Matrix Chambers > London, England > Set Profile
Matrix Chambers Offices
GRIFFIN BUILDING, GRAY'S INN
LONDON
WC1R 5LN
England
Matrix Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations) Tier 1
Matrix Chambers is known for its high-profile work on behalf of banks, financial institutions, and corporates in complex corporate crime prosecutions and investigations, offering integrated expertise across data protection, reputation management, and asset recovery issues, as well as a dedicated regulatory investigations team. Clare Montgomery KC remains a highly sought-after counsel for serious financial crime defence and prosecution work, and acted for the FCA in its successful money laundering prosecution of NatWest, while Alex Bailin KC acts in major SFO proceedings, including defending a senior executive of Petrofac against the SFO. The ‘absolutely excellent‘ Nichola Higgins continues to expand her profile, including major instructions from the SFO and FCA, such as acting for the SFO in both R v Skeene and R v Bowers, interlinked £30m investment fraud cases.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘The chambers has good strength in depth and range of skills.‘
‘Matrix have the efficiency of a civil set because a lot of their work is highly paying work which means that they have a huge clerks room. They don’t run like a normal criminal set, you compare them to the service you get at a civil set. They have the best barristers.‘
‘Very strong in white collar crime.‘
London Bar > International crime and extradition Tier 1
The ‘top team offering strength in depth‘ at Matrix Chambers often advises in notable cases before the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. The work is often cross-border and in 2021 its barristers have been briefed in numerous high-profile US, Russian and Indian extradition cases. In criminal related matters, Alex Bailin KC is lauded as an ‘expert on all aspects of financial and business crime‘, and recently acted in R (Lynch) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court, representing Mike Lynch, the former CEO of Autonomy, in the High Court in relation to a request for his extradition by the United States concerning allegations of fraud relating to HP’s purchase of Autonomy. When it comes to general crime, ‘thorough and diligent‘ junior Florence Iveson recently represented a requested person in the case of Government of India v Singh, Singh and Gill, an alleged terrorism related murder case.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is a market leader, particularly in the field of international law and extradition. Their highly regarded silks are proactive in ensuring that junior members receive the best training and guidance, and the expertise flows throughout the whole set.’
‘Top team offering strength in depth.’
‘Excellent in all areas. A go-to set where you always have quality and commitment.’
Clerking
‘An exceptionally high level of professionalism’.
‘They all provide a first class service.’
London Bar > Elections Tier 1
Clients single out Matrix Chambers as ‘a market leader for election law with a highly respected election law team.’ Sarah Sackman, who joined in August 2021, has further strengthened the team’s prowess in this area. Sackman is often instructed in the most high profile election law cases including R (Coughlan) v Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Supreme Court challenge to Voter ID requirements. Sarah Hannett KC, who has a particular specialism in cases that involve equality law, has also been involved in many high profile cases such as the EHRC investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party. Experienced election law practitioner Gavin Millar KC also acted in special case before the High Court following an election miscount in the Banbury Ruscote division of Oxfordshire.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is a market leader for election law with a highly respected election law team.’
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights Tier 2
Barristers at Matrix Chambers are referred to by instructing solicitors as ‘the premier go-to barristers’ chambers with some of the brightest barristers in human rights’, and the set enjoys a strong reputation in public law generally. Clients for the set include government departments and local authorities, but the set is best known for its claimant work, including for individuals and campaign groups. This is an area of expertise for junior Jessica Jones, whose ‘knowledge of the law is silk-level’. Jesse Nicholls appeared in R (Turner) v Secretary of State for the Work and Pensions in a case concerning the death of Errol Graham, a man suffering from mental health difficulties who starved to death in his flat after his benefit payments ceased because he did not engage with a review of his eligibility for Employment Support Allowance.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘The premier go-to barristers’ chambers with some of the brightest barristers in human rights.’
‘Matrix is a really tremendous chambers. Hugely hard-working barristers, very user-friendly, a real client-focused approach. This is from the clerks right the way through to the most senior silk.’
‘Matrix are an excellent set with strength at every level of seniority.’
Clerking
‘They are always helpful and efficient.’
‘The clerks are amongst the best in the business.’
‘The clerks provide an excellent service.’
London Bar > Data protection Tier 2
Matrix Chambers stands out for being ‘at the forefront of data protection work‘, with its members acting in matters involving media organisations, public authorities and companies. Pitted against Hugh Tomlinson, Antony White KC, and Edward Craven acted on behalf of the defendant in Lloyd v Google, a class action before the Supreme Court concerning cookies on iPhone devices. Catrin Evans KC acted for techUK in Google LLC v Lloyd, intervening successfully on the side of the claimant on a data breach matter regarding representative claims under the Data Protection Act 1998. In addition, White represented the defendant in ZXC v Bloomberg, appearing against Craven before the Supreme Court in a landmark case surrounding a question of whether criminal suspects have a reasonable expectation of privacy as to the existence of the investigation.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘All are a joy to work with as they are knowledgeable, modern, and have a great understanding of how traditional legal issues apply in the 21st century.’
‘They have an excellent practise in the field of data protection and privacy combined with commercially savvy clerks and counsel.’
‘Matrix are outstanding in this area. There is an excellent selection of brilliant barristers, who also have skills in complimentary areas.’
‘The set as a whole is very strong in data protection and privacy law, with a sizeable number of counsel specialising in this area.’
‘Matrix are clearly at the forefront of data protection work.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are attentive. They work hard to provide a good service.’
London Bar > Defamation and privacy Tier 2
Characterised as ‘one of the leading defamation and privacy chambers at the Bar’, members of Matrix Chambers represent a variety of clients, including broadcasters, major news outlets and high-profile celebrities. In Vardy v Rooney (referred to in some quarters as “Wagatha Christie”), Hugh Tomlinson KC and Sara Mansoori KC represented Rebekah Vardy, wife of 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot winner Jamie, in a claim against Coleen Rooney, wife of DC United manager Wayne, accusing her of posting defamatory statements on Twitter and Instagram alleging that Mrs Vardy had been leaking her private posts to The Sun. Antony White KC represented Bloomberg in ZXC v Bloomberg, a case focused on whether criminal suspects have a reasonable expectation of privacy, where he saw Mansoori as opposing counsel. In addition, Catrin Evans KC led Ben Silverstone in Eurasian Natural Resources Corp Ltd v Qajygeldin, acting for the former Prime Minister of Kazakhstan in a breach of confidence claim by ENRC.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers has developed into one of the leading defamation and privacy chambers at the Bar.’
‘The barristers at Matrix Chambers are well-rounded and well able to advise on legal concepts spanning multiple practice areas, with ease.’
‘Matrix barristers think around the issues and do not confine themselves to arguments based purely on one area of law.’
‘Matrix are a leading set in defamation and privacy.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are responsive and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The clerking team are excellent.’
London Bar > Education Tier 2
Matrix Chambers‘ education team has an excellent reputation, with a solid track record in acting for a client base that includes the Department of Education, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, individual students, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator and other statutory bodies. The set has seen an uptick in work involving universities and further education colleges. In recent work, David Wolfe KC acted in Goodred v Portsmouth City Council, a challenge to the legality of the Council’s policy and approach to parents who choose to home educate their children. In another matter, Sarah Hannett KC appeared for the local authority in R (WC) v Somerset County Council, which established the correct legal test applicable when closing a rural school. At the junior end, Claire Darwin appeared as sole counsel for the successful claimants in Gwynedd Council v Barratt and another, a Court of Appeal decision clarifying the duties of local authorities, particularly duties towards teachers who are directly employed by the authorities, when reorganising schools.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A very good set, particularly knowledgeable in this area. ’
‘Matrix Chambers has a deservedly stellar reputation. ’
‘The set is very professional and multi-disciplinary. The standard of work is fantastic and chambers often hosts useful seminars which are well pitched to the sector that it serves, with impressive speakers and themes. ’
Clerks
‘Excellent clerks. Elizabeth Bousher is extremely helpful. ’
‘The clerks are efficient, flexible and accommodating, always going the extra mile to make counsel available. ’
London Bar > Employment Tier 2
Matrix Chambers‘ members routinely appear in first-instance High Court proceedings, the Employment Tribunal, and Supreme Court appeals. Recent Supreme Court work includes Brazel v Harpur Trust (UNISON intervening), in which Mathew Purchase KC and junior Nathan Roberts successfully acted for UNISON and the appellant, respectively, the case addressing the annual leave rights of part-year workers. Over in the Court of Appeal, James Laddie KC and rising star Mark Greaves represented the respondent in Al Qasimi v Robinson, which concerned both the defence of illegality in employment contexts and the statutory interim relief regime in alleged automatic unfair dismissal scenarios; and senior junior Claire Darwin was sole counsel for the successful claimants in Gwynedd Council v Barratt and another, which involved the unfair dismissal of two teachers when Gwynedd Council reorganised its schools. Senior junior Andrew Smith moved to 11KBW in May 2022.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A set with stellar quality and sheer brilliance across the spectrum of employment issues.‘
‘A really strong employment set that gives a wide choice of barristers across various levels.‘
‘Matrix is an excellent set, with barristers who are at the top of their fields.‘
‘The set is quick to respond and provides high-quality counsel – very much a go-to set.‘
‘Matrix has many of the best barristers – no other chambers offers the same range of knowledge, skills and experience.‘
Clerking
‘Very helpful clerks who are patient and accommodating.‘
London Bar > European Union law Tier 2
Matrix Chambers continues to act across the spectrum of EU law matters, from the broader competition and state aid, to the more specialised and contemporary advice in regards to the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Jessica Simor KC appeared before the Court of Appeal in Jersey Choice v Her Majesty’s Treasury and HMRC, a Francovich damages action brought against the UK Government for the removal of a VAT relief on the basis it constituted a discriminatory customs charge under EU law. Takis Tridimas is bringing an appeal on behalf of UK citizens in Joshua David Silver and Others v the Council of the European Union, the case challenges the Brexit withdrawal agreement as it pertains to the deprivation of Union citizenship; raising critical questions regarding the fundamental right to citizenship and novel constitutional issues.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers offers a very good and responsive service. ’
‘Their members are first rate.’
Clerks
‘Elizabeth Bousher is an outstanding clerk, highly efficient and helpful.’
‘The clerks room are always extraordinarily helpful.’
‘Matrix’s clerks are the best I have ever come across; always proactive and unfailingly polite.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Immigration (including business immigration) Tier 2
Matrix Chambers fields ‘one of the most efficient and friendly practice teams‘ in immigration, with ‘some of the most brilliant minds in the sphere‘. Practice head Raza Husain KC is especially notable, with significant high-profile involvement in the challenges to the deportation of prospective asylum seekers to Rwanda. SC (Jamaica) v SSHD, a case concerning internal relocation of deportees, was a significant recent win for the set, in which Husain was supported by the ‘hard working‘ and ‘meticulous‘ Eleanor Mitchell. Meanwhile, Hugh Southey KC is renowned for his work in EU law and in areas of overlap with prison law.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers is a great set with exceptional public lawyers who are also great people to work with.’
‘The quality of Matrix Chambers simply cannot be questioned. Some of the most brilliant minds in the sphere emanate from the set, and they are a go-to group of barristers for not only me, but a number of my colleagues, for that exact reason.’
‘Matrix Chambers has some of the best immigration counsel in the country.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Matrix are super – always ready to help.’
‘The practice teams are friendly and helpful. You can always rely on Liz Bousher – she is extremely helpful and friendly.’
‘Matrix has one of the most efficient and friendly practice teams that I have come across. I want to highlight the incredible work of Simon Gardner and Liz Bousher, both of whom go above and beyond to ensure that instructing solicitors are left wanting nothing.’
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries Tier 2
Consistently called upon for high-profile inquest and inquiry matters, Matrix Chambers is able to leverage the set’s additional expertise in areas such as administrative, criminal, mental health, police and prison law. Frequently appearing in inquests involving deaths in both police and prison custody, Philippa Kaufman KC‘s recent highlights include acting as lead counsel in the headline Undercover Policing Inquiry; Danny Friedman KC (leading senior junior Raj Desai) is acting as co-lead counsel on behalf of 300-plus survivors and bereaved families in The Grenfell Tower Inquiry; and a silk since 2021, Lorna Skinner KC‘s track record includes representing media organisations at public inquiries. Nick Armstrong has particular expertise in immigration detention deaths, while Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh is acting as the personal representative of Tony Doris (who along with two others) was killed in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland in 1991 when the police opened fire on a stolen car.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is obviously a very good set, with some very good people across various practice areas.‘
‘Matrix has some exceptional silks, clearly among the best around for inquiries, public law and collective litigation.‘
‘A reputation for excellence.‘
‘Matrix is an excellent set. Top-quality barristers and a well-run operation.‘
‘Some very good inquest counsel and the set is very well organised.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks at this chambers are the best in the business – responsive, proactive and sensible.‘
London Bar > Public international law Tier 2
Matrix Chambers is praised for its ‘highly experienced and motivated lawyers, with an in-depth knowledge of international law and a hard-to-match experience before international tribunals‘. The set’s members have a diverse range of expertise including investment treaty claims, state-versus-state disputes and cases before the ECHR and ICJ. Notable cases include Somalia v Kenya, in which Edward Craven is representing the Somali government in a maritime boundary dispute with Kenya. Michelle Butler acts for Congo in reparations proceedings linked to the ICJ dispute Democratic Republic of the Congo v Uganda concerning human rights violations carried out by the Ugandan government during the Second Congo War. Alex Bailin KC has been very active on the diplomatic immunity side.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is a go to set for complex public international law disputes.’
‘Matrix Chambers remains an excellent set for public international law work.’
‘The experience has consistently been the finest one could dream of in that type of context: highly experienced and motivated lawyers, with an in-depth knowledge of international law and a hard-to-match experience before international tribunals, coupled with a high sense of probity and decency.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Group litigation Tier 2
Matrix Chambers are particularly strong in the data privacy and human rights spaces and members have ‘been involved with many of the most significant group claims over the past 20 years‘. Richard Hermer KC has a standout practice in this area, often appearing at the Supreme Court of human rights group actions, as well as acting in the Grenfell litigation where he acts for 800 victims instructed by 14 solicitors. In Ogale Community v Royal Dutch Shell and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Edward Craven was led by Hermer in an environmental negligence case that the Supreme Court ruled in February 2021 could proceed to trial in England. Craven was the sole junior acting for Google in it’s successful 2021 appeal to the Supreme Court in multi-billion-pound data privacy class action Lloyd v Google LLC, led by Antony White KC, and another highlight at chambers has been the involvement of Hermer and Craven in the diesel emissions litigation on behalf of various claimant groups.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent set, great silks.’
‘Excellent juniors, able to rotate according to availability, and superbly well-resourced.’
‘Very strong in the data privacy space.’
‘Matrix has been involved with many of the most significant group claims over the past 20 years or more.’
‘The chambers is excellent.’
Clerking
‘Very attentive.’
London Bar > Media and entertainment Tier 2
Considered an ‘excellent set with great silks‘, members of Matrix Chambers often handle proceedings in relation to the publishing and entertainment industries, acting for production companies, publishers and media personalities in high-profile disputes.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Very strong.’
‘Excellent set with great silks.’
Clerking
‘Very attentive.’
‘Friendly and approachable.’
London Bar > Police law (claimant) Tier 2
Matrix Chambers are an established police law set handling not only complex police cases, but also those in related areas. Phillippa Kaufmann KC is notable for her practice working for victims of crime litigating against the police, having recently represented three victims of the Rochdale grooming gang in a case against Greater Manchester Police. In addition she represented the family of Jermaine Baker in the public inquiry into Baker's fatal shooting by police in 2015 during an attempt to extract Izzet Eren from custody prior to Eren's receipt of a 21-year sentence for firearms offences. Hugh Southey KC led a case examining the Police Service of Northern Ireland's investigation of the death of Julia Smyth in Belfast in 1972, after in 2014 newly-released military logs suggested that the fatal shot may have been fired by the British Army.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Very professional and commercially-minded.’
‘The premier go-to barristers’ chambers for me.’
‘Matrix chambers have a huge amount of expertise in specialist areas of law, including actions against the police. They are well-organised, accessible and incredibly well-respected. A very slick operation all round.’
‘Brilliant set with unparalleled quality.’
Clerking
‘Excellent’
‘Very responsive.‘
London Bar > Competition Tier 3
Matrix Chambers has a strong reputation in the law of competition, including state aid, public procurement and commercial judicial reviews. Rhodri Thompson KC is representing UK Trucks Claim Ltd in UK Trucks Claim v Iveco and Daimler; this is another case in the follow-on action relating to the EU Commission Trucks Decision, with the UKTC seeking permission to proceed with a collective claim for UK-registered trucks bought between 1997-2010; an alternative application for a collective proceedings order on the same facts was being sought by the Road Haulage Association. Christopher Brown has been advising the CMA on complex and novel elements of competition law in the Energy Licence Modification Appeals, the regulator is hearing various appeals by transmitters and distributors of gas and electricity against price control decisions levied by Ofgem.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers offers a very good and responsive service; Counsel availability is never an issue. ’
Clerks
‘The clerks are very helpful. ’
‘Elizabeth Bousher, one of the senior clerks, provides excellent service. She is able to liaise with clerks in other chambers involved in the case to provide a seamless service. ’
‘The clerks room is extraordinarily helpful. ’
Work highlights
London Bar > Court of Protection and community care Tier 3
Matrix Chambers carries wide experience in handling human rights law and mental capacity law. David Wolfe KC recently instructed in the appeal to the Court of Appeal in relation to a High Court judgment which concluded that access to holidays and recreational activities can be part of what is provided for under a community care plan. Zoë Leventhal KC took silk in March 2022.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is a brilliant set with many superstar barristers.’
‘Matrix is a leader in the community care area.’
Clearking
‘The clerks are all really helpful. Frankie Penton and Liz Bousher are both consistently amazing.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Crime Tier 3
Specialising in cases concerning ‘particularly complex or novel legal issues’, the experienced set at Matrix Chambers defends in high-profile matters with human rights and historic criminal components, in addition to a wide range of everyday serious offences. In the “Soldier A” case in Northern Ireland, Clare Montgomery KC led Helen Law in the successful defence of a British soldier accused of the murder of IRA figure Joe McCann in 1972. Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh served as sole counsel for one defendant in the high-profile acquittal by a jury of one of the protestors who toppled the statue of the slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. Mark Summers KC represented a man initially acquitted by magistrates in 2019 prior to the acquittal’s overturning by the High Court, for the sending a “grossly offensive” video of a cardboard effigy of Grenfell Tower burning on a bonfire – he received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty prior to a retrial.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘They are one of the strongest sets for criminal work in London – particularly in cases with a high media profile, or where there are particularly complex or novel legal issues, where there is an international element (and in extradition cases generally). They are a real class act.’
‘Matrix attracts some of the most interesting international, criminal and human rights related work.’
‘Extremely high-performing set. Numerous star performers across all fields.’
“A brilliant set of barristers – very much a go-to set.”
Clerking
“Paul Venables is one of the senior clerks. He is a really cool guy and nothing phases him.’
London Bar > Environment Tier 3
Matrix Chambers is increasingly instructed in matters which address the impact of international law and standards in domestic law, particularly in relation to climate change and marine protection. The set is ‘brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct their members’, and according to some ‘the environment and human rights team is head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases’. Richard Hermer KC, who frequently handles large-scale international environmental disasters claims litigated before the London courts, and David Wolfe KC, who is challenging the legality of the UK government’s £28bn road building plan by reference to the need to tackle climate change, are the standout silks. New silk Zoë Leventhal KC is ‘an all-round excellent barrister, good on her feet and careful in how she presents cases’.
Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘The environment and human rights team at Matrix are head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases.’
‘Matrix has a good number of barristers specialising in Environmental/Public law. It is my go-to Chambers for this area of work as its members are, without exception, phenomenally bright and strategic in approach.’
‘Matrix is brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct its members.’
Clerking
‘Always helpful; Frankie Penton is great.’
‘The clerks are great – really responsive to emails and very friendly and helpful on the phone.’
London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 3
With a ‘stellar group of KCs’ that is ‘matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels’, the criminal fraud set at Matrix Chambers brings experience to defending major corporates and individuals against high-profile prosecutions and investigations related to a diverse spectrum of alleged financial offences. In an FCA investigation taken over by the SFO, Tim Owen KC continues to represent one of the suspects in the collapse of London Capital and Finance allegedly due to its sale of mini-bonds. Vedrana Pehar represents the ex-husband of Petra Ecclestone on money-laundering charges. Richard Whittam KC conducted the successful private prosecution of a Lebanese businessman with regards to a multi-million pound Knightsbridge property and a real estate scam from which the defendant used to fund family litigation after his wife left him for a footballer.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers is in the very top tier of London sets for fraud and crime. Their stellar group of silks is matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels.’
‘Matrix is head and shoulders above other chambers.’
‘Matrix Chambers has a number of high profile members who are very well-regarded. It is a leading set in this field.’
Clerking
‘Paul Venables is one of the senior clerks. He is a really cool guy and nothing phases him.’
‘The clerking team, led by Paul Venables, is top-notch.’
London Bar > Telecoms Regulation
London Bar > Health and safety
Leading Silks
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Local government (including rating law)
Leading Silks
London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
London Bar > Financial services regulation
Leading Silks
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Commercial litigation
Leading Silks
London Bar > Fraud: civil
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Planning
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
London Bar > Tax: VAT and excise
London Bar > Sport
Leading Juniors
Matrix Chambers > Set Profile
Matrix is a barristers’ chambers located in London, Geneva and Brussels. Described as “professional and forward thinking”, Matrix is an approachable set that is proud of its record of innovation and focus on excellence. Core values govern the way it works and outline its commitment to operating within an environment where diversity, accessibility and client care are widely championed.
The depth of experience and expertise across a range of practice areas allow Matrix to provide a unique offering at the Bar. Matrix is uniquely positioned to deal with complex legal issues, particularly where they overlap multiple areas of law. Matrix has an established international presence, its members having worked in over 100 countries.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Rachel Holmes | rachelholmes@matrixlaw.co.uk | |
| Members of Chambers | AFEEVA, Mark (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ARMSTRONG, Nick (2001) | ||
| Members of Chambers | AWUKU-ASABRE, Kwaku (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BAILIN KC, Alex (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BLAKE, Sir Nicholas (1974)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | BOISSON DE CHAZOURNES, Prof Laurence* | ||
| Members of Chambers | BRENNAN KC, Lord Daniel (1967)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | BROWN, Christopher (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BUCKLEY, Joanna (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BUTLER, Michelle (2007) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BUTTLER KC, Chris (2004) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CHINKIN, Prof Christine (2003) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CHOO, Prof Andrew (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CHRISTIE, Ayesha (2014) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CLAPHAM, Prof Andrew (1985)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | COOK, Kate (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CRAVEN, Edward (2007) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DARWIN, Claire (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DAVIES, Anita (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DESAI, Raj (2010) | ||
| Members of Chambers | EVANS KC, Catrin (1994) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FOUBISTER, Emma (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FRIEDMAN KC, Danny (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GEARTY KC (Hon), Prof Conor (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GIBSON, Nicholas (2009) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GILLIE, Tom (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GLASSON KC, Jonathan (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GONZÁLEZ GARCÍA, Luis* | ||
| Members of Chambers | GREAVES, Mark (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HANNETT KC, Sarah (2003) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HELME, Ian (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HERMER KC, Richard (1993) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HIGGINS, Nichola (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HODIVALA KC, Jamas (1998) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HOOPER, Sir Anthony (1965)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUDSON KC, Anthony (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUNT, Murray* | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUSAIN KC, Raza (1993) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUTCHEON, Darryl (2014) | ||
| Members of Chambers | IVESON, Florence (2012) | ||
| Members of Chambers | JABER, Tamara (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | JAMES-MATTHEWS, Tim (2018) | ||
| Members of Chambers | JONES, Jessica (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KAUFMANN KC, Phillippa (1991) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KENTRIDGE, Janet (1999) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KIBLING, Thomas (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KNIGHTS KC, Samantha (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LADDIE KC, James (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LAW, Helen (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LEVENTHAL, Zoë (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LINDEN KC, Thomas (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LOGAN, Rachel (2008)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | MACDONALD KC, Lord Ken (1978)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | MANSOORI, Sara (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MARKS, Prof Jonathan H. * | ||
| Members of Chambers | MCCALLUM, Zoe (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MILLAR KC, Gavin (1981) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MITCHELL, Eleanor (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MITROPHANOUS KC, Eleni (1999) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MONAGHAN KC, Karon (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MONTGOMERY KC, Clare (1980) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MORRIS, Prof Gillian (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MOUNTFIELD KC, Helen (1991) | ||
| Members of Chambers | NÍ GHRÁLAIGH, Blinne (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ODOGWU, Ifeanyi (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | O'NEILL KC, Aidan (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | OWEN KC, Tim (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PARKER, Raj (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PEHAR, Vedrana (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PRINCE, Laura (2003) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PURCHASE KC, Mathew (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | RANDALL KC, Nicholas (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROBERTS, Nathan (2014) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROBOTTOM, James (2009) | ||
| Members of Chambers | RYDER KC, Matthew (1992) * | ||
| Members of Chambers | SILVERSTONE, Ben (2009 | ||
| Members of Chambers | SIMOR KC, Jessica (1992) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SJOVOLL, Kirsten (2012) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SKINNER KC, Lorna (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SKINNER, Paul (2010) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SMITH, Andrew (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SOUTHEY KC, Hugh (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SQUIRES KC, Dan (1998) | ||
| Members of Chambers | STANSFELD, James (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SUMMERS KC, Mark (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SWORDS-KIELEY, Roisin (2019) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TAMS, Prof Christian * | ||
| Members of Chambers | THOMPSON KC, Rhodri (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TOMLINSON KC, Hugh (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TRIDIMAS, Prof Takis (2000) | ||
| Members of Chambers | VASSALL-ADAMS KC, Guy (2000) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WATERMAN KC, Adrian (1988) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WHITE KC, Antony (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WHITTAM KC, Richard (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WILLS, Aidan (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WOLFE KC, David (1992) |
Barrister Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mark Afeeva | Specialist in sports, discrimination, employment, media and entertainment law. Cases include: Sport:… | View Profile |
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| Dr Nick Armstrong | Barrister specialising in public law, human rights and civil liberties with a… | View Profile |
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| Alex Bailin | Alex’s practice is centred on financial and business crime, all aspects of… | View Profile |
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| Alex Bailin | Alex’s practice is centred on financial and business crime, all aspects of… | View Profile |
 | Sir Nicholas Blake | Associate member of Matrix. | View Profile |
 | Prof Laurence Boisson de Chazournes | Laurence’s practice covers various fields such as international economic law, international dispute… | View Profile |
 | Lord Daniel Brennan | Lord Brennan has a high-profile practice across a number of areas –… | View Profile |
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| Christopher Brown | Specialist areas of practice include UK and EU competition law, EU law,… | View Profile |
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| Joanna Buckley | View Profile | |
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| Michelle Butler | Barrister specialising in public and private international law, arbitration, crime, commercial law,… | View Profile |
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| Christopher Buttler | Administrative law; local government, planning and environmental law. | View Profile |
 | Prof Christine Chinkin | Specialising in international law and international human rights law. | View Profile |
 | Prof Andrew Choo | Specialist in criminal law and criminal due process and human rights law. | View Profile |
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| Ayesha Christie | Barrister specialising in public law and human rights, with a particular focus… | View Profile |
 | Prof Andrew Clapham | International law professor specialising in international law and human rights law (Osman… | View Profile |
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| Kate Cook | Barrister specialising in environmental law, public international law, EU and human rights… | View Profile |
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| Edward Craven | Specialist in public international law; international human rights law; international environmental law;… | View Profile |
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| Claire Darwin | Claire has been recognised by the legal directories as a leading barrister… | View Profile |
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| Anita Davies | Anita has a broad practice in the areas of crime and regulation,… | View Profile |
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| Raj Desai | Raj specialises in public and human rights law. His practice encompasses prison… | View Profile |
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| Catrin Evans | – | View Profile |
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| Danny Friedman | Expertise in all aspects of criminal law, human rights and public law.… | View Profile |
 | Prof Conor Gearty | Barrister specialising in human rights law. Notable cases include: Secretary of State… | View Profile |
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| Nicholas Gibson | Nicholas has experience of diverse commercial and public law matters, with particular… | View Profile |
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| Tom Gillie | Tom’s practice spans across a variety of areas including equality and human… | View Profile |
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| Jonathan Glasson | Jonathan practises in a broad range of work. His practice includes human… | View Profile |
 | Luis González García | Luis González García focuses on international trade, investment law and international arbitration. He is… | View Profile |
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| Mark Greaves | Mark has a broad practice with a particular focus on Employment and Education… | View Profile |
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| Sarah Hannett | Specialist in public law, human rights, discrimination and education. Recent cases include… | View Profile |
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| Richard Hermer | Richard Hermer’s practice spans public and private law litigation within both the… | View Profile |
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| Nichola Higgins | Nichola Higgins is a leading practitioner in the field of financial and… | View Profile |
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| Jamas Hodivala | Jamas represents companies, directors and other professionals in white collar and business crime,… | View Profile |
 | Sir Anthony Hooper | Sir Anthony Hooper retired from the Court of Appeal of England and… | View Profile |
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| Anthony Hudson | Anthony Hudson QC is highly regarded in media and information law. He… | View Profile |
 | Murray Hunt | Murray Hunt is an associate member of Matrix and was one of… | View Profile |
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| Raza Husain | Barrister specialising in immigration and human rights; A (internment and legality of… | View Profile |
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| Darryl Hutcheon | Darryl is especially interested in employment & discrimination law, public law, and… | View Profile |
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| Florence Iveson | Florence Iveson is an experienced and trusted extradition specialist who appears regularly… | View Profile |
 | Tamara Jaber | Tamara practises in a broad range of areas including public law and… | View Profile |
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| Jessica Jones | Jessica has a broad practice in extradition, crime, public law and human… | View Profile |
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| Phillippa Kaufmann | Predominantly public and civil law practice arising in the field of criminal… | View Profile |
 | Edward Kemp | Edward has a broad cross-disciplinary practice in employment and equality, private international,… | View Profile |
 | Janet Kentridge | Specialist in public and administrative law, local government law, commercial law and… | View Profile |
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| Thomas Kibling | For the last ten years Thomas has been ranked in the top… | View Profile |
 | Samantha Knights | Barrister specialising in immigration and asylum, civil liberties, administrative and public law… | View Profile |
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| James Laddie | Specialist in employment & discrimination law; also enjoys substantial practice in commercial… | View Profile |
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| Helen Law | Specialising in crime, public law, human rights and public international law. | View Profile |
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| Zoë Leventhal | Zoë practises in all areas of public law and human rights and is listed as a… | View Profile |
 | Rachel Logan | Barrister specialising in public law, international law, sports law, human rights and… | View Profile |
 | Lord Ken Macdonald | Areas of practice include: corporate and general crime; civil and criminal fraud;… | View Profile |
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| Sara Mansoori KC | Barrister with a wide range of experience and practices in all areas… | View Profile |
 | Prof Jonathan H Marks | Barrister and a CEDR accredited mediator specialising in EU/environment, banking law and… | View Profile |
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| Anirudh Mathur | Anirudh practises in employment and discrimination, public and human rights, private and… | View Profile |
 | Zoe McCallum | View Profile | |
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| Gavin Millar | Gavin has a broad practice spanning media, information, public, criminal, employment and… | View Profile |
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| Eleanor Mitchell | Eleanor has a wide-ranging practice with a particular focus on public law… | View Profile |
 | Eleni Mitrophanous | Barrister with particular expertise in EU law, public law, human rights law,… | View Profile |
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| Karon Monaghan | Karon practises principally in the fields of equality and discrimination law, human… | View Profile |
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| Miss Clare Montgomery | Specialist in criminal, regulatory and fraud law. | View Profile |
 | Prof Gillian Morris | Advisory work in employment law (individual and collective) and public employment law;… | View Profile |
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| Helen Mountfield | Helen is a versatile silk with a strong leading practice in public… | View Profile |
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| Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh | Blinne is a human rights and international law expert with a broad… | View Profile |
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| Aidan O"Neill | Aidan O’Neill QC (Scot) QC is dual-qualified and a “double silk”. He… | View Profile |
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| Ifeanyi Odogwu | Barrister specialising in inquest and inquiries, administrative/judicial review; human rights; civil claims,… | View Profile |
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| Tim Owen | Specialises in criminal fraud and regulatory work (including trial, judicial review/appellate work,… | View Profile |
 | Raj Parker | Raj Parker is an associate member of Matrix and prior to joining… | View Profile |
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| Vedrana Pehar | Vedrana is recognised as a leading junior in the highly complex arena of… | View Profile |
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| Laura Prince | Specialises in employment and discrimination law, regularly appearing at appellate level and… | View Profile |
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| Mathew Purchase | Mathew’s practice includes all aspects of public law, employment law, discrimination law,… | View Profile |
 | Nicholas Randall | Barrister specialising in employment, sport and pensions related work. He has appeared… | View Profile |
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| Nathan Roberts | View Profile | |
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| James Robottom | James has a multi-disciplinary practice which covers public law and human rights, tort law (including… | View Profile |
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| Matthew Ryder | Specialist in the interplay between civil and criminal law, with particular emphasis… | View Profile |
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| Sarah Sackman | Sarah has a wide-ranging and successful public law practice which spans Matrix’s… | View Profile |
 | Maurice Sheridan | Specialises in EU law, environmental law, commercial law, international law and arbitration;… | View Profile |
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| Ben Silverstone | Ben has a broad practice in media and information law, with a… | View Profile |
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| Jessica Simor | Specialises in public law, EU and human rights. Recent cases: R (on… | View Profile |
 | Kirsten Sjøvoll | Kirsten practices predominately in media, public and international law. | View Profile |
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| Paul Skinner | Paul’s practice spans the full range of public, human rights and commercial… | View Profile |
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| Lorna Skinner | Specialises in media and information law, encompassing data protection, defamation, privacy, breach… | View Profile |
 | Andrew Smith | Andrew is a barrister specialising in employment and discrimination law, sports law… | View Profile |
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| Hugh Southey | Hugh Southey has led at all levels up to and including the… | View Profile |
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| Daniel Squires | Practice encompasses national security, financial sanctions, prison law, police powers, social welfare… | View Profile |
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| James Stansfeld | View Profile | |
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| Mark Summers | Specialist in extradition, mutual legal assistance, criminal EU law. Recent extradition cases… | View Profile |
 | Prof Christian Tams | Christian specialises in international dispute settlement, notably inter-State litigation, investment disputes and… | View Profile |
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| Rhodri Thompson | Barrister specialising in EU law, UK and EU competition law, public law;… | View Profile |
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| Hugh Tomlinson | Specialises in defamation and privacy, commercial, civil liberties and human rights. Recent… | View Profile |
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| Prof Takis Tridimas | Barrister specialising in European Union law, European Convention of Human Rights, judicial… | View Profile |
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| Guy Vassall-Adams | Specialist in all aspects of media, broadcasting and information law, both domestic… | View Profile |
 | Adrian Waterman | Adrian Waterman QC is an adaptable and skilled advocate who is highly… | View Profile |
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| Mr Antony White | Commercial law, Arbitration, Media and Information Law, Data Protection, Employment Law | View Profile |
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| Richard Whittam KC | View Profile | |
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| Aidan Wills | Aidan joined Matrix in October 2016 upon the completion of his traineeship… | View Profile |
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| David Wolfe | Barrister specialising in advising and acting for claimants in relation to human… | View Profile |
Diversity/Community
In line with Matrix’s core values, it invests time and effort into the realisation of equal opportunities at work and at the Bar. Matrix is a committed advocate of equality in all aspects. It takes a three pronged approach to equality and diversity with support for staff and members, networking/consultancy groups and outreach projects, to ensure that Matrix is identifying and addressing early barriers. Matrix has a dedicated Equality and Diversity Manager (non-barrister) and two Equality and Diversity Officers (barristers) to make sure it is doing its utmost to improve diversity at the Bar. Below are just some of the projects Matrix has been involved in to contribute to the progression of diversity at the Bar.
LGBT+
Matrix’s internal LGBT+ and allies network meets to discuss Matrix’s priorities for LGBT+ inclusion. Matrix is one of the few barristers’ chambers that is a member of Stonewall, the LGBT+ charity, as part of their Diversity Champion Programme. Matrix takes part in the Stonewall yearly index and has been able to greatly improve policies and practices as a result. Matrix hosts LGBT consultation meetings for all staff and members to input into its LGBT+ strategy and both members and staff sit on the legal LGBT+ network committee FreeBar.
FreeBar Charter: Matrix is a founding member of FreeBar, a network for everyone at the Bar who believes in equality for LGBT+ individuals and for all those who work at the Bar – whether you are a member, trainee, member of staff, member of the judiciary, or a person who works with members of the Bar.
Mental Health
Matrix prioritises mental health and wellbeing support and itsinitiatives include wellbeing action plans, wellbeing policies and resilience workshops featuring innovative stress management techniques. CEO Rachel Holmes takes a keen interest in the wellbeing of staff and members and is a member of the Thriving of Work Leadership Council.
Ethnicity
Matrix has a Race Working Group made up of members and staff, which is taking active steps to improve racial diversity and inclusion both within Matrix and at the Bar in general. It also has a Race Equality Network, which is designed to be a dedicated space for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic members, trainees and staff to share their experiences and discuss relevant issues.
Matrix is also working closely with other organisations on improving access to the profession for people from minority ethnic groups and other groups underrepresented at the Bar. Matrix is participating in both the 10,000 Black Interns scheme (which is aiming to create a sustainable cycle of mentorship and sponsorship for the Black community by providing paid training and development opportunities) and the Bridging the Bar initiative (which is aiming to improve equality of access to mini-pupillages). Matrix will be running five Bridging the Bar mini pupillages in autumn 2021.
Work experience and mentoring
Matrix has a year round work experience programme for young people aged 14-18, with half of placements reserved for people from backgrounds underrepresented in law, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, those of the first generation in their family to attend university and candidates with disabilities. From the success of this programme Matrix is now launching a longer term mentoring project.
Matrix’s new Future Lawyers scheme builds on the priority work experience placements, offering those students the opportunity for further interview experience, mentoring and workshops on advocacy and networking. The first two workshops held in July 2021 received excellent feedback from participants.
Promoting gender equality
Matrix is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of women both in the workplace, and specifically at the Bar. Matrix has signed the Women in Law Pledge and regularly host events that tackle issues facing women across different backgrounds and across the world. Matrix also has an internal women’s network for both members and staff to discuss gender issues. Its members have also commented on gender issues facing the Bar and the judiciary in the media.
Neurodiversity
Matrix is keen to support entry into the profession for aspiring barristers with neurodivergent conditions and to foster a more neurodiverse and accepting environment at the Bar.
Matrix is proud to be the first signatory to the Babington Charter and a Champion of the organisation Neurodiversity in Law, whose purpose is to promote and support neurodiversity within the legal professions, and eliminate the stigma often associated with people who think differently.
Matrix Causes Fund
The Matrix Causes Fund, administered by Matrix and contributed to by members and staff, has committed over £1.4 million in small grants to charitable organisations since 2003. The Fund provides support to organisations which promote access to justice, equality of opportunity or a sustainable environment and supports organisations both internationally and in the local community. As well as the funding committed to a range of organisations each quarter, Matrix has committed a three-year grant to the Amos Bursary, to support aspiring Black barristers looking to enter the profession. The funds will be applied to support students while at university and help them to meet their basic costs as students, and participate in experiences and opportunities which will contribute to their performance while at university or preparation for the world of work.
- Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations)
- International crime and extradition
- Elections
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Administrative law and human rights
- Data protection
- Defamation and privacy
- Education
- Employment
- European Union law
- Immigration (including business immigration)
- Inquests and inquiries
- Public international law
- Group litigation
- Media and entertainment
- Police law (claimant)
Set Rankings
- Telecoms Regulation
- Health and safety
- International arbitration: counsel
- Local government (including rating law)
- Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
- Financial services regulation
- Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
- Commercial litigation
- Fraud: civil
- Planning
- Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
- Tax: VAT and excise
- Sport