Matthew Hooper

Year of Call: 2012, Middle Temple

MJH
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Matthew has an extensive Personal Injury practice both in court and on paper.

Matthew completed a mixed common law pupillage in 2013, after which he enjoyed a busy practice in both civil and criminal litigation, which afforded an invaluable opportunity to develop his skills of advocacy within both jurisdictions, making him a well-rounded advocate.

Since 2016, Matthew has practised solely in civil litigation, which a particular focus on personal injury work. He has developed a strong personal injury practice and acts for both claimants and defendants in respect of cases of varying severity, complexity, and value.

Matthew has experience of cases involving serious injury involving complex medical and other expert evidence and is familiar with handling expert evidence (whether by written questions, in conference or at trial).

Matthew’s fast track practice principally comprises fraud work and he has considerable experience in the defence of dishonest personal injury claims. He is sought after in the most contentious claims and has a particular interest in QOCS exceptions arising out of such cases. He regularly obtains enforceable costs orders in cases involving fundamental dishonesty and strike outs.

Matthew prides himself on developing good relationships with solicitors and clients. His common sense and analytical approach coupled with his determined court advocacy has resulted in Matthew being a much sought after advocate.

Matthew has developed a busy paperwork practice and welcomes instructions to draft pleadings and advise on fast track, intermediate track, and multi-track cases. He is happy to provide informal advice at any stage and welcomes contact by email or telephone.

Notable Cases

  • Goodchild v Zurich Insurance (UK) Limited – 10th February 2023

    Representing the Defendant in a claim arising from a road traffic accident for which breach of duty was admitted but causation was denied. The claim was dismissed with a finding of fundamental dishonesty. HHJ Gregory sitting in the County Court at Liverpool found the accident was not capable of causing injury and that the Claimant had “hijacked this minor coming together and used it as a vehicle for bringing a claim for compensation to which she is not entitled, driven by nothing more than greed.”

  • Malicka & Ors v Aviva Insurance Limited – 18th December 2022

    Mr Hooper represented four claimants at trial in a claim for personal injuries arising from a road traffic accident which occurred on 3rd November 2018. The defendant admitted breach of duty but denied causation and occupancy. The matter came before HHJ Hedley sitting in the County Court at Leicester on 18th December 2022. HHJ Hedley found in favour of all four claimants. Mr Hooper contended that, having regard to CPR 45.29C, and in particular Table 6B, the claimants were each entitled to recover fixed costs in accordance with that table. The defendant argued that would be an unjustified windfall and contended that only one set of fixed costs should be awarded. HHJ Hedley found in favour of the claimants and awarded four sets of fixed costs and four separate advocacy fees.

  • French v Advantage Insurance Company Limited – 25th May 2022

    Representing the Defendant in a claim for damages arising from a road traffic accident that occurred on 7th April 2020. The Defendant admitted liability for the collision but denied causation of injury. The claim was found to be fundamentally dishonest and dismissed pursuant to section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, on the basis the Claimant had pursued compensation for an 8-month injury despite admitting during the course of cross-examination that he had achieved a full recovery within 4 months of the accident. DDJ Neville sitting in the County Court at Wigan found that the Claimant had failed to give a candid account within his statement and his dishonesty did not relate to a collateral matter; it went to the root of the claim.

  • Rhodes v Drainage Consultants Limited – 16th April 2021

    Representing the Defendant in a claim brought by an ex-employee for damages arising from an alleged accident at work. Successfully opposed application on the morning of trial to include a claim for handicap on the open labour market and to increase the value of the claim from £15,000 to £30,000. The Claim was subsequently dismissed with a finding of fundamental dishonesty. HHJ Bird sitting in the County Court at Manchester found that the alleged accident did not occur and that the Claimant had ‘deliberately set out to create a claim when he knew there was not one.’

Appointments

  • Northern Circuit Representative for the Personal Injuries Bar Association

Professional Associations

  • Northern Circuit
  • Personal Injuries Bar Association

Education

  • LLB Law, University of Leeds, 2:1
  • Bar Professional Training Course, MMU.

Awards

  • Godfrey Heilpern Memorial Prize (Middle Temple scholarship)
  • Richard Isaacson Memorial Scholarship nomination, for attaining the sixth highest overall mark on the BPTC
  • St. James’ Chambers Prize for Excellence in Advocacy, for achieving the highest mark on the BPTC in both civil and criminal advocacy

Articles by Matthew