Spear’s Review

Once an orchestral musician, Matthew Booth made the switch to family law, and has been a partner at Payne Hicks Beach since 2014. He primarily works on matrimonial and Schedule 1 cases while also advising on pre- and postnuptial agreements, family trust structures and inherited assets. 

It’s a varied workload, and with clients originating from America, Sweden and South Africa, Booth’s cases frequently have an international dimension – much to his pleasure. ‘I enjoy the way in which family law reflects social and cultural progress,’ he says.

While some of his cases are litigated, many are settled out of court. He tells Spear’s that litigation can often be messy, to the detriment of clients. ‘Toxic litigation can be incredibly draining, particularly when you’re representing someone who’s in a disempowered position,’ he says. ‘It’s not just about the money; it’s about giving [clients] a voice and protecting them from aggressive tactics.’