Helen Mountfield KC
‘Helen cuts through complex cases with precision and ease, such that she makes the trickiest issue seem straightforward. She is also pragmatic and client friendly.’
The barristers at Matrix Chambers possess significant expertise in education law, and they regularly advise and represent clients in a wide range of education law matters encompassing individual students, parents, the Department of Education and other statutory bodies. David Wolfe KC, represented the claimants in Holland Park School Parents & National Education Union v Secretary of State for Education, challenging a decision to turn the school into part of a multi-academy trust. Helen Mountfield KC - in addition to serving as principal of Mansfield College, Oxford - advises a variety of clients on free speech issues in higher education, equality, scholarships and welfare. Claire Darwin KC acts as counsel for the claimants in Hamon and others v University College London, a high-profile case group action bought by students after their studies were impaired by COVID-19 lockdown measures. Raj Desai acts as junior counsel to the National Union of Students Charity in various issues relating to free speech in higher education.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking is professional and efficient.'
- 'My view is that Matrix are No1 chambers for education law. Significant strength at all levels.'
- 'The barristers we instruct are responsive and easy going as well as technically brilliant.'
- 'A top set, with good silks and juniors.'
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.
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.
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.
