Matthew has an unparalleled attention to detail without losing the wider picture in a case. He is friendly and approachable, and the clients are able to build a rapport with him.”

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Matthew White, Head of Chambers, specialises in personal injury litigation. He is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers UK and Tier 1 in The Legal 500 guide. He is described by clients as the “master of fine detail” and “forensically thorough”.

With over 25 years’ experience, Matthew has expertise in serious injury claims, particularly brain and spinal injuries, highway law, industrial diseases (particularly asbestos), pain litigation, and inquests, as well as the more routine employers’ liability, public liability and road traffic claims.

In addition to personal injury work, Matthew has specialist expertise in highway law outside of the injury context, and in nuisance claims, particularly those involving invasive species.

Reported cases:

  • Barlow v Wigan [2021] QB 229. Success for the claimant at the Court of Appeal in a personal injury claim concerning the creating of highways maintainable at public expense; path was highway maintainable at public expense because of when it was constructed.
  • Young v Merthyr [2009] PIQR P23. A little old now, but worth mentioning alongside Barlow, because Young remains the modern restatement of the law that a landowner owes no duty in respect of defects on highways that are not highways maintainable at public expense, which Matthew successfully argued on behalf of the Defendant.
  • Davies v Bridgend County Borough Council [2024] UKSC 15; [2024]2 WLR 1237. Success for the defendant council at the Supreme Court in a nuisance claim concerning the encroachment of Japanese knotweed.
  • Jenkinson v Robertson [2022] 4 WLR 46. Overturned a finding of fundamental dishonesty on appeal on behalf of a claimant, inadequate notice having been given.
  • Brown v South West Lakes [2022] QB 464. Success for the defendant in the Court of Appeal: an occupier does not owe a duty of care to protect drivers from dangers off the highway.
  • Shelbourne v Cancer Research [2019] PIQR P16. Employer not liable for assault by one employee on another at an office Christmas Party.
  • McDonald v (1) Department for Communities and Local Government; and (2) National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC [2013] EWCA Civ 1346; [2014] PIQR P7. Successfully resisted claim at trial and in the Court of Appeal arising from exposure to asbestos in the 1950s. The claimant succeeded against the defendant that Matthew did not represent at Court of Appeal and Supreme Court level based on the Asbestos Industry Regulations 1931.
  • TR v Devon [2013] EWCA Civ 418; [2013] PIQR P19. Defendant driver settled a claim brought by an injured passenger, then successfully pursued the highway authority on the basis that the accident had been caused by a pothole (edge rutting/ haunch failure). Useful authority for the proposition that a highway authority can use a version of the Bolam test in relation to the care that they apply to highways.
  • McKie v Swindon College [2011] EWHC 469 (QB). Successfully argued that a reference provided by defendant in relation to claimant was negligent and caused significant loss.

For Matthew’s sub-specialisms, see

Directory Quotes

Matthew has an incredible attention to detail. He is meticulous in his planning and written work and his persuasively balanced but no-nonsense approach makes him an exceptional advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Matthew is an exceptionally capable barrister. His attention to detail is outstanding and his reading of complex cases is invariably correct. ‘His advice, thoroughness and knowledge are simply excellent.”

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Matthew has an unparalleled attention to detail without losing the wider picture in a case. He is friendly and approachable, and the clients are able to build a rapport with him.”

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Matthew has a sharp mind and is a great communicator. ‘He is extremely clever. He covers all issues with a great degree of knowledge.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Personal Injury

Matthew is very astute, and very good on technical detail concerning expert evidence.”

Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Detailed and forensic in his analysis.”

Chambers UK 2022, Personal Injury

He is intelligent, with an eye for detail.”

LEGAL 500 2022, PERSONAL INJURY

Matthew is exceptionally user friendly with me and my clients, always has time to answer my queries and can turn his mind to the most complicated of cases/issues with speed and enthusiasm. His knowledge of the law and his forensic approach always serves him well.”

LEGAL 500 2021, PERSONAL INJURY

Matthew is incredibly thorough and knows his papers upside down and back to front. His attention to detail is superb. ‘He is extremely sharp and is an excellent advocate.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Personal Injury

Matthew is incredibly thorough and knows his papers upside down and back to front. His attention to detail is superb. He is extremely sharp and is an excellent advocate.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PERSONAL INJURY

Matthew is incredibly thorough and knows his papers upside down and back to front. His attention to detail is superb. ‘He is extremely sharp and is an excellent advocate.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PERSONAL INJURY

He is a standout counsel.”

LEGAL 500 2021, INQUESTS AND INQUIRIES

Matthew is predominantly instructed by state actors in inquests, he has a forensic mind.”

Legal 500 2020, Inquests and Inquiries

Predominantly instructed by state actors in inquests, he has a forensic mind.”

Legal 500 2020, INQUESTS AND INQUIRIES

Matthew has an excellent all-round understanding of chronic pain. ‘He is entirely unruffled and instils confidence.’ ‘The doyen of highways claims, he is extremely bright and able to get right to the heart of the issues.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Personal Injury

Particularly knowledgeable on highways claims.”

Legal 500 2020, Personal Injury

He has particular expertise in cases involving highway claims.”

Legal 500 2019, PERSONAL INJURY AND CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

He has forensic attention to detail.”

Legal 500 2019, INQUESTS AND INQUIRIES

Matthew is very thorough, has an eye for detail and gets to the heart of problems very quickly. He’s not intimidating, puts clients at ease and is able to explain very complicated things in a very simple and straightforward way. ‘He’s thorough, analytical, and excellent on complicated procedural issues.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, PERSONAL INJURY

Seminars & Events

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • MA (Oxon)
  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
  • Matthew White is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.