A STOTT PILATES Intensive Mat-Plus Instructor who completed initial training at Core Pilates Studios (Windsor) under Saulo Ouverney (Lead Instructor Trainer). Prior to his career in law Matt worked in Special Educational Needs and Disability, mainly with secondary age children who had Down's Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Matt has a rapport with elderly persons who have dementia or Parkinson's Disease and combines aspects of personal care with STOTT PILATES Principles to facilitate Mind Body Awareness and Muscle Activation to help with movement patterns. Matt was an Ironman All World Athlete (2017) and also competed at provincial level standard distance triathlons. He completed numerous ultra-marathons including Comrades and 2Oceans. He still is a keen runner and cyclist and often can be seen along the towpath between Weybridge and Hampton Court or running barefoot in Ashley Park.

Briefed as Counsel for trial in matters of personal injury, specifically high value (multi-track) serious and severe brain injury, orthopaedic injury, spinal injury (including hemi-paresis), disfigurement, loss of support owing to death, and loss of income arising from injury.Litigation / Trial Expertise:• Consultation – Consult with clients and draft witness statements• Drafting – Draft particulars of claim, pleas, exceptions and prepare court documents• Expert witnesses - Consult with expert witnesses on causality for liability & sequelae of injuries• Documents – Review discovered documents for evidential requirements• Pre-Trial – Clarify factual and legal issues in dispute and prepare a written statement of case • Trial – Appearances before Court, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, argument• Medical - Analyse hospital records, medico-legal reports & actuarial calculations• Legal Research – Ascertain substantive legal requirements on specific facts & claim values• Serious Injury Assessment - Apply criteria of the narrative test in ‘serious injury’ assessment• Motion Court Argument – Draft heads of argument in opposed motion proceedings.• Court Appointments - Appointed as curator ad litem (‘litigation friend’) to adults and minors.• Reported Judgments – Abraham Mathys Smith and Duduzile Ngobeni v RAF 47697/2009 (02/06/2011) (GSJ), Smit (obo Tsotetsi) v RAF (24883/2008)[2012] ZAGPPHC 294 (16/11/2012), Matthys NO v RAF 2013 (6A4) QOD 273 (GNP), Smit v RAF 2013 (6A4) QOD 188 (GNP, Mashigo v RAF (2120/2014) [2018] ZAGPPHC 539 (13/06/2018)

Excellent soft skills, understanding and support of older people in a home-based environment.• Companionship – Communication and support of isolated individuals• Mental health – Understands challenging behavioural needs and redirect actions tactfully• Physical care and manual handling – Provide personal care to persons with very limited mobility• Medication – Administer prescribed medication

Briefed as counsel for trial in medium value (multi-track) personal injury matters, specifically moderate to severe head injury, general orthopaedic injury (including cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine fractures) and matters of loss of income support arising from the application of indigenous law. Matters included:• Drafting – witness statements and heads of argument in opposing commercial judgement• Legal Research – urgent court appearance in alleged breach of restraint of trade agreement• Credit Legislation & Unjustified Enrichment - Draft particulars of claim in pursuing debt• Breach of Contract - Case management and trial involving cession of claims• Liability of Train Operator – Traumatic amputation of a commuter’s leg• Loss of Income – Briefed with senior counsel on establishing loss of income in a whiplash matter

Enrolled as pupil with the Johannesburg Society of Advocates at the Bridge Group & completed pupilage.

Support and teaching assistance in Special Education Needs Schools working with children with complex and profound and multiple learning and physical disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and Down’s Syndrome. Managed personality and behavioural needs and care of physical disabilities & sensory impairment. Skills include manual handling with hoist and slings, giving therapy including physical, dance and swimming.