Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Public International Law: The English Bar - Global Market Leaders
What the Team is Known For
Blackstone Chambers is highly regarded for its prowess in international law, particularly in areas of crossover with other fields including private international law, domestic public law, human rights, commercial and EU law. Barristers here are often instructed in high-profile and politically sensitive disputes, and are highly sought after by the British and other governments for advice on a range of related issues, often grappling with questions of state or diplomatic immunity. A solicitor has noted the set for providing "leading expertise at the bar in terms of sanctions advice." Another source noted "We rely on Blackstone Chambers for their expertise in human rights and constitutional law." Blackstone barristers are currently leading the charge on behalf of Ukraine in its ECtHR case against Russia, following the 2022 invasion.
Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane are the joint senior clerks.
Strengths
The clerks are brilliant, the best in the business. Everything just runs like a Swiss watch.
Billy Brian is fantastic. He is extra responsive, and can always discuss fees. He is excellent.
Derek is a fabulous clerk. He is really responsive and understanding.
Blackstone clerks are brilliant. They are another level in terms of service and knowledge. Everything just runs like a Swiss watch.
Notable practitioners
Timothy Otty KC is particularly well suited to PIL cases relating to human rights and international sanctions, and typically acts for claimants. He is regularly instructed in matters arising in areas of conflict, including parts of Africa and the Middle East. He has experience acting in ICSID and ad hoc investor-state disputes.
Timothy is a leading silk on matters of the state immunity and public international law. He is a measured and effective advocate.
Tim is a joy to work with. He is a very able silk, but wonderfully low-key and user-friendly.
Shaheed Fatima KC has a formidable reputation for her excellence in handling sensitive PIL matters in domestic courts. She is praised by her clients for her down-to-earth and user-friendly manner. Her clients include states and multinational companies.
She is absolutely brilliant.
Shaheed has a reputation of being utterly extraordinary.
Maurice Mendelson KC is a very well-regarded silk who advises governments, commercial entities and private investors on international law and investment arbitration. His areas of expertise include sovereignty disputes, boundary issues, the Law of the Sea and the international protection of human rights.
Maurice is absolutely excellent and phenomenal.
He is extremely knowledgeable and super reliable.
Paul Luckhurst is recognised for his deep expertise in international trade law and matters of state and diplomatic immunity. As a public international law B Panellist, Luckhurst is frequently called upon to represent the UK in international proceedings. Additionally, he is well reputed for his representation of individual state actors, such as diplomats, public body executives and heads of state.
Paul is an entirely reliable junior and a great drafter.
Paul is an excellent and approachable advocate. He is really engaged and able to work collaboratively.
Paul is diligent and thorough. He is totally across his brief and a standout junior on the matters of public international law.
Paul is an approachable advocate who is really engaged and collaborative. He is extremely bright, quickly and ably dealing with the novel and complex issues.
Paul is an incredibly hard working junior. He hits the sweet spot of the general commercial law and PIL. His written work is exemplary.
Jason Pobjoy KC has a strong and wide-ranging PIL practice, and regularly advises state departments and NGOs on matters relating to diplomatic immunity, sanctions and treaty interpretation.
Jason is very astute and clever, with a refined sense of judgment.
Jason writes well and convincingly. He is someone who has the strategic big picture in mind.
Jason is deeply impressive, meticulous and refined. I like his approach to advocacy and his attractive, persuasive style in court.
Jason is incredibly knowledgeable, hardworking and hands-on, while managing to maintain an extremely personable approach.
Naina Patel KC possesses comprehensive knowledge of PIL matters and regularly advises corporate and government clients on compliance with international human rights norms. She also regularly acts in judicial review proceedings concerning public international law issues.
Naina has exceptional experience of courts at all levels. She is unbelievably hard working, diligent, and tenacious when representing her clients.
Naina is hugely diligent and a pleasure to work with.