Clare Montgomery KC
Matrix ChambersMatrix Chambers has an established reputation as ‘one of the very best sets in London for criminal work’, with noted expertise in cases involving high-profile individuals or international elements. Helen Law is acting as counsel for the first defendant in relation to the prosecution of five Bulgarian nationals under the Official Secrets Act 1911, alleged to have been spying in the UK on behalf of Russia. Clare Montgomery KC recently prosecuted a woman for taking a three-year-old British child to Kenya for female genital mutilation, with the woman the first person to be convicted of assisting a non-UK person to perform FGM. Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC and Robbie Stern are both well known for their experience in protest cases, while Vedrana Pehar regularly defends those charged with serious violence, drugs, and sexual offences.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Paul Venables is a legend on the scene and the clerks' room is well organised. Barristers are properly supported and there are an identifiable group of people for solicitors to approach and who take responsibility for sorting issues. The whole thing works like clockwork.'
- 'Excellent clerking - they are exceptionally helpful and professional. Paul Venables is always a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Excellent clerks.'
- 'Matrix is one of the very best sets in London for criminal work, particularly for cases involving i) clients with a high profile ii) international aspects and iii) cases with linked issues such as media, freedom of information, and human rights. The depth of experience and knowledge at the set is exceptional. They are hugely respected.'
- 'Matrix is an excellent set with a very good reputation.'
- 'A top-drawer chambers that is increasingly aiming for a broader share of the work (youth, more serious crime) which is very welcome.'
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.
Richard Whittam KC
Matrix Chambers
Alex Bailin KC
Matrix Chambers ‘Alex is a highly accomplished and sophisticated advocate - he has an eye for detail but never loses touch of the bigger picture and he is tactically very astute and comfortable with dealing with tricky or novel points of law.'
Mark Summers KC
Matrix Chambers ‘Mark's oral advocacy is simply superb. His ability to explain complex legal and factual issues in simple and straightforward terms is second to none. Mark has a forensic mind and an unrivalled work ethic: no matter how large the papers in a particular case, he is on top of the detail of every single page. He is a stellar KC.'
Danny Friedman KC
Matrix Chambers
Adrian Waterman KC
Matrix Chambers ‘Adrian is a brilliant jury advocate. He is a master of detail, but he is also brilliant at preparing and delivering legal arguments. Adrian is a creative and collaborative lawyer.'
2023 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.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
Matrix Chambers ‘Blinne is just a brilliant all-rounder. She is a hard-working and charismatic silk.'
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.
Helen Law
Matrix Chambers
Joanna Buckley
Matrix Chambers ‘Joanna is an absolute a pleasure to work with. She is very calm and considered in her approach. Joanna is highly intelligent and forensic in a her analysis of evidence and emotionally intelligent and measured in her approach to the client.'
Danielle Manson
Matrix Chambers ‘Danielle is great with clients and a strong advocate. She is extremely committed to her clients on her cases and can be relied on to go the extra mile if needed. She is a pleasure to work with.’
Vedrana Pehar
Matrix Chambers ‘Vedrana is destined for great things. She is supremely talented and combines her outstanding intellect with excellent emotional intelligence, both of which are priceless attributes. Vedrana is a superb advocate.’
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.
Robbie Stern
Matrix Chambers ‘Robbie is a meticulous barrister who has a particular flair for developing complex legal submissions. He is a pleasure to work with, very down to earth. He brings intellectual rigour and an impressive understanding of case law to his work.’
Tim James-Matthews
Matrix Chambers ‘Tim has a huge brain - his legal arguments are extraordinarily smart. He is the hardest working person in every case, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and the facts.'