Matrix is ranked by Chambers & Partners as joint 3rd Leading Set for Crime: 'For many interviewees Clare Montgomery QC is "quite simply the best barrister practising at the criminal Bar." She "ticks every box" and is "incredibly hard-working." A recent highlight includes representing Sion Jenkins in his successful appeal for a retrial. The "highly affable" Ben Emmerson QC continues to impress onlookers with the quality of his criminal work. "He manages to exude charm yet still remain incredibly hard-hitting." This set's other major player in the criminal arena is Anthony Jennings QC, a man of "formidable intellect" who is considered an expert on police procedure.'  Matrix is also recommended in Criminal Fraud:  "Astonishing counsel" Clare Montgomery QC "has reached the summit of her profession in double-quick time." "Clever, versatile and with an iron grip on a case," she is as happy doing criminal as civil fraud. Interviewees noted that she is "perfect for the lengthier case - slow as the proceedings might be, she does a good job and shows great stamina."
(Chambers & Partners - 2006)

Legal 500 recommends Matrix as a Leading Set in Crime: 'Criminal law cases at Matrix Chambers often go hand-in-hand with human rights work, a core focus of the set as a whole. Ben Emmerson QC successfully acted in a House of Lords case in 2004 for seven foreign terrorist suspects held in indefinite detention found to be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Tim Owen QC and Clare Montgomery QC are also highly rated.' Matrix is also ranked in joint 2nd position in the category of Criminal Fraud.  Clare Montgomery QC, winner of the 2005 Chambers Bar Awards Crime Silk of the Year, is awarded the top ranking position as a Leading Silk with joint 2nd position going to Tim Owen QC.  Alex Bailin is also recommended as a Leading Junior. 'At Matrix Chambers, Clare Montgomery QC continues to amaze and delight her instructing solicitors. She is simply, 'a class act that is hard to beat'. Up a tier this year, Tim Owen QC is hailed as a 'polished all-round performer with great client skills'. Julian Knowles who also goes up a tier this year is described as 'a brain on a stick', he 'finds and takes points others may not'. Alex Bailin is a new entry and the set moves up a tier this year'. (Legal 500 - 2005)

‘High-profile defence matters seasoned with a sprinkling of prosecution work are the order of the day at this cutting-edge set. Many of the cases have a human rights angle and attract considerable press attention, leading barristers such as Clare Montgomery QC to become household names. Montgomery, who has just completed the Sion Jenkins appeal, has been described as "a superstar." Noted for her "phenomenal mental capacity," she "exercises a tough streak when the case demands it." Her formidable colleagues include Anthony Jennings QC, an expert on police cross-examinations and the silence provisions. Solicitors endorsed "one of the few briefs who can get away with a sense of humour in court." Also recommended is Ben Emmerson QC,"a compelling jury lawyer and brilliant appellate advocate" who has a real niche in serious terrorist prosecutions. He has engaged in the Afghan hijack case and represented Amar Makhlulif, the Algerian accused of being Al Quaeda's European 'gatekeeper.' The Sion Jenkins appeal - Clare Montgomery QC - is detailed as a Recent High-Profile Criminal Case.  Leaders recommended in Crime  include:
Clare Montgomery QC (joint top, starred, Silk)
Anthony Jennings QC
Ben Emmerson QC
Tim Owen QC
Matthew Ryder
(Chambers & Partners- 2005)