Matrix is recommended as a Leading Set in Public International law: 'James Crawford SC represents the best of the new generation of PIL barristers. Interviewees recommended him as "one of the most impressive people around;" he is "in his prime" and has "breadth of experience and a proven track record at the highest level." He presented arguments on jurisdiction on behalf of Palestine in the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He further has experience in Law of the Sea Tribunals, having appeared in Trinidad v Barbados and Malaysia v Singapore and has been involved in the long-running Ethiopia/Eritrea arbitration. His practice also takes in international commercial arbitration. "No matter how much thought you put into a matter, Crawford will come up with another dimension to it," one solicitor enthused. Philippe Sands QC is "genuinely passionate about PIL," and "not an ivory tower type of barrister." He acted for the detainees in the Belmarsh litigation before the House of Lords and was counsel for Iraq before the UN Compensation Commission on issues of liability arising out of the first Gulf war. Sands was also involved in the Guyana and Surinam maritime dispute under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is currently appearing in The Hague in the dispute between Congo and Uganda. He has "a charming, persuasive manner" and a wide range of experience. (Chambers & Partners - 2006)

2nd Leading Set for Public International Law, the top rank for 'Leading Silk' goes to James Crawford SC: 'Matrix Chambers' James Crawford SC is another leading advocate who receives considerable praise from solicitors. His written work is widely acknowledged as the finest at the Bar, but his quick-witted intellect is also put to good use during contentious proceedings. In 2004 he advised the UN on the controversy surrounding the Israeli 'security wall' affecting Palestinian territory and appeared for Canada in the ICJ case Yugoslavia v Canada, concerning NATO's use of force during the recent conflict in the region. His record and reputation warrants his elevation to the top-tier. Philippe Sands QC is another esteemed name at the Bar with a strong record in BIT, a real lateral thinker and one who writes exceptionally well, but probably better known for his environmental practice. However, overwhelming praise from solicitors suggests a promotion in the rankings is well deserved.'
(Legal 500 - 2005)

‘Peers and solicitors alike praised James Crawford SC as "one of the leading practitioners for PIL and ICSID work in the UK." His "superb intellect" and broad background mean that he "towers over everybody else." This is illustrated by his case list; he has been involved in many of the landmark cases in this field as counsel, expert witness or judge/arbitrator. Philippe Sands QC is best known in the market for his work in the field of international environmental law. However, he has made great strides over the past year in broadening his practice to encompass other areas of PIL; for example through his involvement in Prosecutor v Charles Taylor before the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which was a decision on immunity for jurisdiction. Sands has also acted in ICSID proceedings, most notably Salini v Jordan, which will decide a number of issues on the meaning of ICSID jurisdiction, and has been engaged in maritime boundary disputes. He is Professor of Law at University College London'. (Chambers & Partners - 2005)

‘James Crawford SC has a famous intellect and his written work is superior to many of his contemporaries. Philippe Sands QC is an international environmental specialist and is building a name for himself in bilateral investment treaties. He is currently representing the European Commission in a dispute with the US over Genetically Modified Organisms.' 'Very few younger juniors are coming through in this highly specialised area, but Alison Macdonald acted on the MOX plant case.’ (Legal 500 - 2004)