Public international law

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
2

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC

Matrix Chambers
Blinne is a legal force of nature and a true star of the Bar – an exceptionally talented lawyer who is in a class of her own. She is a devastatingly effective advocate who sets the benchmark for persuasive and compelling advocacy. Her courtroom advocacy is literally taught in law schools as the gold standard. She is an extremely astute strategist with an extraordinary ability to find a way through the most challenging of cases. Her forensic precision, mastery of the law, and razor-sharp strategic thinking make her a formidable advocate – and adversary – who has a rare ability to achieve what others might consider impossible.
Ben Juratowitch KC
2

Ben Juratowitch KC

Essex Court Chambers
Ben Juratowitch KC is an outstanding barrister who combines exceptional analytical ability with a highly effective advocacy style. He is able to immerse himself in even the most complex cases and quickly master extensive factual and evidentiary records, identifying and distilling the issues that are most likely to resonate with the tribunal. Throughout proceedings, he provides consistently thoughtful and commercially astute strategic advice, helping to shape the overall direction of the case and anticipate potential challenges. At hearings, Ben is exceptionally composed and unflappable, even under significant pressure. He has a remarkable ability to guide the tribunal through complicated factual and legal issues with clarity and precision, focusing attention on the points that matter most. His advocacy is measured, persuasive, and highly effective, combining deep command of the record with strong judgment as to how best to present the client's case. He is particularly skilled at building credibility with tribunals and advancing his client's position in a compelling and convincing manner.
Philippe Sands KC
2

Philippe Sands KC

11KBW
Toby Landau KC
2

Toby Landau KC

Duxton Hill Chambers London
Toby is the complete package. I can't think of anyone else who matches his combination of public international law knowledge, commercial awareness, advocacy skills, and credibility before international tribunals.
Lucas Bastin KC
3

Lucas Bastin KC

Duxton Hill Chambers London
Lucas is a standout star. He is very busy because he provides the full package - a senior lawyer who does the hard work, provides first-rate advice, and is trusted and liked by all. He has no obvious weaknesses and is the go-to barrister for many solicitors and other law firms around the world.

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Tariq Baloch KC
1

Tariq Baloch KC

Essex Court Chambers
Mr. Baloch KC is, in our experience, one of the very finest advocates currently practicing in international arbitration and public international law. We have instructed him on enforcement proceedings involving sovereign states and have found his combination of academic rigor, hearing room presence, and strategic instinct to be truly exceptional. His written submissions are of the highest quality — precise, compelling, and authoritative — and his oral advocacy is equally impressive: calm, clear, and highly effective with tribunals and courts alike. He brings a depth of understanding of state immunity, enforcement, and public international law that is rare at the Bar, and his familiarity with the tactics that sovereign respondents deploy makes him an invaluable asset in any enforcement matter. He is also an excellent team player who integrates seamlessly with instructing solicitors and clients. We recommend him in the strongest possible terms.
Edward Craven KC
1

Edward Craven KC

Matrix Chambers
Edward is an extraordinary lawyer, a rare combination of both a brilliant legal mind and a complete delight to work with. Clients and lawyers rightly seek him out; he is a formidable asset for any team. Edward has a killer instinct for strategy, yet is incredibly kind to work with. Edward's advocacy is second to none. He has considerable experience presenting before the International Court of Justice. Clients rightly trust him with the crucial issues in their case.

2026 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Christopher Staker KC
1

Christopher Staker KC

39 Essex Chambers
Mr. Christopher Staker's exceptional expertise in public international law proved to be invaluable in the work we conducted. Mr. Staker's research and reasoning abilities are outstanding, and his work is of exceptional quality. His professionalism extended beyond his legal expertise, as he was consistently prompt and precise in delivering his services. I found Mr. Staker to be an excellent communicator, ensuring that his contributions and opinions were conveyed in a clear and easily understandable manner for all involved parties.
Philippa Webb KC
1

Philippa Webb KC

Twenty Essex
Few practitioners bridge the worlds of academic rigor and practical judgment as seamlessly as Ms. Webb. Her work sits at the crossroads of human rights, public international law, and sovereign immunity, fields in which she has developed a remarkably deep and sophisticated understanding. What sets her apart is not only her command of these complex areas of law, but also her ability to make them accessible to others. Ms. Webb has a rare gift for translating highly technical and often abstract concepts into clear, persuasive, and actionable advice. Whether engaging with clients, tribunals, courts, government officials, or business leaders, she has an instinctive ability to identify the issues that truly matter and explain them in a way that resonates with decision makers.