With ‘a wealth of talent in the human rights field’, members of Matrix Chambers are regularly instructed in the largest and most prominent public and administrative law cases, particularly on behalf of claimants. Phillippa Kaufmann KC led other members of chambers in R (Al Haq) v SSBEIS, representing a Palestinian group in a judicial review of the licensing of exports of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter parts to Israel. The set had several members representing parties and interveners in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, in which the Supreme Court ruled that a Gender Recognition Certificate does not amend a person’s sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 - Sarah Hannett KC led the ’unparalleled’ Raj Desai for Amnesty International, with Karon Monaghan KC representing a number of gender-critical lesbian and gay groups. An ‘excellent and measure advocate’, Darryl Hutcheon recently acted for the claimants in R (BZ) v SSWP, a case concerning exclusion of migrant victims of domestic abuse from Universal Credit, with challenges under ECHR Article 14. A ’true superstar in the making’, Edward Craven KC took silk in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Jonathan Glasson KC
Zoë Leventhal KC
‘Zoe is a fantastic advocate. Her judgement on written submissions is excellent and her advocacy in court is outstanding. A top choice on complex public law and human rights issues. She is easy to work with and she always makes the right strategy call.’
Karon Monaghan KC
Helen Mountfield KC
Tim Owen KC
'Tim is the consummate public lawyer. he has an instinctive feel for the jurisdiction and always knows how to present the strongest arguments, both in writing and as an advocate.'
Hugh Southey KC
'He is adept at identifying the key issues and his case strategy stands him out as one of the leaders in his field. His ability to make oral submissions on complex areas of law and make the arguments digestible and at the same time powerful is a real skill.'
Daniel Squires KC
'Judges instinctively trust him, even when making novel and complex submissions. One of the most generous and committed barristers practicing in this field.'
David Wolfe KC
'His intelligence, depth of experience, strategic thinking and approach to team working makes him unparalleled. David's advocacy and drafting remain top notch and his ability to construct a case that achieves the client's objectives is second to none.'
Christopher Buttler KC
'Chris is a pleasure to work with; very responsive and approachable. He identifies the case strategy quickly and is advocacy is razor sharp. He never misses a beat.'
Nick Armstrong KC
‘Nick has developed an impressive practice in this field and has blazed a trail in the cross over between public law challenges and damages claims. He is really focused on client outcomes and has a good sense as to what arguments are likely to succeed in court.’
Danny Friedman KC
Clare Montgomery KC
'A powerhouse, in terms of her razor-sharp focus and analytical skills. She deserves her stellar reputation.'
2025 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Raj Desai
'Raj is a brilliant public lawyer with an unparalleled mastery of the police disciplinary process. He is the go to barrister for victims of police misconduct who wish to challenge procedural failures in the misconduct system, particularly in connection with discrimination.'
Catherine Dobson
‘Catherine is an all-round exceptional barrister. She is incisive, quick, sophisticated in her analysis, and a brilliant drafter. She is a standout junior in her field.’
Emma Foubister
'Emma is excellent. Really bright. Strong on detail. Confident, clear speaking and wise. One of the best of her generation without doubt.'
Darryl Hutcheon
'Darryl is exceptional. He is very thorough in his review of the papers in each case. He is very good at finding a way on difficult cases. He is very down to earth and good with clients. His strategic and tactical advice is second to none. His court advocacy is excellent. He is not afraid to try in the more difficult cases. He is exceptionally bright, capable and talented.'
Helen Law
She is a wonderful advocate for victims of crime, especially victims of sexual violence. She is approachable, responsive and brilliant.’
James Robottom
‘James is a pleasure to work with and a real asset in any public law claim. His advice is always considered, and he has an impressive ability to progress his cases in order to obtain the best possible outcome for clients.’
Paul Skinner
‘Paul is an incisive, analytical and shrewd senior junior. He is an excellent public lawyer and also has an impressive grasp of social security law. His written work is concise and clear and he thinks strategically to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.'
James Stansfeld
'James has an exceptional eye for detail and his written submissions and pleadings are a model of clarity and highly persuasive. These skills also translate to his advocacy. He is a confident and powerful advocate and commands the respect of the court room.'
Tim James-Matthews
‘Expertise and judgement beyond his year of call and a constantly creative approach to knotty issues.’
Eleanor Mitchell
‘Eleanor is a trusted advisor with razor sharp attention to detail and a strategic approach. She leaves no stone unturned and has an extensive knowledge of public law.’
Jesse Nicholls
'Jesse has an encyclopaedic knowledge of administrative and human rights law. He is excellent with clients.'
Katy Sheridan
‘Katy is an astute, sharp and hard-working junior. Her written work is excellent and crystal clear and she thinks tactically and pragmatically with a view to the best outcomes.’
Robbie Stern
‘Robbie is an absolute force of nature. His advocacy is impressive, he is thoughtful and considered in his approach and his drafting is stellar. He is exceptionally thorough, and is a real joy to work with as a solicitor, and is very caring towards his clients who have great faith in him.’
Aidan Wills
‘Aidan is an experienced and tactical junior in judicial review matters. He is intelligent and pragmatic, and keeps the client at the forefront of his advice.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
