Year of Call: 1985
Year of Silk: 2006

Profile

Matthew’s expertise lies firmly in the areas of company and insolvency litigation and advisory work, in which he has established a strong reputation, and for which he is recommended in Chambers Global, Chambers UK Directory, and The Legal 500. He has appeared in over a hundred reported cases, and has been instructed in connection with most significant corporate and insolvency matters. Recent examples include: TXU, Versailles, Nottingham Forest, Edwardian Group and British Energy.

A successful commercial Chancery practice includes having acted for the Law Society in its claim against KPMG and on the Jemma Trust costs appeal (both reported cases), and in Phillips v Symes (also reported). Matthew has a particular expertise in claims relating to motor racing and the motor industry, having recently acted in a number of disputes concerning Formula 1.

Matthew’s work has also increasingly been concerned with regulatory issues and human rights. Reported cases include ex p. McCormick and ex p. Clegg (both in the Court of Appeal) and ex p. Eastaway (House of Lords, and ECHR). He has a wide experience in financial services, and regularly appears in tribunals (including the "Flaming Ferraris" case). He is a past member of the Insolvency Rules Advisory Committee.

Notable Cases
David Emmanuel Merton Mond & Cleardebt Ltd v MBNA Europe Bank Ltd (2010)
Tradegro (UK) Ltd v Charles Price (2010)
Anna Vinton & 6 ORS v Fladgate Fielder (A Firm) (2010)
BLV Realty Organization Ltd v Mark Batten (2009)
SRM Global Master Fund LP v Treasury Commisioners (2009)
Progress Property Co Ltd v Moorgarth Group Ltd (2009)
Itsalat International Co Ltd v Allied TC Plc & Ors (2009)
R (on the application of SRM Global Master Fund LP & Ors) v Treasury Commissioners (2009)
IIG Capital LLC v Van der Merwe [2008]
Habib Bank Ltd v Ahmed (2004)
Jemma Trust Co Ltd v Liptrott & ors
Jonathan Guy Anthony Phillips & Ors v (1) Robin James Symes (2) Robin Symes Ltd (2001)
(1) CAS (Nominees) Ltd (2) AON Pension Trustees Ltd (Formerly Clay & Partners Pension Trustees Ltd) v (1) Nottingham Forest FC PLC & 7 Ors (2001)
The Law Society v (1) KPMG Peat Marwick (sued as KPMG Peat Marwick McLintock) (2) Stephen Ingleby Cawley (3) Neil Spencer Chapman (2000)
British & Commonwealth Holdings PLC (In Administration) (Plaintiff) v Barclays De Zoete Wedd Ltd (Defendant) & Refal 150 Ltd (Third Party) & Spicer & Oppenheim & Ors (Fourth Parties)
Re Astec (BSR) PLC & Re Companies Act 1985 (1998)
In re Galileo Group Ltd sub nom William Jason Hugh Elles (Applicant) v Hanbros Bank Ltd (Respondent) (1997)
Re Atlantic Computers PLC sub nom Secretary of State for Trade & Industry v McCormick (1997)
In re BCCI (No.9) sub nom In Re Bank of Credit & Commerce International SA (No.9) : In re Bank of Credit & Commerce International (Overseas) Ltd (1993)

Click here to see all cases.

Qualifications
LLB Hons (Lond)

Chambers UK
Chancery - Commercial: 'solicitors ... praise Matthew Collings QC for "being imaginative and never missing an opportunity to find a novel way of dealing with problems.” He is “excellent at steering possibly difficult clients through tortuous litigation and fighting his corner very well.” (2009) "is known for "taking on some points others would not want to tackle." (2008); “polished, imaginative lawyer with a robust approach to complex cases.” One peer conceded that “he’s clever and innovative - it’s quite annoying to see how good he is.” Commercial Dispute Resolution: "The “imaginative and lateral-thinking” Matthew Collings QC wins acclaim for his “ability to charm the birds out of the trees” and his “facility for pitching ideas at the right level.” (2009) "He has made a career out of arguing the unarguable - and winning." (2008); “brilliant courtroom presence.” Company: “fights valiantly for his clients” and is described by sources as “absolutely excellent.” His “extremely robust style” combined with his “affable character” stand him in good stead, regardless of the kind of case he is working on. (2009) '"real ideas man" whose "willingness to take on some of the tougher cases around" sets him apart from the field' (2008); "Matthew Collings’ reputation as a specialist company litigator and adviser is undisputed and he boasts an impressive and extensive caseload." Fraud - Civil: "is highly popular amongst solicitors" (2009) "great details man" (2008) "first-rate" Insolvency: “An enthusiastic fighter with a loyal following” (2009)"Fearless advocate" ..... "a real court operator who's impervious to pain" (2008); “Good man for arguing hard points because he is inventive and fights his corner.” “Makes even the most difficult and unpromising submission seem attractive and charming.”

UK Legal 500
Banking, Company, Fraud:Civil, Insolvency: "user-friendly, great on his feet".

Legal Experts 2008
Banking, Company, Fraud (asset recovery), Insolvency and corporate recovery, Pensions,