Chambers Review

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Employment - London (Bar)
2
Band 2
What the Team is Known For

Matrix Chambers' employment law practice is considered an excellent choice for everything from tribunal cases to Supreme Court appeals, covering high-profile equal pay, discrimination and whistle-blowing claims. A number of barristers at the set also have experience in restrictive covenant cases. Members are regularly instructed by individuals and employers across a range of sectors, including the public sector and financial services.

Recent highlights have seen the barristers act in notable employment cases such as The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Cultural Bureau) v Ms A Alhayali. An instructing solicitor states that Matrix: "impressed with the depth and breadth of experience offered."

Alison Scanes is the Senior Practice Manager.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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James Laddie KC
Star Individuals

James Laddie KC is widely reputed for his discrimination and whistle-blowing work, while also providing expert guidance in appellate cases and litigation in the High Court. Peers and clients profess admiration for his advocacy skills.

"James is an excellent advocate who oozes confidence."

"James is fantastically effective."

"James is superb and is one of my top choices for cases."

"James Laddie's advocacy is extraordinary. He is also a very caring individual."

"James reliably has strong strategic insight on our matters and will always work with us to defend cases creatively and proactively."

Karon Monaghan KC
Star Individuals

Karon Monaghan KC is regarded as the leading barrister for equality issues and discrimination claims. She represents individuals, charities, trade unions and NGOs, appearing at all tiers of the judicial system including the Supreme Court. She has in recent years been instructed in a string of precedent-setting disputes, including those relating to tribunal fees and worker status.

"Karon is a true star."

"Karon is right up there in terms of discrimination lawyers."

2
Edward Kemp
2
Band 2

Edward Kemp is commended for his deft handling of commercial employment claims as well as discrimination and whistle-blowing cases. His practice is international in scope, and his domestic practice has seen him in courts of all levels up to the Supreme Court.

"Edward is an expert on matters related to foreign embassies."

"Edward's written advocacy is outstanding."

"Edward is really good at high court litigation. He is a very innovative lawyer that takes on challenging legal points. His particular strength is international employment law."

"Ed has very impressive cross-disciplinary knowledge; he's good on employment law and also diplomatic immunity. He's a highly responsive and is able to explain complex concepts very clearly."

2
Thomas Kibling
2
Band 2

Thomas Kibling is widely known for his strength in highly sensitive discrimination claims and whistle-blowing cases, while acting for large employers in the professional and financial services sectors. He brings a commercial edge to employment issues with knowledge of injunctive relief applications.

"Thomas is an extremely good advocate who is not afraid of a challenge."

"Thomas is a very effective advocate who prepares well and remains calm in pressured circumstances. He stands through the support provided at every stage of litigation, ensuring true team working."

Claire Darwin KC
4
Claire Darwin KC
4
Band 4

Claire Darwin KC is a highly experienced employment barrister who has an extensive practice encompassing equal pay, worker status, industrial relations and discrimination claims. She frequently appears before the EAT and appeal courts, and offers notable expertise in various employment law issues affecting large public sector organisations and government departments.

"She is very easy to work with and her advice is commercial and pragmatic."

"Claire is user-friendly, pragmatic and engaging."

"She is very bright, thorough and nice to work with."

"Claire's commercial acumen, knowledge of the law and personable manner are very impressive."

"Claire's input is really valuable. She handles really tricky legal issues well, is really down-to-earth and a true part of the team, and is always available."

4
Laura Prince KC
4
Band 4

Laura Prince KC has a far-reaching practice advising employers, employees and governmental bodies on all aspects of employment law, including equal pay and discrimination claims. She is additionally recognised for her proficiency in wrongful dismissal and redundancy matters.

"She is a thorough barrister with a strong understanding of whistle-blowing law."

"Laura is really good. She has great client manner and she's very prompt."

4
Mathew Purchase KC
4
Band 4

Mathew Purchase KC acts for employees, employers and trade unions across a wide range of employment law issues, representing clients in the High Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal. He is well-regarded by clients for his work in relation to discrimination and collective labour law, among other matters. He has also served on the Attorney General's A Panel.

"Mathew exudes calm authority."

"He is effective without being aggressive, assertive when he needs to be but handles witnesses really, really well. He made himself available and is a pleasure to deal with."

4
Nathan Roberts
4
Band 4

Nathan Roberts is an esteemed junior barrister who is well versed in employment cases in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, the senior courts and the Supreme Court. He is commended for his understanding of discrimination and whistle-blowing cases.

"Nathan is extremely responsive and is as bright as a button!"

"Nathan's advocacy is amazing."

"Nathanis extraordinary."

Mark Greaves
5
Mark Greaves
5
Band 5

Mark Greaves is a respected barrister who has excellent knowledge across a variety of employment law issues including TUPE and discrimination. He is notable for his expertise in working time matters.

"Mark is brilliant to work with. He is bright, personable and confident."

"Markis everything you want - technically superb, always meticulously prepared, pragmatic and calm."

6
Thomas Gillie
6
Band 6

Noted junior barrister Thomas Gillie enjoys an excellent reputation for his knowledge of employment law, and he undertakes highly sensitive investigations in addition to tribunal litigation. He has a particular strength in discrimination cases.

"Tom is an excellent barrister. He gives advice of a barrister well beyond his call and has a self-assured and practical style which make him one of my preferred barristers."

"He is very hands-on and very practical in terms of his advice. He has a really good manner with clients and is very responsive and very collaborative with solicitors."

U
Emma Foubister
U
Up and Coming

Emma Foubister is noted for her experience in discrimination cases, particularly in relation to indirect sex and disability discrimination, regularly appearing in the Employment Tribunal and appellate courts. She has also acted in high-profile commercial employment cases.

"Emma is a rising star. She is extremely bright and very hardworking and produces excellent written advocacy."

Ranked Barristers at
Matrix Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Employment

James Laddie KC
Star Individuals
Karon Monaghan KC
Star Individuals
Claire Darwin KC
4
Claire Darwin KC
4
Band 4
4
Laura Prince KC
4
Band 4
4
Mathew Purchase KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Employment

2
Edward Kemp
2
Band 2
2
Thomas Kibling
2
Band 2
4
Nathan Roberts
4
Band 4
Mark Greaves
5
Mark Greaves
5
Band 5
6
Thomas Gillie
6
Band 6
U
Emma Foubister
U
Up and Coming