Matthew Richardson is a barrister, practising in commercial and chancery law, with a particular expertise in intellectual property. He graduated with a Master's degree in engineering from St Peter's College, Oxford before going on to read law at the City University, London, and bar finals at the Inns of Court School of Law. He is a Member of the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Whilst at Oxford, Matthew represented the University against Cambridge in Lacrosse and was elected Librarian (vice-president) of the Oxford Union. He now teaches debating skills at Gray's Inn and contributed to the negotiation chapter in the educational textbook, Legal Skills.
Outside professional life, Matthew takes a keen interest in charitable work and recently helped run the Salvation Army Christmas hamper scheme for homeless people and has been involved in the Street Law programme, helping people in deprived neighbourhoods with their legal problems.
Away from work Matthew enjoys skiing, hiking, rugby and magic, especially sponge magic. He is a Freeman of the City of London, a member of Oxford & Cambridge Club, and the Cornerstone Society.
Covering an area from Chiswell Street at its northern-most point to Gresham Street and Lothbury to the south, Silk Street to the west to Blomfield Street to the east, Coleman Street ward is one of the busiest wards, with upwards of 300 businesses ... and one bowling green! The Ward is also home to around 20 bars and restaurants and approximately 35 shops. However, the ward has very few residential properties.
Coleman Street gave its name to the ward in around 1224. It is believed the name was derived from St Coleman, the saint to which the parish church of St Stephen Coleman Street may have been dedicated.
Coleman Street's only livery company, The Armourers & Brasiers' Co, is situated at Armourers Hall on the corner of Coleman Street and London Wall, this being the original site of the 'Dragon and two Shoppes'. The Company has occupied this site since 1346, surviving both the Great Fire and the
Blitz, though the Hall, rebuilt in 1839, now looks incongruous among its glass-and-steel neighbours.