Direct Access Barrister

Matei Alexandru Clej

I am a barrister at Outline Chambers in the Temple, called to the Bar in 2017. I accept instructions directly from members of the public and am authorised to conduct litigation. My practice covers criminal defence, extradition and proceeds of crime, together with civil claims and tax appeals. I speak

I am qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public, without the involvement of a solicitor. I am also authorised to conduct litigation, which means that I may issue proceedings and file documents at court on a client's behalf. I speak fluent Romanian and have a working knowledge of French and Spanish, and I take instructions directly from Romanian-speaking clients and their families.

Area of Law

Asset Recovery

I defend confiscation, cash forfeiture and account forfeiture proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Commercial

I act in civil claims in the County Court and the High Court, including contract and property disputes and claims on personal guarantees, and I may issue and conduct proceedings on a client's behalf.

Crime

I practise in criminal defence, including fraud, money laundering, rape and serious sexual offences, and road traffic offences. I have particular experience in defending requested persons in extradition proceedings and considerable experience under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, including defending applications for cash forfeiture and account freezing orders.

Extradition

I represent requested persons at Westminster Magistrates' Court and on appeal to the High Court, including under Part 1 and Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003.

Fraud

I defend in fraud and money laundering prosecutions in the Crown Court.

Insolvency and Restructuring

I have prosecuted for the Insolvency Service in the Crown Court under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, and I act in claims brought by liquidators.

Tax and Revenue

I bring appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) against HMRC penalties and VAT assessments.

What sort of work do I do?

My practice centres on criminal defence and extradition. I represent people facing extradition from the United Kingdom at Westminster Magistrates' Court and on appeal to the High Court. In the Crown Court I defend in cases of serious and organised crime, fraud, money laundering, drugs and sexual offences. I act in confiscation and forfeiture proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and I appear in road traffic cases in the magistrates' courts and on appeal to the Crown Court. In civil matters, I act in contract and property claims in the County Court and the High Court, in claims brought by liquidators and on personal guarantees, and in appeals against HMRC penalties and VAT assessments in the First-tier Tribunal.

Who do I work for?

Individuals facing criminal charges, extradition requests or road traffic prosecutions; people whose money or property is subject to forfeiture or confiscation proceedings; individuals and small businesses in civil and commercial disputes or in dispute with HMRC; and their families. Many of my clients are Romanian-speaking.

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