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 offers ‘a large talent pool at several different levels of seniority’ and multi-disciplinary approach to enforcement proceedings. The set enjoys a strong reputation internationally, thanks in part to its strong work relationships with firms in the US and Hong Kong, as well as its extensive experience of engaging with foreign authorities the likes of the US DoJ; in addition, Tim Owen QC is also noted for his focus on offshore jurisdictions, including a judicial appointment to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. Another strength of the team lies in its representation of a mix of global companies, banks and financial institutions in fraud, bribery, corruption and money laundering investigations conducted by UK agencies, including the SFO and the FCA; Clare Montgomery QC and Alex Bailin QC remain among the country’s most highly regarded specialists in this space. In October 2020, the set expanded its market visibility in the financial regulatory space with multiple lateral hires, including those of Nichola Higgins of Doughty Street Chambers and former First Senior Treasury Counsel Richard Whittam QC of 2 Bedford Row.
Leading Silks
2020 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers has a large talent pool at several different levels of seniority, covering libel, white-collar crime, human rights and other areas.’
‘Chambers has a wealth of counsel who are able to assist in the field of regulatory offences.’
‘I know several barristers in different practice areas in the set. Many are at the top of their game and very well-regarded. Their white-collar department is actively growing.’
Clerking
‘A great clerking team.’
‘Paul Venables is excellent.’
London Bar > Civil liberties and human rights (including actions against the police) Tier 1
Matrix Chambers is considered ‘a leader in many areas relating to civil liberties and human rights.’ In Howard v SSHD, Phillippa Kaufmann QC successfully brought a challenge on behalf of a man who moved to the United Kingdom as part of the Windrush generation, which concerned the legislation governing naturalisation on the ground that it discriminates against the Windrush group by failing to disapply the good character requirement in their cases. Elsewhere, Richard Hermer QC and Edward Craven are representing the claimant in Abu Zubaydah v Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office, concerning a civil claim for damages brought by a Guantanamo Bay inmate against MI5 and MI6, who he alleges were complicit in him being tortured and abducted by the CIA. Aidan O’Neill QC, a dual silk in England and Scotland, garners praise for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of the area’.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix has an excellent reputation and there are a number of very good senior barristers and silks. You know where you are with Matrix and are never disappointed with the representation.’
‘This is an excellent set.’
‘Matrix is my “go to” chambers; they are brilliant.’
‘A strong set for civil liberties and human rights litigation, particularly in police actions, immigration, the environment and for mass tort litigation.’
‘All the barristers are fiercely bright, and extremely down to earth.’
Clerking
‘Fantastic clerk room – Alison Scanes is brilliant. They will provide realistic turnaround times and sensible fee notes.’
London Bar > International crime and extradition Tier 1
Matrix Chambers stands out as 'one of the very best sets for extradition/international criminal work', with members often acting in high profile, cross-jurisdictional matters. Alex Bailin QC is defending Russian billionaire Oleg Tinkov against an extradition request from the United States for two offences concerning alleged tax fraud to the value of $200m. Also in extradition, Clare Montgomery QC successfully represented Vijay Mallya in proceedings brought on behalf of India regarding alleged frauds leading to the collapse of the Kingfisher airline. At the junior end of chambers, Michelle Butler continues to represent the former President of Georgia, Mikheil Sakashvilli, in relation to an investigation by the ICC of the conduct of Georgian forces during the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008.Rising stars
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers has a large talent pool at several different levels of seniority.’
‘A very strong extradition team with breadth and depth.’
‘One of the very best sets around for extradition/international criminal work and particularly complex and high profile matters. They are an outstanding set.’
‘Matrix’s extradition team is very strong. In Clare Montgomery QC and Mark Summers QC, the set has two of the strongest silks in the area.’
Clerking
‘Matrix has an enviable clerks room. Responsive and giving a personal service, they are a pleasure to deal with. Worthy of particular mention is practice area manager Paul Venables who is efficient, friendly, and fun.’
London Bar > Public international law Tier 1
Matrix Chambers has an excellent pedigree for public international law, particularly for cases that intersect with human rights and civil liberties. In addition ICSID investment treaty disputes, members regularly appear before the ICJ on state versus state cases, including maritime and boundary disputes. Notable cases include a maritime boundary dispute between Somalia and Kenya, in which Philippe Sands QC is leading Edward Craven on behalf of Somalia. Sands is also representing Congo, alongside Michelle Butler in Democratic Republic of the Congo v Uganda, which concerns the presence of Ugandan troops in eastern parts of the DRC during Joseph Kabila’s first term as president, before the ICJ. Another highlight is Zachary Douglas QC‘ lead role for the claimants in LLC Lugzor and others v Russian Federation, an investor-state dispute concerning Russia’s annexation of the Crimea in 2014.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Administrative and public law (including elections) Tier 2
Matrix Chambers is ‘extremely well-placed in the area of administrative and public law with great strength, especially at QC level‘, with distinguished silks such as Phillippa Kaufmann QC being sought after on human rights cases; Karon Monaghan QC, who continues to advise on the UK Infected Blood Inquiry; and Tim Owen QC, who represented three claimants in a judicial review of the Foreign Secretary’s decision to refuse to extend protection and assistance to Afghan nationals, who asserted they had worked as undercover agents for the UK for many years in the Helmand province. Helen Mountfield QC often represents claimants in judicial reviews where public policy is under scrutiny for being discriminatory, such as representing the Equality and Human Rights Commission in a Supreme Court appeal, SC, CB and 8 Children v Secretary of State for Work of Pensions, a challenge to the availability of the individual element of child tax credit for the first two children only. Leading junior Zoë Leventhal represented claimants in the first case to reach the Court of Appeal about Universal Credit, R (TP, AR & SXC) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, a case centered on whether the phasing of Universal Credit and the absence of transitional protection is discriminatory against severely disabled people. In other news, the set also expanded its bench strength at the senior end with the appointment of Mathew Purchase QC, Sarah Hannett QC and Christopher Buttler QC to silk in 2021.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘In my experience there is real strength-in-depth in the areas of admin and public law / civil liberties and human rights, particularly among junior barristers in the field.’
‘Matrix are extremely well-placed in the area of administrative and public law, with great strength, especially at QC level.’
‘The Chambers are brilliant for all matters relating to public law. There is not a bad barrister in the set. They have it all.’
‘Matrix has an excellent reputation and there are a number of very good senior barristers and silks. You know where you are with Matrix and are never disappointed with the representation.’
Clerking
‘My experience of the clerks room has been that they are always responsive and helpful, in particular Paul Venables.’
‘The clerking service is very helpful. The clerks are friendly and helpful and Elisabeth Bousher in particular has consistently gone above and beyond to make working with Matrix Chambers a very positive experience.’
London Bar > Data protection Tier 2
Matrix Chambers is ‘a leading set with some fantastic barristers’ and is ‘a front-runner on complex cutting-edge data protection matters’. Active in data protection, and online and privacy issues, the set acts for media organisations, other businesses, public authorities and private individuals, and is also regularly instructed by litigation funders in relation to data breaches. Antony White QC, who has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of this area’, continues to act for Google in Lloyd v Google LLC alongside Edward Craven; whilst Hugh Tomlinson QC acts for the claimant. The ‘very bright and extremely personable’ Catrin Evans QC represented Google in Ansari v Amini, Google Ireland Ltd, a case relating to the defence of data privacy and defamation claims.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set:
‘Matrix are a hugely impressive set and are who we instruct most regularly in media and information matters’.
‘Excellent set on all things data protection and online issues, as well as privacy issues’.
‘Matrix is simply the front-runner in complex cutting-edge data protection matters’.
‘The set as a whole is very strong in data protection and privacy law, with a sizeable number of counsel specialising in this area of law’.
‘They are enormously busy so thankfully they have a significant number of people at the absolute top of their game’.
Clerking:
‘Excellent clerking, better than any set I have dealt with’.
London Bar > Defamation and privacy Tier 2
A high-powered set featuring several prominent market leaders, the barristers at Matrix Chambers advise A-list celebrities, broadcasters, and major news publications involved in high-profile defamation, privacy, harassment, and data protection matters. In Vardy v Rooney, Hugh Tomlinson QC successfully led Sara Mansoori QC for Rebekah Vardy, wife of 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot winner Jamie, in the first stage of libel claim stemming from Twitter and Instagram posts by Coleen Rooney, wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne, accusing her of leaking fake social media posts to The Sun. They were opposed by Antony White QC, known for his work in Lloyd v Google LLC, a group litigation order case against the tech giant surrounding its behavioural advertising cookie placement. Lorna Skinner QC and Catrin Evans QC respectively represented the claimant and defendant in Duchess of Sussex & Archie Mountbatten-Windsor v Splash News & Picture Agency LLC, a dispute which settled concerning telephoto lens photography in a park in Canada – the litigation was against the backdrop of the defendant’s administration.Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Very professional set. A well-oiled machine.’
‘It’s a very strong set at all levels, and also good at encouraging a team ethos so work gets done and recognised effectively whether by solicitors or counsel. It’s good at cutting-edge law.’
‘All barristers that I have instructed at Matrix Chambers have always been excellent.’
‘Matrix are No.1 in defamation, privacy, data protection, misuse of confidential information, and all media law issues. There are so many expert practitioners to choose from, which means that if your first choice is not available, there are others who can accept instructions.’
‘Matrix have an excellent media practice. Some of the top silks in defamation and privacy law and particularly strong on data protection issues.’
Clerking
‘Their clerking is better than any other set I work with.’
London Bar > Education Tier 2
Matrix Chambers is well-known for the 'strength and breadth of its barristers in respect of public law and education sector work', housing a number of 'extremely knowledgeable barristers'. David Wolfe QC represented the Independent Schools Inspectorate in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. In another recent instruction, Sarah Hannett QC successfully defended R (Shaw) v Secretary of State for Education, in which the claimant sought judicial review of the easing of the statutory duties for children with special educational needs put in place citing the coronavirus pandemic.
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Extremely well respected set for all areas of human rights and public law.’
‘In my view education law counsel at Matrix are some of the very best.’
‘Matrix are an efficient set of Chambers. The individual barristers I’ve worked with there are all really knowledgeable and approachable.’
Clerking
‘Very helpful, responsive and efficient.’
‘Efficient and timely service.’
London Bar > Employment Tier 2
Matrix Chambers' barristers act in cases at all levels, from first instance proceedings in the High Court or Employment Tribunal, to appeals in the Supreme Court. In recent work, Karon Monaghan QC represented the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the Forstater v CGD Global Employment Appeal Tribunal case concerning the protection of philosophical beliefs. Within the set's senior ranks, Mathew Purchase QC, whose employment law practice includes representing individual claimants, employers and trade unions at all levels of the judicial hierarchy, took silk in March 2021.
London Bar > European Union law Tier 2
Members of Matrix Chambers represent clients at both UK and EU level, and in recent years have been instructed on a number of high-profile cases. Rhodri Thompson QC represented an applicant in a judicial review of Secretary of State for Transport's decision to reject bids in the 2019 rail franchising round due to non-compliance with pensions requirements, the judgment in which was handed down in July 2020. David Wolfe QC focuses on EU law as it relates to environmental regulation, often working alongside Jessica Simor QC on fisheries and animal welfare-themed matters. The set also includes some impressive juniors such as Takis Tridimas, who regularly appears in Luxembourg in relation to banking, corporate taxation and fundamental rights. Eleni Mitrophanous QC is a 2020 silk appointment.
Leading Silks
2020 Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries Tier 2
Inquest and inquiry work are a core area for 'extremely good and well-organised set' Matrix Chambers. The crossover between inquest and inquiry work and the set's other key areas, such as administrative, criminal, mental health, police and prison law, means the chambers consistently acts in headline cases. Acting on behalf of over 200 survivors and bereaved families, Danny Friedman QC and Raj Desai remain involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Philippa Kaufman QC represents represents a number of core participants (in the Undercover Policing Inquiry), who were subjected to secret police activity; and Hugh Southey QC represents the family of Mark Duggan, whose fatal shooting by police in 2011 (triggering the riots of that year) was ruled a lawful killing by an inquest jury in 2014, in an application to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that English law on self-defence as it stands is incompatible with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Ifeanyi Odogwu is another key name.
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers has an extremely strong inquest and inquiries team, with some of the top counsel you could instruct, both at silk and junior level.‘
‘Matrix is an extremely good and well-organised set.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are efficient and get back to you quickly.‘
‘They are a good team – no weak links.‘
London Bar > Media and entertainment (including art and cultural property) Tier 2
‘A first-rate set’, the large team at Matrix Chambers acts in high-profile media disputes involving those working in the entertainment industry, professional athletes, and members of the royal family. In HRH Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd, Antony White QC is acting for the defendant who is being sued for publishing the contents of a letter written by the Duchess of Sussex to her father in the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online without her consent. In Guardian News and Media v Rubicon Project Inc., he was joined by Edward Craven in successfully represented the Guardian in a claim for deceit, breach of contract, and misrepresentation on the part of Rubicon, who was alleged to have retained millions of pounds in secret commission in the sale of the newspaper's online advertising inventory through Rubicon's online auction platform.
Media and entertainment - Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Media and entertainment - Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A first-rate set.’
‘Matrix Chambers has formidable barristers whose practices cover a wide range of areas.’
Clerking
‘Absolutely excellent.’
‘I really rate Elizabeth Bousher who is a please to deal with.’
‘Excellent service.’
‘The most professional practice management at the London Bar. Elizabeth Bousher is particularly impressive.’
London Bar > Competition Tier 3
Matrix Chambers includes a number of practitioners with expertise in competition law, particularly with regards to state aid. public procurement and judicial review. Rhodri Thompson QC is currently advising claimants in follow-on damages disputes relating to the trucks cartel, as is Nicholas Gibson. Christopher Brown has been representing the claimants Churchill Gowns Ltd and Anor v Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd and Or, a standalone claim regarding exclusivity arrangements in the academic dress industry.
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is providing a real challenge to the traditional competition sets of Monckton and Brick Court. It is able to offer specialist advocates at all levels. Chambers as a whole is open to the use of CFAs and prices competitively, which puts them at a strong advantage in this sphere.‘
‘The whole outfit at Matrix is very professional and slick‘
Clerking
‘Very good – they are attentive and typically all have a co-operative and ‘can-do’ attitude. they look after their barristers well, and are a pleasure to work with.’
London Bar > Court of Protection and community care Tier 3
At Matrix Chambers, the team has solid experience in advising on cases which include mental health, prison law, migration and children in care matters, often in tandem with community care issues. Nick Armstrong is noted for acting in judicial reviews related to community care issues. In March 2021 Sarah Hannett QC and Christopher Buttler QC were elevated to silk, further strengthening the team at the senior end.
2021 Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘The set has a lot of very bright people.’
‘An excellent chambers.’
London Bar > Crime Tier 3
Matrix Chambers is home to a group of ‘highly talented criminal lawyers‘. In a prominent highlight for the set, Clare Montgomery QC and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh successfully represented all members of the “Stansted 15”, a group of activists who were convicted of an aviation security offence after affixing themselves to a Boeing 767 to be used for a deportation flight, before the Court of Appeal, which quashed the convictions. In another matter, Ní Ghrálaigh acted for four anti-arms trade campaigners in an appeal in DPP v Ziegler before the Supreme Court, in which the Supreme Court reinstated the defendants’ initial acquittal of the charge of wilful obstruction of a highway after they attempted to disrupt deliveries to the DSEI defence industry trade show in London in 2017.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers has a really impressive range of advocates for general crime.’
‘Matrix is superb in breadth and depth.’
‘Matrix is a multi-disciplinary set of chambers with several prominent and well-regarded silks and juniors.’
Clerking
‘Paul Venables understands what is important to solicitors. His assistance and guidance is reassuring and always helpful.‘
‘A dedicated team for each barrister so I can always find someone who knows the case and the barrister and is able to answer my query.’
‘Rhian Hiscocks and Venetia Tate are brilliant. They go out of their way to try and find cover, even at the last minute. They are very responsive and easy to work with.’
London Bar > Environment Tier 3
Matrix Chambers is ‘great across environmental law' with 'creative, clever barristers willing to develop the law’. Among its members are two of the leading silks in environmental law, David Wolfe QC, who acted for Friends of the Earth in its challenge to the Government’s failure to take into account the climate change obligations when deciding to allow for the construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport, and Richard Hermer QC, who was involved in a high-profile case for environmental damage against an international mining company for damages arising out of large-scale pollution of waterways from a copper mine in Zambia.
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix is great across environmental law – creative, clever barristers willing to develop the law.’
‘Matrix has a very experienced environmental law team, both in terms of other barristers and their clerking support. The involvement of the team in leading environmental cases means their juniors get good exposure and experience.’
‘Matrix is our go-to set. Their barristers are at the top of their game and the barristers and practice managers alike eschew the traditional – and slightly stuffy – way of working in favour of a more open, collaborative and modern approach. They are open to running joint events and are shortly running a bespoke training session for us on JR.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are fantastic – very responsive, fun, friendly.’
‘One of the most gender-diverse clerking teams, which is a definite strength.’
‘Always excellent – a total pleasure.’
London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 3
The financial crime team at Matrix Chambers specialises in acting for prosecutors, regulators, and corporates regarding criminal fraud and all forms of financial crime. 'Highly skilled advocate' Richard Whittam QC was instructed by Vitaly Orlov concerning a proposed private prosecution for perverting the course of justice in Orlov's long-running litigation against Alexander Tugushev concerning the ownership of fishing company Norebo.
Leading Silks
2020 Silks
London Bar > Immigration (including business immigration) Tier 3
Described as a 'very professional set with very good barristers', the offering at Matrix Chambers fields 'superstar silk' Raza Husain QC, human rights/EU expert Hugh Southey QC and trafficking specialist Samantha Knights QC. Frequently instructed in maters appearing before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, its members notably act for individuals and charities in connection with modern slavery claims and are increasingly focused on sports and business immigration. Two recent important cases are Husain's representation of the UNHCR as intervener in G v G, a Supreme Court case on the interaction of non-refoulment and international child abduction returns, and Nick Armstrong's involvement in the JCWI's challenge to the government's "right to rent" policy. Christopher Buttler QC took silk in March 2021.
Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
“Very professional set with very good barristers. You would not go wrong with anyone from these chambers.”
Clerking
“Clerks are extremely good and they know which of their barristers would best fit your case if your preferred counsel is unavailable.”
London Bar > International arbitration: arbitrators
London Bar > IT and telecoms
London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Local government (including rating law)
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
London Bar > Commercial litigation
Leading Silks
London Bar > Fraud: civil
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Planning
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Health and safety
2020 Silks
London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
London Bar > Tax: corporate and VAT/indirect tax
Tax: VAT - 2020 silks
London Bar > Sport
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Clinical negligence
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 QC, Alex (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BLAKE, Sir Nicholas (1974)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | BOISSON DE CHAZOURNES, Prof Laurence* | ||
| Members of Chambers | BRENNAN QC, 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 QC, 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 | DOUGLAS QC, Prof Zachary (2006) | ||
| Members of Chambers | EVANS QC, Catrin (1994) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FOUBISTER, Emma (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FRIEDMAN QC, Danny (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GEARTY QC (Hon), Prof Conor (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GIBSON, Nicholas (2009) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GILLIE, Tom (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GLASSON QC, Jonathan (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GONZÁLEZ GARCÍA, Luis* | ||
| Members of Chambers | GREAVES, Mark (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HANNETT QC, Sarah (2003) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HELME, Ian (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HERMER QC, Richard (1993) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HIGGINS, Nichola (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HODIVALA QC, Jamas (1998) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HOOPER, Sir Anthony (1965)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUDSON QC, Anthony (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUNT, Murray* | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUSAIN QC, 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 QC, Phillippa (1991) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KENTRIDGE, Janet (1999) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KIBLING, Thomas (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KNIGHTS QC, Samantha (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LADDIE QC, James (1995) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LAW, Helen (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LEVENTHAL, Zoë (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LINDEN QC, Thomas (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LOGAN, Rachel (2008)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | MACDONALD QC, 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 QC, Gavin (1981) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MITCHELL, Eleanor (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MITROPHANOUS QC, Eleni (1999) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MONAGHAN QC, Karon (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MONTGOMERY QC, Clare (1980) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MORRIS, Prof Gillian (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MOUNTFIELD QC, Helen (1991) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MURPHY, Prof Sean * | ||
| Members of Chambers | NÍ GHRÁLAIGH, Blinne (2005) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ODOGWU, Ifeanyi (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | O'NEILL QC, Aidan (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | OWEN QC, Tim (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PARKER, Raj (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PEHAR, Vedrana (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PRINCE, Laura (2003) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PURCHASE QC, Mathew (2002) | ||
| Members of Chambers | RANDALL QC, Nicholas (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROBERTS, Nathan (2014) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROBOTTOM, James (2009) | ||
| Members of Chambers | RYDER QC, Matthew (1992) * | ||
| Members of Chambers | SANDS QC, Prof Philippe (1985) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SILVERSTONE, Ben (2009 | ||
| Members of Chambers | SIMOR QC, Jessica (1992) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SJOVOLL, Kirsten (2012) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SKINNER QC, Lorna (1997) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SKINNER, Paul (2010) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SMITH, Andrew (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SOUTHEY QC, Hugh (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SQUIRES QC, Dan (1998) | ||
| Members of Chambers | STANSFELD, James (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SUMMERS QC, Mark (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SWORDS-KIELEY, Roisin (2019) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TAMS, Prof Christian * | ||
| Members of Chambers | THOMPSON QC, Rhodri (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TOMLINSON QC, Hugh (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TRIDIMAS, Prof Takis (2000) | ||
| Members of Chambers | VASSALL-ADAMS QC, Guy (2000) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WATERMAN QC, Adrian (1988) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WHITE QC, Antony (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WHITTAM QC, Richard (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WILLS, Aidan (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | WOLFE QC, 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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| Nick Armstrong | Barrister specialising in public law, human rights and civil liberties with a… | View Profile |
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| Alex Bailin | Barrister specialising in crime and regulatory; fraud (criminal and civil); public and… | View Profile |
 | Nicholas Blake | Associate member of Matrix. | View Profile |
 | Laurence Boisson de Chazournes | Laurence’s practice covers various fields such as international economic law, international dispute… | View Profile |
 | 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 |
 | Christine Chinkin | Specialising in international law and international human rights law. | View Profile |
 | 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 |
 | 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 is ranked in the independent legal directories Chambers UK Bar, the Legal… | 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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| Zachary Douglas | Barrister specialising in public international law, conflict of laws and arbitration. Counsel… | 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 |
 | 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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| 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | Janet Kentridge | Specialist in public and administrative law, local government law, commercial law and… | View Profile |
 | Thomas Kibling | For the last ten years Thomas has been ranked in the top… | View Profile |
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| Samantha Knights | Barrister specialising in immigration and asylum, civil liberties, administrative and public law… | View Profile |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | Ken Macdonald | Areas of practice include: corporate and general crime; civil and criminal fraud;… | View Profile |
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| Sara Mansoori QC | Barrister with a wide range of experience and practices in all areas… | View Profile |
 | Jonathan H Marks | Barrister and a CEDR accredited mediator specialising in EU/environment, banking law 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 |
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| 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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| Clare Montgomery | Specialist in criminal, regulatory and fraud law. | View Profile |
 | 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 |
 | Sean Murphy | Professor Murphy advises and litigates on a wide range of international law… | View Profile |
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| Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh | Blinne is a human rights and international law expert with a broad… | View Profile |
 | Aidan O’Neill QC | 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 |
 | Vedrana Pehar | Vedrana is recognised as a leading junior in the highly complex arena of… | View Profile |
 | 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 |
 | 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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| Philippe Sands | Barrister specialising in advisory work to governments, international organisations, corporations and individuals… | 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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| Lorna Skinner | Specialises in media and information law, encompassing data protection, defamation, privacy, breach… | 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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| 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 |
 | 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 |
 | Hugh Tomlinson | Specialises in defamation and privacy, commercial, civil liberties and human rights. Recent… | View Profile |
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| 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 |
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| Adrian Waterman | Adrian Waterman QC is an adaptable and skilled advocate who is highly… | View Profile |
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| Antony White | Commercial law, Arbitration, Media and Information Law, Data Protection, Employment Law | View Profile |
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| Richard Whittam QC | View Profile | |
 | 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)
- Civil liberties and human rights (including actions against the police)
- International crime and extradition
- Public international law
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Administrative and public law (including elections)
- Data protection
- Defamation and privacy
- Education
- Employment
- European Union law
- Inquests and inquiries
- Media and entertainment (including art and cultural property)
Set Rankings
- Competition
- Court of Protection and community care
- Crime
- Environment
- Fraud: crime
- Immigration (including business immigration)
- International arbitration: arbitrators
- IT and telecoms
- Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
- International arbitration: counsel
- Local government (including rating law)
- Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
- Commercial litigation
- Fraud: civil
- Planning
- Health and safety
- Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
- Tax: corporate and VAT/indirect tax
- Sport
- Clinical negligence