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Blackstone Chambers

Public International Law

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Blackstone Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Public International Law - London (Bar)

Band 2

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 notes the set for providing "leading expertise at the Bar in terms of sanctions advice", while another source notes: "We rely on Blackstone Chambers for their expertise in human rights and constitutional law." Blackstone's 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.

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Strengths

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  • Blackstone's clerks are brilliant. They are another level in terms of service and knowledge. Everything just runs like a Swiss watch.

    Public International Law respondentUK Bar

  • Derek is a fabulous clerk. He is really responsive and understanding.

    Public International Law respondentUK Bar

  • Billy Brian is fantastic. He is extra responsive and can always discuss fees. He is excellent.

    Public International Law respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Timothy Otty
    Timothy Otty

    Timothy Otty

    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 state immunity and public international law. He is a measured and effective advocate.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Tim is a joy to work with. He is a very able silk, but wonderfully low-key and user-friendly.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Shaheed Fatima
    Shaheed Fatima

    Shaheed Fatima

    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.

    • Shaheed has a reputation for being utterly extraordinary.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • She is absolutely brilliant.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Maurice Mendelson
    Maurice Mendelson

    Maurice Mendelson

    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.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • He is extremely knowledgeable and super reliable.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Paul Luckhurst
    Paul Luckhurst

    Paul Luckhurst

    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.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Paul is an approachable advocate who is really engaged and collaborative. He is extremely bright, quickly and ably dealing with novel and complex issues.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Paul is diligent and thorough. He is totally across his brief and a standout junior on matters of public international law.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Paul is an excellent and approachable advocate. He is really engaged and able to work collaboratively.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Paul is an incredibly hard-working junior. He hits the sweet spot of general commercial law and PIL. His written work is exemplary.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Jason Pobjoy
    Jason Pobjoy

    Jason Pobjoy

    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 incredibly knowledgeable, hard-working and hands-on while managing to maintain an extremely personable approach.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Jason is very astute and clever, with a refined sense of judgement.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Jason is deeply impressive, meticulous and refined. I like his approach to advocacy and his attractive, persuasive style in court.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Jason writes well and convincingly. He is someone who has the strategic big picture in mind.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Naina Patel
    Naina Patel

    Naina Patel

    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 is hugely diligent and a pleasure to work with.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Naina has exceptional experience of the courts at all levels. She is unbelievably hard-working, diligent, and tenacious when representing her clients.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Blackstone Chambers (6)

London (Bar)

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