
Matthew Cocklin
Partner
Areas of Expertise
Matthew specialises in construction dispute resolution. He is described in the Legal 500 as an “exceptional lawyer”, “a real fighter” and “someone you want in the trenches with you”. Clients also know Matthew for being responsive and delivering decisive, practical and comprehensive advice.
Matthew acts for all groups in the domestic and international construction industry including developers, housing associations, public bodies, contractors, sub-contractors and construction professionals. He represents parties in mediation, adjudication, arbitration, expert determination and litigation proceedings and has experience of acting as advocate at meetings before adjudicators.
Matthew has acted on some of the highest profile and highest value cases involving the design and construction of new build and refurbishment projects in the social housing sector. He also undertakes substantial work in the private sector acting on behalf of specialist sub-contractors and construction professionals.
Experience
Matthew started his career at Mott MacDonald consulting clients on major projects across a range of industry sectors.
This included a four year secondment to a nuclear licensed site in relation to a major capital works programme (new build and decommissioning) and a 12 month secondment to a city council in the Republic of Ireland where Matthew managed final account arbitration proceedings in relation to a main drainage scheme.
In addition, Matthew reviewed consultancy agreements for professional services and advised the quantity surveying, project management and engineering divisions of Mott MacDonald on claims for additional fees.
Publications
Matthew is the author of two chapters in the Architect’s Legal Handbook (10th Edition): Chapter 21 – Contractor and sub-contractor collateral warranties and third party rights; and Chapter 31 – Architects’ collateral warranties.
Matthew is the author of papers on delay published by the Construction Law Journal ((2014) 30(1) Cons. Law 41-56)) and the Society of Construction Law (Paper No.182) cited in Keating on Construction Contracts (10th and 11th Editions), Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts (13th Edition) and Bailey (2nd and 3rd Editions).
Matthew also maintains a guidance note on Delay to Construction Contracts published by Practical Law (No. 1-595-4752) and a guidance note on the professional conduct of expert witnesses published by Isurv.
Directories
Matthew is recommended in The Legal 500 directory.
Conferences
Matthew is very experienced in delivering seminars and lectures on construction law.
Matthew has delivered talks to members of the Society of Construction Law at the National Liberal Club in London as well as to regional branches of the society in Kent, Bristol, the South-West, the North-West and the North-East.
Matthew has also delivered numerous talks to members of the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.
Matthew regularly speaks at seminars and conferences hosted by Devonshires on all aspects of contentious construction law with a particular emphasis on time, money, defects and fire safety.
Education
Matthew graduated from the University of Bristol with a Master’s degree in Law. He successfully undertook his Bar exams before dual-qualifying as a solicitor and successfully completing an MSc in Construction Law & Dispute Resolution at King’s College (as part of which he studied construction technology).
Awards
Matthew has won prizes for his research and innovative writing on extensions of time and concurrent delay including the Hudson Prize 2012 (First Prize) of the Society of Construction Law and the Master Thesis Prize 2013 (First Prize) of the European Society of Construction Law (ESCL). The ESCL Jury Report described his work as “very well executed…with intelligent analysis.”
Professional Membership
Matthew is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is a member of the Society of Construction Law, the Adjudication Society and the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
Testimonials
Legal 500‘Matthew Cocklin has it all: great academic knowledge of the law, experienced across multiple sectors of the construction industry, immensely commercial, and a real fighter, but someone who offers practical solutions to problems. I always recommend him to people who ask for a construction lawyer.’
Legal 500‘Matthew Cocklin is always well briefed and prepared for any discussion or meeting. I have found him to be receptive and effective in discussing and setting strategies for some complex issues.’
Legal 500'Matthew Cocklin is always well briefed and prepared…I have found him to be receptive and effective in discussing and setting strategies for some complex issues.'
Legal 500'Matthew Cocklin is a star. He is intelligent, commercial, committed, knowledgeable and, to top it off, very easy to work with.'
Legal 500'Matthew Cocklin is an exceptional lawyer, highly cerebral, but also very commercially savvy – he gives sharp, practical advice and works extremely hard. He is a real fighter on behalf of his clients – someone you want in the trenches with you.'
Legal 500'Matthew Cocklin…is noted for his work on fire safety and cladding in high rise buildings.'
Legal 500'Matthew Cocklin produces ‘outstanding’ work and is known for his expertise in relation to the fire safety of rain-screen cladding systems on high rise buildings.'
Legal 500'Mathew Cocklin… worked incredibly effectively to tight deadlines producing work of an outstanding standard.'
Legal 500'Mathew Cocklin…provides ‘a good and responsive service on latent defect matters’; he is also a specialist in extensions of time and delay.'
Get in touch
020 7065 1813 |
07809595900 |
matthew.cocklin@devonshires.co.uk |
London Office
Devonshires Solicitors LLP 30 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7DT |
020 7880 4332 |
charlotte.ward@devonshires.co.uk |