Phillippa Kaufmann KC
Matrix Chambers excels across the full spectrum of police claimant work, with clients benefitting from the set’s in-depth knowledge of related areas of law, including criminal, public, media, and information law. Phillippa Kaufmann KC is a port of call for civil claims against violent police, while Raj Desai's focus areas include state culpability for deaths with discrimination elements. Ifeanyi Odogwu‘s workload includes an instruction regarding the police use of a Taser on a mentally ill man on Westminster Bridge. Jesse Nicholls is representing the family of a man shot and killed by police firearm officers in West London in 2021, after reportedly being seen entering a bank and a betting shop with a firearm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Matrix has strong junior counsel. The clerks are nice and helpful.'
- 'Matrix has top-tier barristers, particularly in police law.'
- 'Matrix Chambers is a go-to set for police law claims, including inquests and complex public and private law claims against the state.'
- 'Matrix Chambers provides the key expertise in this area of law.'
- 'A good set set for actions against the police, particularly in relation to data privacy rights.'
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.
Hugh Southey KC
Matthew Ryder KC
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
Ifeanyi Odogwu
‘Ifeanyi is a star in police law cases, especially cases arising from deaths in custody. He is simply wonderful with clients, and his courtroom advocacy and cross-examination are well beyond his years of call. He is clear, effective, and jurors love him.’
Helen Law
‘A hugely experienced junior, particularly in relation to cases concerning failures to investigate and prosecute rape and serious sexual offences. Helen is super bright, responsive and collaborative. She can slice through complexity and get to the heart of the case. Gives clear, practical advice.'
Jesse Nicholls
'Able to cut through evidence on complex cases to identify key issues and advise clearly in writing and orally, very good with clients and very good written work'
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.
Tim-James Matthews
‘Fantastic all-round knowledge and excellent drafting skills. His ability to prepare persuasive and skilled submissions is valued by all who instruct him.'