In this series, we introduce some of the people that make up Stephens Scown. We learn about their expertise, what drew them to join the legal profession and find out a little bit about who they are outside of work.
Here we introduce Matt Huggett, partner in our Employment Law team.
Can you give us some information on your career path prior to joining Stephens Scown?
Confession time – I did not start out wanting to be a lawyer. In fact, I was one of those frustrating children (to my father at least) that had very little idea what they wanted to do as a career. I first discovered Human Resources work when I was working for the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF, now known as Make UK). With them I completed my Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Post-Graduate Diploma. By the time I completed this qualification I had (finally) realised that I wanted to be an employment lawyer. This was simply because I loved advising on employment matters – and of course all the interesting stories that come with that advice.
In 2018 I left EEF to branch out on my own. I joined a platform firm and developed my own employment law practice with them. I loved the creativity and freedom and opportunity to test my own approach to marketing, branding and business models, which allowed me to develop a wide range of business skills.
More recently, I realised working only for myself was something that would no longer satisfy me. I needed to work with other people, within a team and with common objectives. Hence joining the Employment Team at Stephens Scown.
How did you qualify as a lawyer?
I started my route to law through CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executive). I then progressed through the ranks, becoming one of two Lead Lawyers for key accounts at the EEF.
I enjoy supporting CILEX and took up a role as Non-Executive Director at CILEX in 2018. I became President of the Institute in 2022/2023. During this period, I have sat on the Main Board at CILEX and chaired the CILEX Professional Board, which represents members interests
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It may sound a little cliched, but I genuinely love getting to know my clients and working with them year after year. I have built up genuine friendships with many people as a result.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
Ideally a professional cricketer or a rock star. Given that I am not good enough at cricket that career route was never an option. Being a synth player in a successful band still appeals. I am learning the keyboard again – so you never know….
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am a keen cricketer (albeit, slower and older than I used to be), a regular go-karter and love going to music gigs, both large and very small. Every now and then I also make it to the gym and play a bit of Padel (a racket sport of Mexican and Spanish origin). And who doesn’t love a bit of travelling and restaurants as well?
Why Stephens Scown?
I was keen to join a firm where I would be working with a team rather than on my own. People are important. People are essential to me. In all my discussions with everyone that I met during the recruitment process, I was shown so much genuine warmth that I knew that these were people that I wanted to work with. I also really love the focus on ethical business that is underlined by our B Corp credentials. It is so important to have an alignment of your own beliefs and the core beliefs of the firm that you work for.
But it’s not just the people. It’s the Somerset offering of the firm. I am excited by the prospect of helping (with many others) to build upon the existing presence that the firm has in the region. It is genuinely energising to work with others who are also motivated to build something. This isn’t just about coming in and fitting into an established team – although that is also a key part of it – it is about having a bigger and wider overall purpose.
What are you most looking forward to about working here with us?
I am most looking forward to working with a great group of people!