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
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Profile
Position
Barrister specialising in inquest and inquiries, administrative/judicial review; human rights; civil claims, professional discipline and regulation, employment law; sports law; discrimination; common law (general).
Ranked as a leading junior by The Legal 500 in Inquest and Inquiries & Sports:
“His superb interpersonal skills are ideal for dealing with hotly contested cases, encouraging a logical and well-reasoned approach by all. ’
Excellent advocacy, knows his law, good with clients and they like him too. My clients are with a safe pair of hands when I instruct him. ’
Previous editions said:
"Ifeanyi has a real teamwork approach. He is excellent on his feet and has the ability to bring the strands of a case together. He builds excellent rapport with clients."
"Ifeanyi has a real teamwork approach. He is excellent on his feet and has the ability to bring the strands of a case together. He builds excellent rapport with clients."
"Extremely user-friendly and knowledgeable, in whatever capacity you encounter him. A refreshingly modern practitioner, who is the face of the Bar it aspires to be."
"He is very prominent and respected, sitting regularly on the most high-profile misconduct cases for the FA."
“A real up-and comer who has progressed speedily to become a well-known practitioner; has acted on some of the FA’s highest profile cases.”
“He possesses gravitas and intellect, which are of tremendous benefit to all his clients."
‘He has a superb eye for detail and grasps the issues in a case quickly, however substantial or complex the evidence. An excellent tactician, appreciated for his thorough approach. An impressive advocate and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Clearly very experienced and comfortable in sports disciplinary proceedings. Always thinking laterally’.
Career
Appointments: Sport Resolutions’ Panel of Arbitrators and Mediator, The Football Association Judicial Panel, The FA Anti-Discrimination Chairman Panel, The FA Safeguarding Panel The EFL ‘Player Related Dispute Commission’, Basketball England Panel, England Hockey Chair Panel.
Awards: ‘Future Leaders’ nominee for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion at the Chambers Bar Awards (2019). Winner of Lawyer of the Year 2019 at the British Nigeria Forum Awards 2019. Nominated Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, Newcomer of the Year Award (2018), Dianne Abbott MP London Schools and the Black Child (LSBC) Outstanding Achievement Award 2011. Middle Temple 2010 Lord Diplock Scholar Kingston University Law School’s ’American Exchange’ scholarship 2007.
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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.'