Matthew Barnes

Professional Discipline & Regulation

He is regularly instructed to act for Defendants in regulatory proceedings, including the GDC, the GMC, the NMC, the British Acupuncture Council, internal NHS Trust disciplinary hearings, and the Performers Lists for GPs and dentists. Generally, he acts for defendants, although he has prosecuted in cases involving removal from the Performers List. He has experience of cases involving criminal charges, and has been instructed to defend doctors in the magistrates’ court and crown court.

“Matthew is absolutely fearless in taking cases all the way to trial. I’ve always ranked him highly.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)

“He is able to adapt his advice depending on the client’s needs and priorities. He is commercially astute, thorough and detailed.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)

“A fantastic junior.” (Legal 500 2025)

“He produces sensible pragmatic advice, underlined with a real knowledge of the work. Matthew makes the most difficult cases easy.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“Matthew has incredible tenacity paired with excellent judgement and realism. His mastery of the detail and effortless advocacy allow him to collapse cases of the most dense evidential and technical complexity, involving the most awkward and seemingly unwinnable of issues.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“Matthew is top notch – thorough, clever, and an excellent strategist.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“Matthew is an excellent advocate, whose attention to detail is second to none.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“His ability to see around corners and his deftness in responding to all manner of strategic twists and turns is both reassuring and impressive in equal measure.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“Very good at looking at the bigger picture. He gives sound, practical advice.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“He has expert knowledge of the law and is an extremely persuasive advocate.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“He’s excellent; an incredible advocate who’s a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“He offers very solution-based advice and takes a common-sense approach.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“A very confident advocate with a lovely style that manages to get people on his side and that demonstrates his really detailed knowledge.” “He was extremely pleasant and relaxed in his manner, which was very reassuring for the client.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)

“Excellent on the papers, quick on his feet and a source of tactical advice throughout.” (Legal 500 2018)

“He is a very relaxed yet direct advocate with a refreshing style. He’s very good at identifying the approach that should be taken in a case and is an excellent strategist.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

Selected Cases

• R (on the application of RB) v First-tier Tribunal [2010] MHLR 192
• R (on the application of O’Connor) v HM Coroner for the District of Avon [2009] EWHC 854 Admin
• Magdi Bassilious v GMC [2008] EWHC 2857 Admin
• R (on the application of Ross) v West Sussex PCT [2008] EWHC B15 (Admin)
• R(on the application of B) v South Region Mental Health Review Tribunal [2008] EWHC 2356 (Admin)
• R (Rogers) v Swindon PCT [2006] 1 WLR 2649