Protest Law
UK Bar Guide 2025 : All Circuits
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7404 3447Chambers Review
Matrix Chambers 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. The set's barristers are regularly instructed in high-profile and leading cases, including appearing on behalf of Trudi Warner in her high-profile contempt of court proceedings following her presence outside Inner London Crown Court with a banner addressing jurors in a Just Stop Oil trial.
Paul Venables is senior practice manager.
Notable Practitioners
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 an outstanding lawyer."
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 is a very experienced silk and a natural choice for any protest case."
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 has a very strong human rights practice and is able to deploy those skills in protest law cases."
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. He has experience in cases right up to the Supreme Court.
"Robbie is a really strong junior and certainly one to watch. He provides imaginative challenges and well-drafted skeleton arguments."
"Robbie is a truly impressive junior who is going places fast. He produces brilliant written work and is a tenacious advocate."
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.
"What Rosalind lacks in years at the Bar she more than makes up for in genuine and true talent. She is already one of the go-to juniors for the civil liberty protesters and media issues more widely."
"Rosalind is very easy to work with and incredibly responsive. The quality of her work is very good."