Matthew Barnes obtained an Honours degrees in both Law and Economics from Macquarie University and went on to join the Reserve Bank of Australia for a number of years analysing developments in both the share market and the banking industry. On returning to the law, Matthew gained Specialist Accreditation in Commercial Litigation.

Matthew is the only Accredited Specialist in the Illawarra who specialises in building and construction law. He has extensively acted for both property owners and builders in relation to defective building claims, Security of Payments Act claims and general contract disputes. Matthew also has expertise in matters of insurance, employment, professional negligence and insolvency law.

Matthew expects to complete a Masters degree in Commercial Litigation in the near future, and in his spare time, is a Casual Lecturer in Corporations Law at the University of Wollongong.