Public international law

Matrix Chambers

Matrix Chambers has a breadth of public international law experience and expertise, spanning from territorial disputes between states, arbitration award enforcement, and the provision of advisory opinions in major international courts and tribunals. A ‘compelling advocate and creative legal thinker’, Edward Craven KC took silk in 2025, and has ongoing involvement acting for Guyana in provisional measures before the ICJ concerning Venezuela’s attempts to claim sovereignty over (and threats to invade) the Essequibo region – over two-thirds of the country’s territory and with significant energy resources – citing allegations of corruption in a 1899 arbitral award.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Clerks are good, especially Paul Venables.'
'Matrix is a progressive and well-regarded set in international law.'
'Very deep bench and well-administered.'

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.

3

Alex Bailin KC

'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.'

3

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC

'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.'

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.

1

Edward Craven 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.