Partner

Profile

 resolve disputes and where necessary conduct arbitration or litigation. I studied English Law at an English University and also French Law at a French University. I trained as a solicitor and worked at City lawyers Herbert Smith LLP (now Herbert Smith Freehills LLP) from 1989.

In 1998 I joined Shadbolt LLP where I was a partner for over nine years and latterly Head of the International and Dispute Resolution group, before moving with a team to be a partner with Stevens & Bolton LLP.

I have a wide experience of major commercial and construction related disputes and arbitration proceedings nationally and internationally across a broad spectrum of sectors. I frequently conduct matters with EU or internationaI issues. I promote dispute resolution, including Mediation and Arbitration where possible. I regularly speak at national and international events to English and foreign lawyers and businesses on these and other disputes related aspects.

I represent all types of businesses from SMEs to PLCs in the UK and Internationally. I have substantial experience of all levels of Courts and ADR techniques particularly mediation and ICC or ad hoc Arbitration. I am an accredited BFA Mediator and a bfa recognised expert as a Qualified Franchise Professional.

I speak French and have an English Law Degree (LLB with Hons) and a French Law Diplome D’Etudes Juridiques Francaises. I am a proliferate contributor of articles and seminar delivery both in the UK and internationally and I am an active member of numerous professional bodies in the UK and in the USA.

I enjoy resolving problems and allaying concerns for my clients in particular in a commercial environment, balancing risk and reward. I work in a wide variety of sectors for national UK and international based clients. I flourish in a challenging environment, knowing that my advice is valued and has a positive impact on my client’s business life.

I offer wide experience of pre action advisory /risk assessment work leading to resolution of disputes or potential concerns/risks or alternatively full scale litigation in the Courts. Where funding is difficult and legal costs of primary concern, I explore with clients funding alternatives or Insurance products to compliment the litigation risk. I enjoy the wide variety of my work which enables me to be versatile in providing solutions in a positive way for clients. I provide practical advice to clients in a pragmatic and commercial way.

I retain good client relations and aim to build confidence for clients to achieve their goals working with them as a team and understanding their commercial pressures. With this in mind I enjoy speaking at workshops and seminars on points of interest or to interest groups. I appreciate regular feed back and market intelligence which ensures I stay up to date with clients’ industry sectors.

I am pleased and proud that as a niche firm we are able to offer City quality legal service but at lower than City pricing. I value my integrity and that of my clients and enjoy doing business with them.

The ultimate proof of achieving a successful working life is to ensure I am able to spend time with my family. I take pride in their pursuits whilst playing badminton myself to a high level and play other club sports as frequently as I can.

“Having Kate by our side as our company solicitor in 2020 has been one of the biggest positives of our year…..her service was phenomenal.”

Business Owner and Franchisor - January 2021

“I truly feel we couldn’t be in better hands.”

CEO of Social Enterprise – October 2020

“Kate Matthews tells you the facts straight and as they come…”

Legal 500 UK 2022

Incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful advice.

Legal 500 UK 2022

“Thank you for your fantastic work with us Kate!”

Chairman of PJ Pipe & Valves Limited - January 2023