Department profile
Matrix Chambers

Protest Law

UK Bar Guide 2026 : All Circuits

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Matrix Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Protest Law - All Circuits

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Matrix Chambers "consistently lives up to its reputation for exceptional barristers" and is well regarded for its handling of both civil and criminal matters involving protesters. Areas of expertise for the team include challenges to injunctions to prevent occupations, challenges to police powers and the criminal defence of protesters facing prosecution. Matrix's barristers are regularly instructed in high-profile and leading cases, including representing Phoebe Plummer, one of the protesters who threw soup on Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

Paul Venables is senior practice manager.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Matrix are thoroughly helpful across the board.

    Protest Law respondentUK Bar

  • Matrix Chambers' clerks are responsive, very friendly and professional.

    Protest Law respondentUK Bar

  • Matrix's barristers are supported by a highly efficient clerks room and skilled legal researchers.

    Protest Law respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh
    Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh

    Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh

    Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC has extensive expertise in protest law matters and is routinely involved in high-profile cases. Her broad practice encompasses both civil and criminal matters, and she is regularly instructed in judicial reviews, challenges to injunctions and criminal trials.

    • Blinne is absolutely excellent and in a different league to most other barristers.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne is an extraordinary force in protest law.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne is a fearless and ambitious advocate with real strategic vision.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne is very persuasive on her feet.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne is top rank for me.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Tim James-Matthews
    Tim James-Matthews

    Tim James-Matthews

    Tim James-Matthews is noted for his expert representation of protesters charged with criminal offences, including those involved in the Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter protests. He has considerable experience appearing before the Magistrates' Court.

    • Tim is excellent across the factual details of a matter, as well as offering real insight into the broader context in play beyond his year of call.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Tim is a very special and unique lawyer.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Tim is creative and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Tim is great with junior colleagues, and solicitors love him.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Tim is a top-tier barrister with impeccable advocacy, client care and drafting skills.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Clare Montgomery
    Clare Montgomery

    Clare Montgomery

    Clare Montgomery KC is widely recognised for her knowledge of criminal, public and fraud law. She is a popular choice for defendants in cases of high legal complexity as well as matters that have caught the public imagination.

    • Clare's advocacy is direct, forceful and unpretentious.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Clare Montgomery is brilliant and I highly respect her.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Clare is a standout advocate.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Robbie Stern
    Robbie Stern

    Robbie Stern

    Robbie Stern has a growing protest law practice, acting both led and as sole counsel. His practice covers both criminal and civil matters, including High Court injunctions, and has experience in cases right up to the Supreme Court.

    • Robbie Stern grasps complex cases really quickly and is an exceptional advocate.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • He is a calm yet forceful advocate who leaves no stone unturned.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Robbie Stern is an extraordinary talent.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Robbie is incredibly hard-working and very good with the law.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Robbie Stern is enthusiastic with an outstanding ability to edit arguments to ensure they are properly understood.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar
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  • Rosalind Comyn
    Rosalind Comyn

    Rosalind Comyn

    Rosalind Comyn is an up-and-coming junior noted for her involvement in a broad range of civil and criminal protest law matters. She has experience in judicial reviews as well as criminal appeals and contempt of court proceedings, and acts on behalf of protesters.

    • In protest law, Rosalind is a real intellectual force who knows the law and is able to deploy it incredibly effectively.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Rosalind is confident and clear, and always very much knows what she’s talking about.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Rosalind is very easy and lovely to talk to.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Rosalind is extremely upbeat, responsive and very intelligent.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar

    • Rosalind brings skills far beyond her year of call.

      Protest Law respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Matrix Chambers (5)

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