Matt Hill
Senior Associate - Dispute Resolution
01423 566666
matthew.hill@raworths.co.uk
Background
Born in the Lake District
Educated: Keswick School, Lancaster University (LLB (Hons)) and the College of Law in Chester
Previous legal roles: Associate Solicitor at Turner Coulston, Northampton
Joined Raworths in September 2006
Member of the Property Litigation Association
Legal specialisation
Matt has a wealth of experience in civil and commercial litigation. Particular areas of expertise include property related disputes and insolvency matters.
Experience
Cases Matt has dealt with include:
Of public interest:
- Acting for the Official Solicitor in a claim to annul a bankruptcy order made against a mentally incapable individual.
- Acting for a company in respect of allegedly defamatory comments published online out of the jurisdiction.
- Acting for a pension fund in an application to the High Court for an administration order in respect of a member of the scheme which owed millions of pounds to the fund.
- Acting for an individual advising on the enforcement of a Judgment against the United States of America.
Of commercial interest:
- Acting for a national window / door manufacturer and installer in high value contractual claims
- Acting for a group of private hospitals in the south east of England in a high value claim against a local authority
- Acting for a Dutch Company in respect of a contractual dispute relating to the purchase of a high value crane
- Acting for a large Scottish supplier of mushrooms in a contractual dispute relating to the supply of defective compost and associated losses
- Acting for a Spanish company in a high value contractual claim.
Of property related disputes:
- Acted for a property development company in respect of the early termination of an option agreement.
- Acted for a large institutional landlord to bring urgent proceedings against trespassers to ensure their eviction
- Acting for a landlord in a high value lease dilapidations claim
Of insolvency related matters:
- Acting for insolvency practitioners in applications for orders for sale of property.
- Acted for a Trustee in Bankruptcy advising on the recovery of property transferred by a bankrupt at an undervalue.
- Acted for insolvency practitioners in respect of a retention of title issues.
In conversation
Why did you choose dispute resolution as an area of law to specialise in ?
I like dispute resolution because virtually every case I deal with is different. This can mean that I often have to become an overnight expert on a subject. It might be mushroom compost one day and pension fund rules the next. It makes the job interesting.
What is the most frequent problem you deal with for property clients ?
Property disputes can be very varied but termination of commercial leases tends to be the most frequent problem particularly in respect of a possible renewal or dilapidations.
Is there a particular piece of advice you can give to any business faced with potential insolvency ?
I would suggest taking legal advice sooner rather than later. There can be several options open to a business which is in trouble and it might be that some early intervention can stop a bad situation becoming disastrous and indeed the business could be saved.
Do you believe in mediation as a means to resolve disputes ?
Mediation can be very valuable in the Dispute Resolution lawyer’s armoury. I have seen some very good results come out of a mediation but, from my experience, it only tends to work once all parties are serious about resolving a dispute. I often find that it is only the threat of litigation which makes an uncooperative party come to the table.
What do you most enjoy about your job ?
I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping clients resolve what sometimes seem like insurmountable problems. It is pleasing when you build a good relationship with a client as working as a partnership on a case usually leads to a much better outcome.
What is the most exciting case you have dealt with ?
Many cases have their exciting moments, but my most memorable would be attending the property of a bankrupt to have him arrested by the court’s bailiff because he had not cooperated with his trustee. He spent a short time serving at her majesty’s pleasure until he decided to cooperate.
What interests do you have outside work ?
My wife and I have a young family which seem to take up most of my time at the moment. I am also very interested in politics and I am a member of Harrogate Borough Council, representing Pannal Ward. I enjoy food and wine and walking my dog. I also enjoy travelling and visiting new places in the little free time I have left!
