Matthew HillHead of Commercial Client Services and Head of Dispute Resolution

Examples of cases Matt has dealt with include:

Commercial disputes

Acting for:

• A scientific consultancy business in defending a high value and complex claim relating to work carried out in the development of a pharmaceutical product
• A high profile individual in respect of defamatory comments published on social media
• A digital creative agency in respect of a contractual dispute with a former client
• A national drinks manufacturer in respect of a complex claim relating to the ownership of the business
• A major food manufacturer in connection with applying to the court for declaratory relief and an application under Section 125 of the Companies Act 2006 for rectification of the Companies’ Register
• A veterinary practice regarding professional negligence claims against their former and current accountants regarding their failure to identify a substantial fraud committed by a former employee
• A group of private hospitals in the south east of England in a high value claim against a local authority
• A national planning consultancy business regarding a substantial contractual claim to recover unpaid professional fees
• A number of commercial water resellers regarding contractual disputes with both end users and national water companies
• Various clients in respect of very high value contractual disputes with major UK airports
• A multi academy educational trust in connection with a high value contractual dispute with a company providing external project management and infrastructure services
• A company in respect of allegedly defamatory comments published online out of the jurisdiction
• An individual on the enforcement of a Judgment in the United States of America
• The Defendants in High Court proceedings brought by the professional trustees of a high value will trust relating to the alleged mismanagement and overcharging by the professional trustees
• An international specialist oil and coolant supplier and manufacturer in a dispute with a foreign based supplier
• An international manufacturer and supplier of luxury wellbeing products in a contractual dispute with a former customer
• A significant agricultural organisation on director’s duties and statutory obligations
• A national window / door manufacturer and installer in high value contractual claims
• A Dutch Company in respect of a contractual dispute relating to the purchase of a crane
• A large Scottish supplier of mushrooms in a contractual dispute relating to the supply of defective compost and associated losses
• A Spanish company in a high value contractual claim

Property disputes

Acting for:

• A national newspaper publisher in a dispute with its landlord concerning defective premises
• A private client in a claim for a beneficial interest in a high value residential property
• A substantial property holding company in respect of adverse possession issues and Bona Vacantia property
• The owners of a residential property on the enforceability of a complicated restrictive covenant over neighbouring land on which a development was planned
• The tenant of commercial premises in a factually complex and high value dispute with the landlord of the premises regarding its occupation and the consumption of utilities at the premises
• For a substantial institutional landlord concerning a dispute regarding the operation of a lease break clause
• A local authority in connection with one of its tenants and its options to determine the lease to allow the council to re-develop the land
• A property development company in respect of the early termination of an option agreement
• A large institutional landlord to bring urgent proceedings against trespassers to ensure their eviction
• A landlord in a high value lease dilapidations claim
• A commercial lender in proceedings to realise its security held over commercial premises
• A membership organisation in connection with a substantial and highly complex dispute with its foreign institutional landlords concerning the service charge payable for its premises. This dispute has involved multiple sets of court proceedings and an expert determination
• A food manufacturer in a high value contractual dispute with the Administrators of its now insolvent former main building contractor
• A substantial institutional landlord in contested commercial lease renewal proceedings against one of their tenants
• A number of landed estates in connection with various defended residential possession proceedings
• The abortive purchaser in a claim for none payment of the deposit in respect of a very high value residential property

Rural and Agricultural disputes

Acting for:

• Defendants in complex litigation against their neighbours regarding claimed water rights over their land
• A multi-generational property holding company in respect of contentious issues arising out of the disposal of a substantial rural property portfolio
• A substantial agricultural property owner in connection with a dispute with the owner of a neighbouring farm regarding a right of way
• The partner in a substantial North Yorkshire farming business in respect of a dispute with his partner
• A farming business in recovering a tied cottage from a former farm employee
• The owners of a substantial working arable farm in a long running and complex dispute with a neighbouring farm relating to trespass and rights of way
• A stud and livery business in a claim against the owner of a neighbouring property for damages and injunctive relief following interference with an express right of way to their business premises

“now something of a legend in the Harrogate market”

Legal 500 UK 2024

“His straight-talking approach was hugely reassuring when we were faced with a commercial dispute.”

Chambers UK 2024 (Dispute Resolution)

‘Matthew Hill is an extremely competent and methodical solicitor with exceptional interpersonal skills rarely witnessed in smaller firms, demonstrating the strength and depth of the firm.”

Legal 500 UK 2024 (Property Litigation)

“Matthew Hill – now something of a legend in the Harrogate market, he has been with Raworths for 15 years and is well-respected by clients, barristers, and opponents alike. Combines technical ability with a real adversarial punch.”

Legal 500 2024 (Commercial Litigation – West & North Yorkshire)

“Raworths is a long-established law firm with an excellent client list that makes it one of the premier commercial law firms in North Yorkshire.  Matthew Hill and his team have the experience to meet the needs of all their clients and provide a very effective service.”

“Matthew is very good at risk analysis and his advice always reflects his clients commercial needs.”

Legal 500 2022 (Property Litigation – North East & Yorkshire)

“The team have a reassuring yet straightforward approach, leaving no doubt as to their level of legal skill.”

Chambers UK 2024 (Litigation – West & North Yorkshire)

“Matthew Hill is an excellent solicitor: very knowledgeable and experienced on a wide range of property [litigation] issues.”

Chambers UK 2024 (Read Estate Litigation – North East & Yorkshire)