Matthew Cannan

About Matthew

Matthew is the Regional Director of the care department in Birmingham. He is a law society children’s panel accredited solicitor who represents children, parents and family members in care proceedings and private law proceedings. Matthew is known especially for representing children of all ages and is regularly seen advocating for his clients at court, conducting his own advocacy including regularly in the High Court.

Matthew has experience in complex public law/care proceedings cases including death, serious injury, sexual abuse and emotional harm. He also has significant experience in the Family Drug and Alcohol Court.

Alongside his work in care proceedings, Matthew regularly acts for children in private law proceedings when a Rule 16.4 Guardian is appointed.

In addition to his advocacy and court work, Matthew will often deliver training, including to CAFCASS. He is passionate about his work with children and young people and spent over 10 years volunteering as a Governor of a local school assisting in particular with safeguarding and special educational needs. 

Outside of work, Matthew is a keen sports fan loving all sports but in particular football, rugby and cricket. He also enjoys reading and travel.

Advises On

• Family Law
• Children Law
• Care Proceedings
• Private law children
• Public law children
• Adoption
• Special Guardianship

Specific Areas of Expertise

• Care Proceedings
• Private law children
• Public law children
• Representing children

Notable Cases

• Birmingham City Council v M & Ors [2023] EWHC 3312 (Fam)

Panel Memberships and Accreditations

• Children’s Panel Accreditation
• Birmingham Law Society

Awards and Recognition

• Nominated for Associate/Solicitor of the Year, Birmingham Law Society Awards (2017)

Charity Membership, Fundraising Activity, and Pro Bono Work

• Matt spent over 10 years volunteering as a governor of a local school assisting with safeguarding and SEN.