Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in road traffic and criminal defence work and is highly respected amongst the legal community and his peers. He represents clients accused of all types of criminal offences during the investigation period as well as those who require expert representation in Court, either the Magistrates or the Crown.
Investigations
Matthew represents clients facing police or regulatory investigations and at interviews under caution (and has done so since 2004). He has had many successes during the pre-charge period of an investigation persuading the Police and Crown Prosecution Service that his client should not face charges, bringing cases to a conclusion at the investigation stage.
Court
Where that isn’t possible or where clients have already been charged, Matthew acts in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. In appropriate cases, he engages with the CPS to seek to reverse decisions to prosecute. He has been successful in persuading the CPS to return cases to the police for a caution to be issued or to discontinue prosecutions.
Neurodiverse Clients
Matthew is particularly skilled with many years of experience in assisting clients who are neurodiverse or vulnerable, both youths and adults, with conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, and PDA, or with other hidden disabilities such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. He understands the significance of such conditions, assists clients with patience and respect, and engages with experts whenever appropriate. He has experience of engaging with the police and the prosecution in cases involving neurodiverse clients, this has led to cases being dropped or dealt with out of court.
Qualifying in 2004, Matthew immediately practiced in the area of criminal law representing clients who were publicly funded via legal aid. He commenced his career at Gepp Solicitors based in Essex, then moved to Steed and Steed where he headed up their Criminal department. He then spent ten years representing clients in his hometown of Colchester. Matthew is accredited by the Law Society in relation to Criminal Law and is a Higher Courts Advocate.
Matthew joined Gotelee Solicitors based in Ipswich in October 2020 where he was a Partner of the firm and commenced representing private clients. He joined Leathes Prior as a Partner in October 2024.
Nearly all my dealings were with Matthew Swash. The service he provided was in my opinion exceptional. He was straightforward in his dealings with me so I was fully aware of what was happening and the situation that I was in. The case he prepared on my behalf and presented to the Police was instrumental in helping reach the outcome that we did. His attention to detail and the way he interpreted the information that we gave him was remarkable and really helped highlight to the Police where they should perhaps be concentrating their efforts.
I have worked regularly with Matthew Swash for over 10 years. His client care is outstanding. He has a ready empathy, and is meticulous in explaining law and procedure to clients. He works particularly well with his vulnerable clientele, and is perceptive in identifying potential areas in which expert witnesses will be needed to assist the trial process. He is fearlessly robust in protecting his client’s interests in dealing with the police. He is a diligent litigator and a pleasure to work with.