Public International Law: The English Bar - Global Market Leaders
Band 2
What the Team is Known For
Matrix Chambers excels across a breadth of PIL issues, wielding an abundance of academic expertise and offering a deep understanding of humanitarian law, international criminal law and international relations. A market source notes that "Matrix has barristers that offer expertise over a range of public areas of international law who also have an unrivalled depth of knowledge". The barristers demonstrate notable capability in state-versus-state disputes, including those over disputed territory or maritime rights. Members are also highly adept at acting as counsel or arbitrators in investment disputes before the ICC, ICSID or The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration. Recently, members played a leading role in South Africa's ICJ case brought against Israel, concerning allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Paul Venables is the senior practice manager for public international law.
Strengths
I have been nothing but hugely impressed by the clerks and management team: they are highly responsive and incredibly helpful.
Notable practitioners
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is a highly rated barrister who handles a substantial PIL workload. Experienced in acting before domestic and international courts and tribunals, she represents a range of clients from states to NGOs. She also has impressive academic credentials, and strong knowledge of the rules and procedures of the ICJ, ITLOS and UNCITRAL.
Blinne is one of the world's leading international lawyers, a simply sublime talent.
Blinne has superb advocacy skills. Excellent service and availability.
Blinne is incredibly creative in developing and framing cases. She is enormously impressive in her ability to master the law and the facts of the complex problems.
Toby Fisher returned to the Bar in late 2022, following a stint as Deputy Director of International Law for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He wields enviable knowledge of environmental law, human rights, Law of the Sea proceedings and both private and public international law.
Toby is razor-sharp and very careful. He has a great understanding of the technical, scientific aspects of the matter and has a great attention to the detail.
Toby is a really excellent drafter.
Edward Craven KC is a talented barrister who has considerable experience acting before the ICJ in complex inter-state cases. He is skilled at handling maritime delimitation or land boundary disputes for sovereign states and has strong knowledge of international human rights issues.
Eddie is one of the kindest, most brilliant and diligent attorneys I have ever encountered.
Edward's drafting is impressive.
