Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is ‘a very strong public law and human rights set’. Claimant work forms the key pillar of the practice, and the set reports an increase in mandates relating to government policies. Jessica Simor KC ‘clearly and concisely articulates complex legal arguments, and she is always prepared to challenge the status quo’. In recent work for the team, Simor KC led Emma Foubister for the claimants in R (Friends of the Earth Ltd and others) v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, a judicial review challenging the legality of the Government’s Net Zero Strategy; the High Court ruled that the strategy breached the Government’s obligations under the Climate Change Act. Edward Craven is ‘an exceptional barrister with an incredible mind’. In a boost to chambers, Nick Armstrong KC, Claire Darwin KC and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC were all elevated to silk in March 2023. Sarah Sackman was elected as Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in the 2024 general election.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Elizabeth Bousher is exceptionally good at her job.'
- 'Simon Gardner, Sarah Walker and Elizabeth Bousher are an essential cog in the Matrix machine.'
- 'Elizabeth Bousher, Sarah Walker and Simon Gardner have been absolutely stellar.'
- 'Matrix is a top class set.'
- 'Matrix is an incredibly strong set with a large number of impressive barristers.'
- 'Great breadth and depth on all human rights and public law.'
- 'Leading human rights chambers.'
- 'Counsel provide high calibre advice and advocacy.'
- 'Matrix' clerks are very responsive.'
- 'Very experienced clerks.'
- 'The clerks are helpful and responsive.'
Silks
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.
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'Jessica has a deep understanding of administrative and public law. A brilliant advocate, she has the ear of the court and knows how to present arguments in a way which means they are heard.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'She provides solid, practical advice, and is a phenomenal advocate, one judges listen to because she is thoughtful, convincing, and logical.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
‘Tim is a solid legal rock. He is a formidable barrister who is respected by the court. His ability to cut through and identify the key issues to focus on is outstanding.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'A silk with high-quality strategic judgement and a great client manner.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'Hugh is a key player in human rights law. He is completely on top of the facts and knows the case law inside out.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
‘A first-class advocate with extensive experience at the forefront of human rights law.'
4Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'A stellar advocate. He has an impressive ability to make complex arguments punchy and accessible.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'He is tireless in his determination to get to the heart of an issue and to unpick complex legal challenges. He is thoughtful and collegiate in his approach and cares deeply about the needs of his lay clients. His advocacy is eloquent and forceful.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'Sarah's grounds are always clear and concise, her advice sensitive and perceptive and most importantly, realistic. She is also incredibly knowledgeable.'
Hall of fameMatrix Chambers
'Samantha's approach is clear and sensible, but she also seeks to identify novel approaches which might assist the client.'
2022 Silks
Matrix Chambers
'A real star. She is incredibly thoughtful, yet practical, and is fantastic with clients. Her advocacy is persuasive and she is a brilliant negotiator.'
2023 Silks
Matrix Chambers
‘A confident advocate who has impressive mastery over complex areas of law.'
Matrix Chambers
‘Blinne is a first-class human rights advocate, powerful and incredibly bright.'
Juniors
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.
Matrix Chambers
'Helen is simply superb. She has an incredible mind, she is strategic, and she is an amazing advocate.'
Matrix Chambers
'He is forensically prepared for court hearings and is great on his feet. He is quick thinking and rigorous in cross-examination.'
Matrix Chambers
'Paul is a clear and persuasive advocate who recognises and focusses on his best points.'
Matrix Chambers
'A brilliant junior who is a welcome addition to any team. He has an excellent command of the law.'
Matrix Chambers
'A formidable advocate. She combines intellectual prowess and depth of knowledge in international human rights law with creative flair.'
Matrix Chambers
'Ayesha has a fearsome intellect. She has impressive attention to detail combined with excellent legal analysis.'
Matrix Chambers
'A fiercely committed advocate. Her advice is crystal-clear and she is calm, clever and strategic. A fabulous junior.'
Matrix Chambers
'Aidan has admirable and extensive knowledge and understanding of administrative and human rights law. He provides accessible advice to lay clients.'
Matrix Chambers
'His advocacy is assured, graceful, confident and compelling. His written work is fantastic.'
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.
Matrix Chambers
'Helen is simply superb. She has an incredible mind, she is strategic, and she is an amazing advocate.'
Matrix Chambers
'He is forensically prepared for court hearings and is great on his feet. He is quick thinking and rigorous in cross-examination.'
Matrix Chambers
'Paul is a clear and persuasive advocate who recognises and focusses on his best points.'
Matrix Chambers
'A brilliant junior who is a welcome addition to any team. He has an excellent command of the law.'
Matrix Chambers
'A formidable advocate. She combines intellectual prowess and depth of knowledge in international human rights law with creative flair.'
Matrix Chambers
'Ayesha has a fearsome intellect. She has impressive attention to detail combined with excellent legal analysis.'
Matrix Chambers
'A fiercely committed advocate. Her advice is crystal-clear and she is calm, clever and strategic. A fabulous junior.'
Matrix Chambers
'Aidan has admirable and extensive knowledge and understanding of administrative and human rights law. He provides accessible advice to lay clients.'
Matrix Chambers
'His advocacy is assured, graceful, confident and compelling. His written work is fantastic.'