Matthew Claughton, Criminal Defence Solicitor
Olliers’ Managing Director Matthew Claughton is widely regarded as having steered the firm to its market leading position. He is the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Criminal Lawyer of the Year 2023. Matthew understands the pressure faced by an individual under criminal investigation or prosecution. There are very few cases he has not dealt with. Matthew leads a team of over 20 lawyers and their level of expertise is such that he can match the right lawyer to the right client – every single time.
Matthew and his team act for clients facing serious criminal allegations, accusations of fraud, as well as those who may face criticism before professional bodies or during the course of public inquiry/inquest.
He leads the pre-charge team which has a nationwide client base and an outstanding track record. Here he sets out his approach to pre charge work:
“The most effective criminal lawyer is the one who prevents their client being charged. Never mind headline grabbing acquittals in the Crown Court, far better to avoid a prosecution in the first instance.
At Olliers, we specialise in representing clients through during the investigation stage of a case. It is what sets us apart. Our focus is on ‘pre-charge engagement’ and preventing prosecutions with successful representations against charge.”
Matthew is ranked as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500. He is the only lawyer to win the Manchester Legal Awards Partner of the Year award twice.