Matthew Yates graduated with degrees in Law and Commerce from the University of Queensland in in 2008. He was called as a Solicitor in New South Wales and Queensland in 2010 and worked as a personal injuries solicitor with Maurice Blackburn in Southport for two years.
He moved to Canada in 2011 and was called to the British Columbia bar in 2013 where he practiced as a civil litigator for 12 years. In 2015, Matthew opened his own law practice in Nelson, British Columbia, serving clients in most areas of civil litigation. His primary focus was in family law, but his file load included estates litigation, wrongful dismissal, land/easement issues, builders liens and construction contract disputes.
Matthew’s family law experience encompasses matrimonial property division including complex financial matters and corporate valuation, child custody and relocation, family violence and protection hearings, child and spousal support, as well as adoptions and guardianship applications.
Matthew made frequent trial and interlocutory appearances before the British Columbia Supreme Court, British Columbia Provincial Family Court, Small Claims Court, British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and various other quasi-judicial bodies.
While he has a passion for court advocacy, Matthew puts his clients first and understands that their best outcome may include creative solutions outside the courtroom. His approach to family law is to provide both fierce advocacy and compassionate guidance through what is often the most challenging transition in his clients’ lives.
In 2025, Matthew traded his skis for a surfboard and moved his family back to Australia, where he joined the Transitional Legal team in Southport. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys camping and boardgames with his wife and two kids.