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Most law firms and advice charities need help at some point. Maybe it’s a bit of help with strategy; perhaps it’s to make sure their systems are compliant; maybe they need to improve productivity or resolve some performance problems. I can help.

I have worked with dozens of firms and advice agencies on organisational development, management & leadership, profitability (sustainability), training, governance, succession, compliance and ethics.

I can help you see what your organisation could be; help fix what needs fixing; help strengthen what needs strengthening; and help change what needs changing.

I can support you with mentoring, ideas and being there - a critical friend through challenging times.

I am Director of both the LAPG Management & Leadership Hub and the Civic Power Fund’s Governance Hub. I’m also lead trainer on the LAPG Management and Leadership Programme and across its management training generally. After 8 years as Senior Legal Adviser at the LSC I know a bit about legal aid too.

My clients have included law firms, advice agencies, local authorities, think tanks, representative bodies (like the Law Society and LAPG), umbrella bodies (like the Law Centres Network and Citizens Advice) funders and philanthropic foundations, individuals and universities.

I bring over 30 years as a lawyer and 15 years as a consultant to the table.

“Matt Howgate offered us invaluable support as we took our think tank through a major restructure. He was thoughtful, generous and amazingly insightful at every step of the way. It felt as if he instantly understood our values and purpose and he designed organisational solutions that helped us redesign fundamental aspects of our governance while also building as wide support from staff and trustees as possible. We couldn’t have changed without him.”

Marc Stears CEO, New Economics Foundation

“Matt has an unparalleled breadth and depth of knowledge across the entire legal services sector. He has a quick grasp of the key challenges impacting organisations and he takes the time to understand the specific context affecting your area of business. Moreover, his strategic and operational expertise are second to none ensuring that he is a significant asset as a consultant.”

Kirsty Thomson Partner / Director, JustRight Scotland

“Matthew’s encyclopaedic knowledge of regulatory matters, coupled with a down to earth, pragmatic approach to communicating his advice, have made him indispensable to us. Whether for urgent reassurance or help considering next steps, we feel in very safe hands.”

Jenny Beck Director at Beck Fitzgerald Solicitors

And upon the award of an LAPG LALY Special Award in 2020:

“Matt Howgate is a consultant who has been an amazing resource for the social justice sector during this crisis. He has been at our side since the very beginning, poring over spreadsheets to urgently assess the impact on law centres, which was instrumental in securing emergency grant funding from the Ministry of Justice.”

Chris Minnoch CEO, Legal Aid Practitioners Group