Year of call 2024
Matthew Ratcliff
Practice Areas
Family – Family Finance
Summary
Matthew Ratcliff was called to the bar in 2024, he is a practicing family law barrister with a strong Midlands background and a focus on private children law, domestic abuse, and financial remedies. Known for clear, compassionate advocacy and a pragmatic approach, he is frequently instructed in cases involving urgent applications, contested hearings, and complex family dynamics.
Having completed a specialist family law pupillage in Northampton, Matthew now practices across the East and West Midlands, regularly appearing in courts across the circuit. He brings calm assurance to emotionally charged matters and is committed to providing straightforward, client-focused advice in sensitive situations.
Matthew is a calm and effective advocate, trusted to handle high-pressure situations and urgent applications with clarity and care. He combines strong legal analysis with a down-to-earth communication style, making complex issues accessible for clients, navigating some of the most difficult moments in their lives
- Private Children Law (including child arrangements, relocation, and enforcement)
- Domestic Abuse & Injunctions under the Family Law Act 1996
- Financial Remedies under the Children Act 1989 and Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
- Contested Divorce & Matrimonial Finance
Matthew studied Business Law at Nottingham Trent University, where an early interest in mooting laid the groundwork for a career in advocacy.
Motivated to pursue the Bar, Matthew completed the Bar Practice Course and LLM in Bar Practice at the University of Law in Birmingham. While studying, he gained valuable insight through shadowing and marshaling under experienced family practitioners across the Midlands.
Between studies, Matthew gained experience in a cross-specialty support role at a Lexcel-accredited regional firm, assisting over 20 fee earners. While completing the BPC and an LLM in Bar Practice, he worked with Warwickshire County Council, supporting vulnerable families and asylum seekers in accessing educational resources. Before commencing pupillage, Matthew worked as a paralegal at another Lexcel-accredited firm specialising in bulk litigation, where he managed a portfolio of over 4,000 cases and regularly conducted out-of-court negotiations for a wide range of clients
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Law (LLB), Second Class Honours (First Division) – Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University
- Postgraduate Diploma in Bar Practice (Bar Practice Course), Very Competent – The University of Law, Birmingham
- Master of Laws in Bar Practice (LLM), Distinction – The University of Law, Birmingham
- Mediation Accreditation (CIArb) – Phoenix Dispute Solutions Ltd. (2024)
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Matthew has consistently sought opportunities to give back to both local and international communities. His voluntary work reflects a strong commitment to social responsibility, education, and access to justice; values that underpin his approach to legal practice. These experiences have not only broadened his perspective but have also strengthened his ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and understanding.
