation for dealing with crisis management focusing not only on avoiding a criminal charge but also minimising the negative consequences of an investigation, whatever its nature. The Legal 500 2020 rated Matthew as an ‘outstanding individual’ and the Legal 500 2019 rated Matthew as a ‘brilliant tactician, who makes things go away with the minimum of fuss.” He is known for his methodical preparation for interviews under caution and robust but sensitive liaison with investigating authorities. He is frequently involved in preparing representations against charge as discussed here within the context of sexual offences.
Matthew also acts for clients interviewed by the Serious Fraud Office under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987. Read his article on section 2 SFO interviews here.
Matthew also has substantial experience of restraint orders within the context of complex investigations. Restraint Orders – a Proactive Approach.
Watch Matthew Claughton talking to The Law Society about what being a solicitor means to him.