Matthew Hardwick

Call 1994; MA (Cantab); Lic. spec. en dr. eur. (U.L.B.); CEDR accredited mediator; Called to BVI Bar 2009.
Email: mhardwick@3vb.com

Matthew Hardwick specialises in commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in interlocutory, trial and appellate advocacy. Rated as a "super" junior (Legal 500 (2011)) and "fantastic all-rounder" whose "attention to detail and commitment to preparation are second to none" (Legal 500 (2009)) his principal areas of practice are international and domestic banking and finance law; commercial fraud (including freezing injunctions, search orders and other interim remedies); insolvency law; professional negligence; company law (in particular directors duties and minority shareholders disputes); partnership law and employment law (in particular issues relating to restrictive covenants and confidential information). He also has extensive experience of high value international arbitrations (under the LCIA, ICC and Swiss rules).   An "incredibly busy" junior, he has been heavily involved in 2012/2013 in mis-selling claims where he has earned respect for his "excellent court manner and high-quality written work" (Chambers & Partners (2013)).

He is identified in the directories as:

• a leading junior in banking and finance law with "an excellent court manner" (Chambers & Partners (2013)); "highly prized" and "technically adept" with "a client manner that inspires confidence" (Chambers & Partners (2010)); who "continues to bolster his reputation as a leading junior" (Chambers & Partners (2011)); and is "admired for his great depth of banking knowledge" (Chambers & Partners (2012));
• a leading junior in insolvency law whose "attention to detail and commitment to preparation are second to none" "he's a fantastic all-rounder" (The Legal 500 (2009)); "an invaluable asset" "whose advice is ‘clear, well-researched and to the point'" (Legal 500 (2011)); and is a "courageous, articulate, bright and a clear thinker" (Legal 500 (2013));
• a leading junior in commercial litigation who "gives bullish and practical advice", "will go the extra mile to exceed expectations" (Chambers & Partners (2006)) and "does not shirk from difficult cases" (Chambers & Partners (2013)); is "user-friendly" and "one to look out for in the future" (Chambers & Partners (2011); "elicits praise for his "excellent depth of banking knowledge"" and whose "expertise further extends to professional negligence, commercial fraud, insolvency and partnership disputes" (Chambers & Partners (2012)); is a "creative thinker" and "highly pragmatic" who "works really hard for the client, will roll his sleeves up and make the best of a tricky situation" (Chambers & Partners) (2013));
• a leading junior in professional negligence (The Legal 500 (2010)).

Awards 

• Elizabeth Bentwych Law Prize 1991 (Trinity College, Cambridge); 
• Hooper Declamation Prize 1991 (Trinity College, Cambridge); 
• Holland Fund Travelling Scholarship in Law 1991 (Trinity College, Cambridge); 
• Philip Wiener-Maurice Anspach Foundation Scholarship for post graduate study (European Law) at L'Université Libre de Bruxelles 1991 (Cambridge University); 
• Holker Award 1993 (Gray's Inn); 
• Mooting Prize 1994 (Gray's Inn); 
• Finalist in European Court Moot 1994.

Additional Professional Qualifications

CEDR Accredited Mediator (2000)
Called to BVI Bar (2009)

Seminars

Seminars recently given on: the lawyer's role in mediation; sale of goods; restructuring; directors duties; shareholders disputes; fixed and floating charges after In Re Spectrum Plus Ltd.; s150 of FSMA 2000; Payment Protection Insurance ("PPI") litigation.Languages

Gray's Inn Advocacy Programme

Accredited advocacy trainer actively involved in training Gray's Inn students and pupils on the Gray's Inn Advocacy Programme.

Languages 

French, German.