Philippa Matthews

About Phillipa Matthews – Inquest & Civil Liberties Solicitor

Phillipa Matthews is a highly experienced civil liberties and inquest solicitor with a long-standing track record of representing individuals and families in complex cases involving the State.

She specialises in holding public bodies to account and has extensive experience acting in inquests, particularly those involving deaths in custody, police contact and other situations where Article 2 (the Right to Life) is engaged. Her work often involves representing families in cases where serious questions arise about the actions or failings of State agencies.

Phillipa’s expertise spans a wide range of civil liberties matters, including:

• Inquests
• Judicial Review challenges against public bodies
• Claims under the Human Rights Act
• Police misconduct and complaints
• False imprisonment and malicious prosecution
• Disclosure and data protection (including DBS matters)

She has been involved in a number of significant and high-profile cases, including successful challenges in the High Court and Supreme Court, demonstrating her depth of knowledge and ability to handle complex legal issues at the highest level.

Alongside her technical expertise, Phillipa is known for her calm, thoughtful and compassionate approach, recognising that behind every case is a family seeking answers, accountability and understanding. She works closely with clients to guide them through what can be an overwhelming and often emotionally challenging process, ensuring they feel supported and clearly informed throughout.

Her experience, combined with her commitment to justice, makes her a trusted and reassuring presence for families navigating complex inquests and civil liberties claims.

Notable Cases

• John Simpson v South Yorkshire Police
• Successful Judicial Review Challenge against South Yorkshire Police following a decision by South Yorkshire Police to investigate a complaint by way of local resolution. It was felt that the complaint made merited a full investigation. Despite attempts made to South Yorkshire Police asking them to re-consider their decision they failed to do so. Judicial Review Proceedings were then commenced which resulted in the High Court quashing the decision of South Yorkshire Police.
• JB V Secretary of State 2013 EWCA Civ 25 and (2014) UKSC 35 – case involving challenge to disclosure of a caution – Court of Appeal ruled that a there be a declaration that Part V of the Police Act 1997 is incompatible with Article 8 – following the ruling emergency legislation was brought into amend the CRB system to end blanket disclosure of all convictions and cautions. Successfully defended in the Supreme Court – see judgment
• Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Appellant) v Gubeladze (Respondent) [2019] UKSC 31 in successfully defending in the Supreme Court a benefit related appeal that stemmed from a refusal by the DWP to award her pension credit. The client’s claim had been upheld by the Court of Appeal and amongst other things considered the legality of the extension to the Workers’ Right Scheme that allowed workers from certain European countries the right to work in the UK.
• Michael Clegg – 5 week inquest resulting in unlawful killing verdict.
• Acted in an article 8 ECHR claim against Derbyshire Constabulary following a strip search in custody – substantial damages awarded.

What Clients Say About Phillipa

“I cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, her professionalism, compassion, and expertise were evident in every interaction. Philippa handled everything with sensitivity and clarity. She took the time to thoroughly explain the process, answering all my questions with patience and making sure I fully understood each step. This level of communication was invaluable during such a difficult time. She worked diligently to gather evidence, liaised with relevant authorities, and expertly represented our interests throughout the proceedings.”

“Very good indeed and they helped me in many ways I would advise going with them”

“Wish to thank Phillipa Matthews for her advice, understanding, professional manner and also for her support both by phone and her attendance during most of the coroner’s inquest and choice of barrister who between them both managed to achieve the result.”

“I can definitely recommend Howells as they secured my release from prison and obtained me compensation for my parole board delay. Excellent service.”