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Matthew joined Harper James as a corporate partner in May 2021. He has extensive experience of corporate law and corporate finance matters including: mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy-ins, private equity and venture capital investments, restructuring, refinancing, shareholder and joint venture agreements and commercial contracts. Matthew has also advised a number of high-profile banks on the corporate aspects of their client’s acquisitions and corporate lending.
After a successful management career with Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen in the Midlands, Matthew returned to university to study law and qualified as a solicitor in 2012. He trained at a niche corporate firm and joined HCB Solicitors in 2013, where he became Head of Corporate. More recently, Matthew has been general counsel for a group of companies that included tech, software development, apps for the NHS, hotels, spas and care homes.
From high-value acquisitions to complex share options, buy-outs, sales and restructures, Matthew's wealth of experience spans the most important areas of corporate practice. He has also advised numerous start-up businesses on seed and Series A funding rounds, including SEIS and EIS-led investments.
In his free time, Matthew enjoys entertaining his three children, spending time with his black Labrador, and playing golf.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say
For any small business looking for the right law firm to guide you through an acquisition I would highly recommend Harper James. My personal experience was with Matt Shakesheff who looked after my sale and passed me over to their team who looked over my new contract of employment as I was staying with my buyer for a 2 year handover. They delivered on budget and on time.
Richard William Turbutt
Director,
CorroGuard
I really appreciated that they were both quick on their feet when it came to presenting documents to the other side. Jenni was great at explaining the implications and highlighting risk factors of various technical aspects in a clear and concise manor. It was clear that Matt, Jenni and Ian were there to protect our best interests from day one.
Phil Hayes
CEO,
Ticketsellers
It was a pleasure working with Tristan, Matt and James. We are very pleased with the quality of advice and your team's in depth knowledge.
Raymond Lam
Executive Director,
Aeramine Limited
Matt’s been a pleasure to work with – we were looking for a lawyer who would be able to think outside of the box. To Matt’s credit, he understood our needs immediately. Having a legal team on our side who understands and supports us has been great.
Freddie Savundra
Founder,
Meet Parker
Matt and Paul understand the brief, and they understand our business. Their attention to detail and joined-up approach is excellent. They’re able to understand exactly what we need and the vision of the group going forward. Growing at this rate presents some risk, so having a legal team that appreciates this and supports us with the legal advice we need to take on every challenge in our mission to scale is key.
Alex Newey
Chairman,
Greosn
Harper James is the right fit for us, I was attracted to the firm by the experience and reputation of their large team of specialist solicitors. And best of all, I have this support at a price point that’s very competitive compared to their competition.
Andrew Worsley
Chairman,
Harbour Healthcare
For any small business looking for the right law firm to guide you through an acquisition I would highly recommend Harper James. My personal experience was with Matt Shakesheff who looked after my sale and passed me over to their team who looked over my new contract of employment as I was staying with my buyer for a 2 year handover. They delivered on budget and on time.
Richard William Turbutt
Director,
CorroGuard
I really appreciated that they were both quick on their feet when it came to presenting documents to the other side. Jenni was great at explaining the implications and highlighting risk factors of various technical aspects in a clear and concise manor. It was clear that Matt, Jenni and Ian were there to protect our best interests from day one.
Phil Hayes
CEO,
Ticketsellers
It was a pleasure working with Tristan, Matt and James. We are very pleased with the quality of advice and your team's in depth knowledge.
Raymond Lam
Executive Director,
Aeramine Limited
Matt’s been a pleasure to work with – we were looking for a lawyer who would be able to think outside of the box. To Matt’s credit, he understood our needs immediately. Having a legal team on our side who understands and supports us has been great.
Freddie Savundra
Founder,
Meet Parker
Matt and Paul understand the brief, and they understand our business. Their attention to detail and joined-up approach is excellent. They’re able to understand exactly what we need and the vision of the group going forward. Growing at this rate presents some risk, so having a legal team that appreciates this and supports us with the legal advice we need to take on every challenge in our mission to scale is key.
Alex Newey
Chairman,
Greosn
Harper James is the right fit for us, I was attracted to the firm by the experience and reputation of their large team of specialist solicitors. And best of all, I have this support at a price point that’s very competitive compared to their competition.
Andrew Worsley
Chairman,
Harbour Healthcare
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