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March 21, 2025
History
Tracing Our Journey Through Legal Milestones
History
Tracing Our Journey Through Legal Milestones
Presgrave & Matthews is one of the oldest legal firms in the Straits Settlement
Established on January 1, 1879, Presgrave & Matthews is one of the oldest legal firms in the Straits Settlements. Founded by Arthur Edward Clark and Edward William Presgrave, a member of the Legislative Council, the firm has a rich history of over 140 years. After Mr. Clark's passing in 1879, the firm continued under its original name until 1882, when Mr. Clutton, former Registrar of the Supreme Court, joined as a partner.
In 1898, W. Bromhead Matthews, a barrister from the Inner Temple with prior experience in Singapore, partnered with Mr. Presgrave, giving the firm its current name. Today, Presgrave & Matthews remains a trusted name in legal services, built on a legacy of expertise, integrity, and dedication to its clients.
Presgrave & Matthews acted as solicitors to the Pinang Municipal Commission, the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, the Mercantile Bank of India, the Netherlands Bank and other leading business firms. It has since its foundation produced many distinguished legal personalities including, the late Tan Sri Dato’ Eusoffe Abdoolcader, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Malaysia.
FOUNDERS
Established by visionary legal pioneers, our founders laid the foundation for a legacy of integrity, expertise, and client-focused service that continues to guide our practice today.
Educated at Edinburgh Academy and University, Mr. Presgrave was called to the Bar in 1878 after training at Middle Temple. Returning to Penang, he served as Solicitor General and held key public roles, including President of the Municipal Commission and Legislative Council member. A dedicated community leader, he was active in the Penang Club, Town Club, and Turf Club. Presgrave Street in Penang honors his lasting contributions to the city.
Mr. Edward William Presgrave
FounderMr Matthews was one of the best known men in the Straits Settlement. For several terms he served as a member of the Legislative Council, he acted as Solicitor- General and on 1905 refused an offer of a judgeship. Mr Matthews subsequently left the firm on 1st January 1907 to accept his appointment of Attorney General of the Bahamas Island.
Mr. W. Bromhead Matthews
FounderNotable & Distinguished Partners
Another distinguished partner of the firm is Mr Sydney Cole Ambrose, he was mentioned in the Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya. Mr Ambrose was educated at Pembroke College Cambridge where he graduated with BA and LLB. He was with Presgrave and Matthews since 1904 and admitted as a partner in May 1906. He was a notary public for the firm at that time.
Mr. Palgrave Simpson – A Senior Partner who was appointed to act as Puisne Judge in Singapore in the 1930s.
Mr. E.A. de Buriatte – Appointed by the governor as a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of the Straits Settlements in 1937.
Growth & Legacy
Presgrave & Matthews will soon celebrate its 127th anniversary. The firm has maintained a continued presence in Georgetown, Penang, making it one of Malaysia’s oldest legal firms. It has been based at No. 2, Beach Street, Penang (formerly the Standard Chartered Bank Building) for over 50 years.
Today, Presgrave & Matthews is one of the largest legal firms in Penang, with 21 lawyers, including 13 partners, and 29 support staff. Over its 127-year history, the firm has played a crucial role in shaping Malaysian law by participating in landmark cases that have influenced Malaysian jurisprudence. The firm has also produced many distinguished legal personalities, including Tan Sri Dato' Eusoffe Abdoolcader, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Malaysia.
Making a Lasting Impact
Contributions to Penang and Malaysia
Our firm is dedicated to making a positive difference in Penang and Malaysia, through meaningful contributions that support local development, uphold justice, and promote sustainable growth. We take pride in being a part of the progress that benefits both individuals and the community as a whole.
The firm has significantly contributed to the State of Penang, representing the Penang State Government, various statutory bodies, local authorities, and a public university in Penang. Additionally, it has served international and domestic financial institutions, multinational corporations, commercial entities, associations, professional bodies, societies, and statutory bodies across Malaysia throughout its 124-year history.
Presgrave & Matthews’ legal practice encompasses a wide range of dispute resolution services, with its lawyers appearing in trials and appeals across all tiers of the Malaysian courts, tribunals, quasi-judicial bodies, and arbitration proceedings. The firm also specializes in corporate, banking, and conveyancing matters.
Making a Lasting Impact
Contributions to Penang and Malaysia
Our firm is dedicated to making a positive difference in Penang and Malaysia, through meaningful contributions that support local development, uphold justice, and promote sustainable growth. We take pride in being a part of the progress that benefits both individuals and the community as a whole.
The firm has significantly contributed to the State of Penang, representing the Penang State Government, various statutory bodies, local authorities, and a public university in Penang. Additionally, it has served international and domestic financial institutions, multinational corporations, commercial entities, associations, professional bodies, societies, and statutory bodies across Malaysia throughout its 124-year history.
Presgrave & Matthews’ legal practice encompasses a wide range of dispute resolution services, with its lawyers appearing in trials and appeals across all tiers of the Malaysian courts, tribunals, quasi-judicial bodies, and arbitration proceedings. The firm also specializes in corporate, banking, and conveyancing matters.
Core Values and Commitment
The firm’s longevity is attributed to its deeply rooted work culture and values, including reliability, solution-driven service, and dedication to clients and the development of law. To continue delivering top-tier legal services, the firm maintains comprehensive research facilities and a well-equipped library featuring law reports, periodicals, and reference texts from Malaysia, Singapore, Commonwealth jurisdictions, and beyond—some dating back to the 18th century.
Presgrave Street - named after Edward Presgrave, who founded the law firm of Presgrave & Matthews at Beach Street in 1898. Presgrave & Matthews is one of the oldest legal firms in the Straight Settlement. Presgrave was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and University. In Penang, he was the solicitor-general and the president of the Penang Municipal Commission. Today, Presgrave Street has gained a name for its street food and is within walking distance from Traders Hotel.
Recent Recognition
On 5th January 2022, the firm was awarded the Penang Centennial Excellence Award by Y.A.B. Chow Kon Yeow, Penang’s Chief Minister, in recognition of its outstanding contributions to Penang’s legal and business excellence over the past century.
Looking Ahead
As Presgrave & Matthews enters its 127th year, it remains committed to delivering the best legal services in Penang and beyond, catering to its increasingly diverse group of clients.
Meet Our Most Talented & Qualified Attorneys
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Mr. Clifford Ong Zun Lung
Legal Assistant
Ms. Siti Hashimah Binti Kamal
Legal Assistant
Ms. Fatin Maisarah Binti Mohd Hisham
Legal Assistant
Ms. Alicia Low Shyan Mei
Legal Assistant
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Meet Our Most Talented & Qualified Attorneys
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