Julie Matheson

Other areas of expertise

Julie gained her experience in representing regulatory bodies, for example the FRC, the IFoA and the HCPC, which provides her with a unique insight into a regulator’s mindset. This allows her understand the approach of the regulator, and to evaluate appropriate tactics and strategy when defending cases, with a view to achieving the best possible outcome for her client.

She also has significant experience in advising on and running internal and statutory investigations and reviews, and in Public Inquiries. She is currently involved in the Post Office Inquiry. She represented the FCA in the Davis Inquiry, a wide-scale inquiry into the way in which the FCA handled the launch of its 2014/ 2015 business plan, and the Connaught Review, which considered the FSA and FCA’s actions in regulating entitles linked to the Connaught funds.

Recent notable cases

• Advising a mid-tier accountancy firm in FRC disciplinary proceedings under its Audit Enforcement Procedure in relation to the audit of a well-known high street retail brand.
• Advising a senior accountant in FRC disciplinary proceedings under its Accountancy Scheme in respect of the collapse of a high-profile listed company.
• Advising a silver-circle firm on proceedings brought by an overseas equivalent of the FRC.
• Acting for a client under investigation by the FRC pursuant to its Audit Enforcement Procedure relating to the audit of a listed company dating back to 2016/2017.
• Acting for a firm of surveyors in proceedings brought by RICS in respect of a criminal prosecution.
• Advising a senior finance officer (s.151 officer) in relation to a potential Public Interest Report.
• Representing several audit firms on proceedings brought under the ICAEW’s or ACCA’s Disciplinary bye-laws in relation to failings identified in the ICAEW’s QAD visit or the ACCA’s PMD visit.
• Advising a firm of Insolvency Practitioners on proceedings brought by the ICAEW in respect of several alleged breaches of its regulations.
• Advising an ICAEW registered accountant in FRC proceedings involving international regulators, including the SEC.
• Advising Chief Financial Officers in proceedings brought by CIPFA.
• Advising accountants and firms on disciplinary proceedings due to the carrying on of public practice without a practising certificate.
• Providing advice to a CIMA member in proceedings brought before CIMA’s Disciplinary Committee.
• Providing advice to an ICAEW regulated audit firm in relation to proceedings brought before ICAEW’s Audit Committee, including its requirement to conduct hot and cold file reviews.
• Advising ACCA registered audit firms on proceedings brought by the Admissions and Licensing Committee of the ACCA.
• Leading a team of lawyers in providing advice to the FCA in the Davis Inquiry and the Connaught Review.
• Advising doctors in disciplinary proceedings.
• Advising the IFoA on its disciplinary matters, conducting complex investigations including interviews with its member and conducting advocacy at Disciplinary Tribunal Panel hearings.

What clients and directories have said

“Julie Matheson is extremely smart, dynamic and always on top of the detail. However, her key strength lies in understanding people. She takes time to understand what is important to each client, ensuring that they feel supported and listened to.” – Legal 500 UK 2025

“She is a great source of information and advice; a real pleasure to work with.” – Chambers and Partners, 2025

“Julie is very professional, polite, and shows excellent judgement.” – Chambers and Partners, 2025

“Julie handles cases with empathy and professionalism.” –Chambers and Partners, 2025

“Julie is exactly the lawyer you want in your corner.” – Chambers and Partners, 2025

“She is dynamic, incisive, energetic and imperturbable.” – Chambers UK 2025 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession

“Her key strengths are her understanding of the whole regulatory process and her ability to provide objective and sound advice.” – Chambers UK 2021, A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession

“Julie is an expert in financial services work.” – Legal 500 UK 2021

“‘Supremely bright’ and ‘both personable and robust’” – Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession,  2020

“The “incredibly impressive” Julie Matheson receives praise from market commentators who say she is “personable, incisive and knows the factual area and legislation back to front”.” – Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession,  2017

“Knowledgeable about complex financial regulatory issues.” – Legal 500 UK 2017

“I truly believe that having Julie Matheson represent me gave us the edge that we required to get the unbelievable result we did. She is magnificent as a lawyer and an exceptional individual for support through very difficult circumstances. Both myself and my wife are indebted to her.” – Registered professional

“A magnificent as a lawyer and an exceptional individual for support through very difficult circumstances”.

“Julie and Michelle have been outstanding in dealing with my case.  They both understood the technical aspects of it well, which allowed them to give me the best legal and strategic advice.” – FCA regulated banker in FX sales

“Able to get to grips with technical issues quickly and is then able to present them in lay terms, which is a valued skill.” – Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession,  2016

“Julie has twice constructed and presented training for the Disciplinary Pool of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, which involved drafting a complex case study and filming a mock disciplinary tribunal to provide delegates with guidance on law and procedure in a disciplinary tribunal setting. Feedback included:

“Thank you for organising such a successful and stimulating training event. I thought the case study was quite the best I have ever read and used”

“The training we received was perfectly tailored to our needs.  It kept a diverse team engaged, we learned a great deal and it was a perfect mix of learning and active practice.  Julie’s vast experience in disciplinary hearings also meant we could draw fresh ideas from current experience”.

Professional Societies & Memberships

• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of England and Wales
• Deputy Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Appeals Committee
• Member of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)