Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Police Law: Mainly Claimant - All Circuits

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Matrix Chambers is a superb human rights and public law set whose barristers are frequently instructed in a range of actions against the police, including claims pertaining to fatalities, discrimination, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, and human rights claims in relation to the police's failure to investigate. Members are praised as being "consistently excellent, including their most junior members who handle complex cases with considerable care, thoughtfulness and passion". They have appeared in cases including the Jermaine Baker public inquiry and the Daniel Morgan civil claim. They also act for core participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Paul Venables is the senior practice manager.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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Phillippa Kaufmann
Star Individuals

Phillippa Kaufmann KC is an exceptional civil liberties barrister who can boast considerable experience in claims against the police. She is highlighted for her skills in advocacy and is frequently instructed in high-profile public inquiries and ground-breaking human rights claims in relation to the police's investigatory failures, misconduct, misfeasance and police shootings. Of particular note in recent years is her work on behalf of core participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Jermaine Baker Inquiry.

Phillippa Kaufmann has done loads of police work, including lots of high-profile cases.

Phillippa Kaufmann is amazing.

Phillippa Kaufmann is so amazing.

Phillippa Kaufmann is a star, a complete star.

1
Helen Law
1
Band 1

Helen Law is a highly regarded barrister known for her expertise in complex civil claims against the police regarding discrimination, false imprisonment and assault. She is active in cases concerning the police's failure to investigate and the misuse of private information.

Helen Law is clued in to what the law requires of the police and the CPS. She is very good for cases concerning failures to investigate by the police, particularly is cases of rape.

Helen is an excellent court advocate. She can draw from her expertise in criminal law with civil law. She is strong on legal arguments and has a real feel for how to present issues before the courts.

Helen Law does a broad range so she can incorporate that experience; she is especially good in juries. Lots of people respect her.

Helen Law is a brilliant advocate who grasps the key essential points to a case and leaves no stone unturned. Se is extremely thorough and delivers an exceptional service to solicitors and clients.

1
Jesse Nicholls
1
Band 1

Jesse Nicholls is an increasingly prominent barrister in the field of actions against the police. He is highly regarded for his work in cases relating to death during police contact, assault and police restraint, as well as claims alleging the failure to investigate or protect.

Jesse Nicholls is really impressive. He is a strategic thinker, shows attention to detail and is very respected in this area in terms of expertise.

Jesse Nicholls is my go-to. He is one of the fiercest juniors around and is outrageously bright. He is also empathetic with clients.

Jesse Nicholls is very helpful. He is a real rising star, he is tackling a lot of big, complex cases. He is extremely pleasant to work with and always five steps ahead. He is also very responsive.

Jesse Nicholls is amazing, everyone wants to work with him; he is all-round excellent. He is bright and extremely responsive. Jesse is brilliant; he does good advocacy and clients love him.

Jesse Nicholls is a rising star. He has encyclopedic knowledge, is very good for tactics and is a joy to work with.

1
Raj Desai
1
Band 1

Raj Desai is a strong barrister offering experience in civil claims against the police concerning deaths during police contact and failure to investigate, as well as human rights-related claims.

Raj Desai is charming and a good advocate. He's intelligent and a good fighter.

Raj Desai is very meticulous. He's a details person. He is someone to go for complex issues and is very good on discrimination cases. He always has all bases covered.

Hugh Southey
2
Hugh Southey
2
Band 2

Hugh Southey KC specialises in judicial review challenging police action or inaction, including the disclosure of information or failure to investigate. He has taken on a number of cases scrutinising the role of the Northern Irish police during the Troubles.

2
Ifeanyi Odogwu
2
Band 2

Ifeanyi Odogwu is lauded for his expertise in claimant representation, covering a range of actions against the police concerning restraint, death in custody and retention of data. He is noted for his specialism in discrimination and the representation of bereaved families.

Ifeanyi Odogwu is a sheer pleasure to work with. He is great with clients and really great on his feet. He is also a ferocious cross-examiner. He's fantastic, I really rate him.

Ifeanyi Odogwu's practice is very, very impressive. He stands out.

Ifeanyi Odogwu is a brilliant lawyer. He's a very experienced and persuasive advocate. He can give very clear and detailed written advice on very complex issues. He's also brilliant with clients.

3
Matthew Ryder
3
Band 3

Matthew Ryder KC regularly handles cases involving unlawful arrest and false imprisonment, in addition to issues related to police shootings and national security. Most recently he has been involved in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Matthew Ryder is very bright, cool and calm. He is an excellent communicator.

Matthew Ryder is really good, he is a very strong cross-examiner.

Anyone can understand Matthew Ryder's arguments, he makes things accessible and is very down to earth. He has a lot of experience, especially with high-profile cases.

U
Rosalind Comyn
U
Up and Coming

Rosalind Comyn enters the rankings this year. She is developing a practice in public law and human rights, with a particular focus on failure to protect and failure to investigate cases against the police.

Rosalind Comyn is fun and clever. She lifts everyone's mood and leads the way in analysis. I know I can rely on her.

Rosalind Comyn produces high-quality work and has expertise.

Rosalind Comyn is an incredibly talented barrister who takes incredibly complex work in her stride.

Rosalind is an absolute star. She is one of my favourite juniors and is so easy to work with. She has excellent judgement, can see points and has a sense what's likely to fly in front of the court.

Ranked Barristers at
Matrix Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

All Circuits

Police Law: Mainly Claimant

Phillippa Kaufmann KC
Star Individuals
Hugh Southey KC
2
Hugh Southey KC
2
Band 2
3
Matthew Ryder KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

All Circuits

Police Law: Mainly Claimant

1
Helen Law
1
Band 1
1
Jesse Nicholls
1
Band 1
1
Raj Desai
1
Band 1
2
Ifeanyi Odogwu
2
Band 2
U
Rosalind Comyn
U
Up and Coming