Matthew Knight attended Newcastle University and the College of Law at Guildford.

After completing his articles with Farrer & Co and after two years of post-qualification experience with Sinclair Roche & Temperley, he joined Cripps Harries Hall in 1984.

He became a partner two years later. He established Knights Solicitors in 1994.

Married with three young daughters, his pastimes include hunting, shooting, stalking and sailing.

”I have worked with Knights, and in particular Matthew Knight, on a number of transactions and dispute resolutions over the last 10 years. I have found that the advice I have been given has been excellent and constructive. Matthew and his colleagues have helped me resolve issues in an innovative way which has led to a speedy resolution of the subject matter at a satisfactory cost. In particular, Matthew has a great feel for rural issues and how to obtain the best outcome for his client".
Architect, East Sussex


Memberships
- Compulsory Purchase Association
- Professional Negligence Lawyers Association
- Agricultural Law Association
- Country Land and Business Association

His reported cases include:

R(oao Roudham & Larling Parish Council) v Breckland Council & Paul Rackham Ltd (Interested Party) [2008] EWCA Civ 714
- Court of Appeal: judicial review relating to Environmental Impact Assessment and reasons for planning decisions.

In the matter of R Mears & Co (Holdings) Ltd (1) Richard Mears (2) Tynllan Ltd v R Mears & Co (Holdings) Ltd & 6 Others (2002) 2 BCLC 1
- High Court, Chancery Division: s.459 Companies Act 1985 proceedings.

Commissioners of Customs & Excise v British Field Sports Society [1998] 1 WLR 962; [1998] 2 All ER 1003.
- Court of Appeal: successful appeal from VAT Tribunal.

Scott & Others v National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty (1998) LTL 13/11/98 ex tempore
Scott & Others v National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty & Anor [1998] 2 All ER 705
Ex Parte Scott & Others sub nom R v Council of the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, ex Parte Scott & Others, [1998] 1 WLR 226; Independent, July 21, 1997
High Court – Administrative Court and Chancery Division: challenge to National Trust ban on staghunting on its land; issue of appropriate type of proceedings and venue for challenge to vires of actions of statutory charity.

R v Somerset County Council, ex parte Fewings & Others (1995) 1 WLR 1037; (1995) 3 All ER 20.
- Court of Appeal: scope of local authority powers in relation to land use.