Matt is now a third-six pupil at 187 Chambers, a  leading criminal and regulatory set based in the City of London, having completed the 12-month pupillage for which he won the award.

For a variety of reasons the award ceremony for 2021 had to be postponed several times and was eventually combined with the 2022 award, on Thursday 2nd February 2023. Matt was presented with his award by Sir Peter Roth, High Court judge and former President of the Competition Appeal Tribunal, at a reception in the Rolls Building.

Before joining the criminal Bar, Matt spent a number of years in pastoral/support roles in primary and secondary education. He also worked as a paralegal at a leading firm of criminal defence solicitors, where he gained extensive experience working closely with vulnerable and young people.

Matt gained a First in English and a Distinction for his MA in Modern Literature at the University of Leicester. He then earned a Commendation for his GDL at BPP University and was adjudged Very Competent in his BPTC at City Law School. He was awarded the Inner Temple Major Exhibition Scholarship Award, 2018 and, last year won the 2022 Kalisher Essay Prize.

Matt Ward chatting with Roth J and Lily Belfer, winner of the ICLR Pupillage Award 2022, at the combined awards ceremony.