Matthew is an experienced, approachable and effective practitioner.
He is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend serious criminal cases.
He is an accredited advocacy tutor for his Inn of Court, Lincoln’s Inn.
Matthew has spent his entire professional career as part of Linenhall and its predecessor Chambers in Chester spanning nearly 30 years. He is a leading figure on both the Wales & Chester and Northern Circuits. His practice is drawn from North Wales and across North West England.
R v D, R v P, R v U [2011] WLR(D)166 – CA decision concerning bad character evidence
R v E W Jones and others – prosecuted multi handed fraud as leading junior counsel
R v Charnock [2021] EWCA Crim 100 – CA decision concerning disclosure
R v DD – multiple non-recent male rape
R v W & W – multiple rape and child cruelty
R v Kasule – romance fraud where very large sums of money involved
R v RS – acted for the prosecution in this case which involved prosecution of non-recent sexual abuse offences involving serious allegations of the oral and anal rape of a six year old male family member.
R v AH – case featured allegations of rape, sexual assault and harassment.
University of Newcastle upon Tyne LLB (Hons)
A member of Lincoln’s Inn, he won a Hardwicke Scholarship, the Droop Scholarship and the Crowther Shield whilst studying for the Bar in London.
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
CPS Panel level 4 since 2003
Member of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel
Member of Fraud Specialist Panel at level 4
Member of Lincoln’s Inn
Category 4 prosecutor
Matthew Dunford is recommended in the Legal 500 2023, 2024 and 2025 as a leading junior in Crime General & Fraud on the Wales and Chester Circuit:
“Very thorough, calm and thoughtful – and very well-prepared.” (Legal 500, 2023 ranked Tier 3)
‘He has great communication skills and these are invaluable during case preparation and at court.’ (Legal 500, 2023 ranked Tier 3)
