Profile

Matthew Gearing KC is widely regarded as a leading arbitration practitioner of his generation; in particular, he was appointed Queen's Counsel (England & Wales) in February 2014. He has substantial experience of arbitrations, particularly in Hong Kong and the wider Asian region.

He has been in practice in the field of international arbitration and dispute resolution for over 25 years. He was a partner of Allen & Overy for 16 years, head or co-head of the firm’s arbitration group for ten years of those years (and at the firm for 24 years) before moving to the Bar, from May 2021.

Matthew was Chairperson of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) from 2017 to 2020 (Council of the HKIAC, 2008-2020). In addition, he is a past Co-Chair of the LCIA Young International Arbitration Group. He is currently a Vice-President of the LCIA Court. He is also on the HKIAC, SIAC and KLRCA panel of arbitrators, and Prime Finance’s panel of Dispute Resolution experts.

Matthew has acted in a large number of complex arbitrations around the world, both commercial arbitrations and investment treaty arbitrations. His experience includes arbitrations under the ICC, UNCITRAL, SIAC, HKIAC, KLRCA, SCC, LCIA and ICSID Rules.

Matthew has sat as arbitrator in a wide range of matters, as sole and party appointed arbitrator and as Chair, including under the SIAC, LCIA, ICC and HKIAC Rules and in respect of investment treaties, under the ICSID and UNCITRAL Rules.

He is also called to the Bar in Western Australia (2023) and is a Solicitor-Advocate (Non-practicing), Hong Kong (2001).

Matthew is a joint editor of Russell on Arbitration (23^rd and 24^th Editions) a leading text on arbitration in England & Wales, and has written and spoken widely on arbitration.

Matthew has achieved broad and consistent recognition in the major directories for many years.

Chambers & Partners – Global

• Dispute Resolution: Arbitration: The English Bar (Singapore) (Band 2)
• International Arbitration – The Bar – Asia-Pacific Region (Spotlight)
• Arbitration (International) – Global Market Leaders
• Dispute Resolution: Arbitration – China (Foreign Expertise in India)
• Dispute Resolution – Philippines (Expertise Based Abroad)

Chambers & Partners – Asia Pacific

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration: The English Bar (Singapore) (Band 1)

International Arbitration – The Bar – Asia Pacific Region (Spotlight)

Dispute Resolution – Philippines (Expertise Based Abroad)

The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific

The English Bar: Commercial

Leading Arbitrator: Regional International Arbitration

The Legal 500 – UK

International Arbitration: Counsel

"He is at the very top of practitioners in Asia in my view. I think Matthew is a real star." – International Arbitration – The Bar, Chambers Asia Pacific (2023)

"He is without a doubt the best lawyer in Asia, he's genuinely great. He's a great mentor, team leader and good advocate." – Arbitration, Chambers Global (2020)

“Widely considered a standout practitioner in the market, with one client describing him as a ‘very famous QC whose professional qualifications need no further explanation.’ The same client adds: ‘He has very sharp thinking on key legal issues and can always take control of the situation during hearings.’ He remains a leading figure for investment treaty and commercial arbitration across the region.” – Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms), Chambers China (2021)

“A lauded arbitration counsel in the Indian alternative dispute resolution market, acting for major corporates and financial services clients.” – Dispute Resolution (International Firms) – India, Chambers Asia Pacific (2021)

“Sought after for his expertise in international arbitration involving the Philippines. He is particularly experienced in disputes arising in the energy and infrastructure sectors.” - Dispute Resolution – Philippines, Chambers Asia Pacific (2021)