Effective strategy; clearly communicated.
Matthew Allan
Associate
Matthew understands that what matters to you is getting the best result. By understanding your goals – and your business – he builds an effective strategy for you from the outset. Taking a pragmatic (and cost-effective) approach means knowing when a negotiated settlement will be as useful to you as a day in court.
A clear and persuasive communicator, Matthew will advise you on the risks and benefits of your chosen course of action and ensure there are no ambiguities when fighting your corner. He is just as happy on his feet as a High Court advocate as picking up the phone to negotiate on your behalf. By focussing on the commercial outcome you want from the start, your goals remain the priority.
Case studies
Matthew is a solicitor-advocate specialising in commercial litigation and international arbitration. He has a particular interest in complex matters involving multiple jurisdictions, often involving parties or assets located abroad, including investment treaty arbitration. He has experience advising clients on matters relating to EU and CIS region countries, China and Taiwan. He also maintains strong links to his native Canada and welcomes instructions from clients on both sides of the Atlantic. His cases involve high-net-worth individuals, multinationals, sovereign states, and state institutions.
He also acts for companies and individuals in commercial disputes closer to home. These range from breaches of contract, shareholder disputes, civil fraud, fintech & digital currency regulation, regulatory & compliance, and public and private international law.
As a solicitor-advocate Matthew can provide clients with the advice and support they need from the moment a problem arises up to and including trial, if necessary. He isn’t afraid to pick up the phone or negotiate a deal in person either and conveys a confident presence his clients appreciate.
Prior to joining Greenwoods, Matthew worked in a well-regarded KC-led team at a West End disputes boutique. He also has experience at three firms highly rated in the legal directories. In 2019, he was recognized as a ‘Future Leader’ by Alliott Global Alliance, a group of professional services firms spanning 80 countries.
Matthew is Immediate Past President of Westminster & Holborn Law Society and Vice Chair of its International Committee. He is a regular legal commentator, focussing on the intersection of law, art and technology. He is a named contributor in the World Bank: Doing Business 2020 report, focusing on enforcing UK contracts post-Brexit.
Matthew is admitted to the roll of solicitors in England & Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He is a member of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association, Young International Arbitration Group of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Administrative Law Bar Association.
Will mediation become compulsory?
Disputes / 15 August 2023