Department profile
Matrix Chambers

Public International Law

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

Share profile

Matrix Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public International Law - London (Bar)

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.

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I have been nothing but hugely impressed by the clerks and management team. They are highly responsive and incredibly helpful.

    Public International Law respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh
    Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh

    Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh

    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 incredibly creative in developing and framing cases. She is enormously impressive in her ability to master the law and the facts of complex problems.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne is one of the world's leading international lawyers, a simply sublime talent.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Blinne has superb advocacy skills, as well as excellent service and availability.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
    View profile
  • Toby Fisher
    Toby Fisher

    Toby Fisher

    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 and scientific aspects of the matter and has great attention to detail.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Toby is a really excellent drafter.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
    View profile
  • Edward Craven
    Edward Craven

    Edward Craven

    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 most diligent attorneys I have ever encountered.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar

    • Edward's drafting is impressive.

      Public International Law respondentUK Bar
    View profile

Ranked Barristers at Matrix Chambers (3)

London (Bar)

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership