Matthew Smith

Biography

Matthew joined Stephensons in 2017. Matthew has remained in the commercial & dispute resolution team since then, assisting clients with a wide range of commercial and civil litigation, with a particular focus on property litigation.

Matthew’s specialisms include:

• Residential and commercial possession proceedings;
• Disrepair / dilapidations claims;
• Boundary disputes;
• Right of way disputes;
• Breach of covenant claims;
• Adverse possession;
• Trespass and nuisance claims;
• Professional negligence; and
• Rent recovery.

Matthew's broad experience leaves him well equipped to assist with any property dispute. He has assisted a wide range of clients, be that social landlords, homeowners, large commercial clients, or tenants. Matthew’s experience with acting for various types of clients on both sides of disputes provides him with invaluable insight when providing clients with practical advice.

Matthew’s approach to all litigation, whether acting for a commercial client or an individual, is to achieve the best solution for the client as quickly as possible, exploring all possibilities, including alternative dispute resolution.

Alongside his main role in the team, Matthew is currently undertaking a solicitor apprenticeship and hopes to qualify as a solicitor in 2025. He is supervised by Louise Hebborn.

Recent cases

Matthew assisted with defending a claim against an estate by showing that the death of a guarantor brought an end to the guarantee agreement and so the estate of the guarantor was not liable for any rent arrears which arose after their death. 

Acting on behalf of a social landlord, Matthew successfully negotiated the settlement of a high value disrepair claim ahead of trial, significantly reducing the landlord’s exposure to further costs and damages.

Matthew assisted with a complex trial concerning the enforceability of boundary agreements, achieving a successful outcome for the client.