Public international law
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.
Sir Daniel Bethlehem KCMG KC
Twenty Essex'He has unparalleled experience in all aspects of public international law, including diplomacy, advice and disputes before all international courts and tribunals. He combines incredible expertise in the substance of the law with unrivalled attention to detail and skill in litigation management, strategy and tactics. Having him on your side is a mark of distinction.'
Vaughan Lowe KC
Essex Court Chambers
Alison Macdonald KC
Essex Court Chambers
Maurice Mendelson KC
Blackstone Chambers 'His intellect is unparalleled. A deeply knowledgeable and conscientious advocate.'
Timothy Otty KC
Blackstone Chambers'Tim is simply one of the most impressive barristers in practice in the country. He has unrivalled experience of international law issues, coupled with a commercial approach and strategic mind. His advocacy is incisive and draws from an unmatched well of experience in public international law. His drafting is concise and his judgement impeccable. With all that, he has lightness of touch with clients and teams and is always a pleasure to work with.'
Sam Wordsworth KC
Essex Court ChambersHe is across his brief, understands his client’s objectives, offers expert advice and crafts compelling written submissions. More than anything, what sets Sam apart from other senior counsel with similar experience and expertise is his oral advocacy. Sam reads the bench or tribunal expertly and tailors his submissions, in the moment, for maximum impact.
Rodney Dixon KC
Temple Garden Chambers 'He is exceptionally bright, very clever and very pragmatic.'
Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC
Blackstone Chambers
Ben Juratowitch KC
Essex Court Chambers'He has excellent attention to detail while also handling the general strategy of the case. His ability to relay details of law in a concise manner is second to none.'
Paul Key KC
Essex Court Chambers
Philippe Sands KC
11KBW
Dan Sarooshi KC
Essex Court Chambers'Combines academic acumen with strong advocacy.'
Sudhanshu Swaroop KC
Twenty Essex'Sudhanshu combines extensive experience in commercial law with a growing and vibrant practice in public international law. Not only is he able to work at the interface of these two areas of law, and between English courts and international courts and tribunals with ease, but he brings to his public international law practice his top notch attention to detail, precision and concision.'
Lord Verdirame KC
Twenty Essex'Charming, creative, hard working and a brilliant communicator whether to court or client.'
Toby Landau KC
Duxton Hill Chambers London‘Toby is very strong in public international law. His advocacy is truly stand out, even among the Bar.’
Vernon Flynn KC
Brick Court Chambers'Vernon is a brilliant advocate who commands the attention of the court. His international experience and reputation is genuinely world class. Few can reach his heights, both intellectually and in his skills as an advocate.'
Mohinderpal Sethi KC
Littleton Chambers 'Very friendly and personable. Good soft skills.'
Alex Bailin KC
Matrix Chambers'Very responsive and good with clients; understands financial markets and trading better than most barristers; blends civil,regulatory, and criminal practice in a seamless way.'
Lucas Bastin KC
Essex Court Chambers
Shaheed Fatima KC
Blackstone Chambers
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
Matrix Chambers'Blinne is, quite simply, one of the most outstanding barristers practising in public international law today. Her advocacy is marked by meticulous preparation, strategic foresight, and an unshakeable command of the facts and law. She delivers complex legal submissions with exceptional clarity and control, adeptly navigating cases that are both legally intricate and politically sensitive.'
Sir Michael Wood KCMG KC (Hon)
Twenty Essex
Maya Lester KC
Brick Court Chambers'Maya is incredibly strong on handling complex public international law issues. She has a nuanced understanding of how public international law operates in practice and is able to communicate clearly the nuances of public international law to clients and judges.'
Wendy Miles KC
Twenty Essex‘Wendy has a phenomenal ability to identify the core issue in the other side’s position and attack it mercilessly while always appearing to be proceeding from a place of Olympian calm and intellectual rigour.’
Malcolm Shaw KC
Essex Court Chambers‘His expertise in is truly outstanding – he brings a deep, nuanced understanding of the law, paired with a strategic mindset that consistently adds exceptional value. His ability to navigate complex legal issues with clarity and precision sets him apart, and he is widely regarded as the leading expert in his field.'
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.
Tariq Baloch KC
Essex Court Chambers‘Tariq brings a level of intellectual rigour and clarity to complex disputes that inspires confidence at every stage of the litigation process. His written submissions are precise and compelling, and he commands real authority when on his feet. He is a strong advocate with a talent for simplifying the most intricate legal issues.’
Edward Craven KC
Matrix Chambers
Naina Patel KC
Blackstone Chambers
Jason Pobjoy KC
Blackstone Chambers ‘He is an excellent advocate who combines in-depth legal knowledge with clear, authoritative and persuasive delivery.’