Chambers and Partners 2007
Administrative and Public Law - Ranked Joint 1st - "head and shoulders above many other claimant silks"
Competition / European Law - Ranked Joint 1st - "deserves recognition for his wider EU skills in human rights"
Human Rights - Ranked Joint 2nd - "Highly eminent"
Immigration - Ranked 1st - "needs no introduction" "simply immactulate" "incredibly clever"

In the 2007 edition of the Legal 500 Nicholas Blake QC is named as a leading silk in Administrative and Public Law and in Civil Liberties and Human Rights. Nick is also recommedned as a leading silk in Immigration (ranked joint 1st), Nick is "praised for his sharp intellect". 

In the 2006 edition of Chambers & Partners UK Guide, Nicholas Blake QC is named one of the top Leading Silks in Administrative and Public law, EU law, Human Rights, and Immigration. 
    Administrative and Public law (joint 1st): 'highly praised for his "ability to bring out innovative legal arguments and argue fresh points of law." He is "simply first-class," proving especially proficient in immigration, asylum and European free movement law. Recently, he argued before the House of Lords in a case regarding the reach of EU law in outlawing discrimination against transsexuals.'
    European law (joint 1st):  'Nicholas Blake QC has an important solicitor following due to his "superlative command" of EU immigration and human rights laws. His ECJ work includes Baumbast v Secretary of State for the Home Department.'
    Human Rights (joint 1st): '"Great for both immigration and human rights work," Nicholas Blake QC has appeared in a string of important cases over the past year. In one such case he represented Ullah at the House of Lords in its consideration of whether any ECHR article, besides Article 3, can be engaged in relation to the deportation of an individual when it can be anticipated that their treatment by the receiving state will infringe Convention requirements, but not breach Article 3.'  
    Immigration (joint 1st):  '"Extremely clever," he recently appeared for the asylum seeker in Secretary for Security v Prabakar, a case concerning the expulsion of a Sri Lankan asylum seeker from Hong Kong SAR to Sri Lanka where he had been tortured.'  (Chambers & Partners - 2006)

Recommended as the Leading Silk in Immigration; 'Nick Blake QC is praised by experienced immigration practitioners as "superb" and for all-round advice retains his top tier placing as "the leading light in the immigration field"'. Also ranked as a Leading Silk in Administrative and Public law; 'Nicholas Blake QC is an authority on immigration and asylum matters, and was recently involved in a case concerning the expulsion of a Sri Lankan Tamil from Hong Kong,' and in Civil Liberties and Human Rights; 'Immigration "doyen" Nicholas Blake QC's recent involvement in a case against the Special Adjudicator concerned freedom of religion'.
(Legal 500 - 2005)

Joint top ‘Leading Silk’ in Human Rights - ‘Nicholas Blake QC is heralded as "an exceptional silk on almost any public law issue." His practice covers personal liberty, human rights, and economic and social rights. He also benefits from a reputation as a "top applicant silk" in immigration cases. He has appeared before a number of international tribunals. "Admirably concise" in court, he is "prepared to take leading edge cases," commentators said.’ Also ranked joint top ‘Leading Silk’ in Immigration - ‘A leader in human rights, Nicholas Blake QC also has enormous experience in the immigration field. His "incredibly realistic, often cautious " approach and "urbane " style makes him a favourite amongst interviewees. "He always carries it off in court wonderfully " and "understands that managing the client's expectations is half the battle ," say instructing solicitors. One interviewee even claimed that his "genius" puts him at a disadvantage, as he is "invariably smarter than those he appears before!"’ Named as joint 2nd ‘Leading Silk’ in Administrative and Public law - ‘Nicholas Blake QC is heralded as "an exceptional silk on almost any public law issue." His practice covers personal liberty, human rights, and economic and social rights. He also benefits from a reputation as a "top applicant silk" in immigration cases. He has appeared before a number of international tribunals. "Admirably concise" in court, he is "prepared to take leading edge cases," commentators said.’   (Chambers & Partners UK - 2005) 

Top Silk in Immigration: ‘Nicholas Blake QC at Matrix Chambers remains the pre-eminent immigration silk. His leading cases include R v Secretary of State ex parte Kaur. Matrix Chambers' human rights focus is a clear strength.’ Joint 2nd ‘Leading Silk’ in Civil Liberties and Human Rights - [re British Army Gurkha Pensions] ‘with Nicholas Blake QC acting for the pensioners, in a discrimination claim on the grounds of nationality.’ Also ranked a ‘Leading Silk’ in Administrative and Public law ‘Nicholas Blake QC has a string of landmark asylum matters to his name’   (Legal 500 - 2004) 

"Charming to work with”  "is said to "know his stuff inside out."
'"Consistently thoughtful and innovative" Nicholas Blake QC maintains an enviable reputation for immigration work and as the "leading claimants asylum silk." Also active on public law and discrimination work, Blake has been involved in the recent high-profile cases: Akenzua and another v Secretary of State for the Home Department, the exclusion order on Louis Farrakhan, and a Court of Appeal case concerning detainees at Camp X-Ray, Guantanamo Bay.' 'Nicholas Blake QC can call on over two decades of experience. His "tremendous commitment to migrants" and communication skills were much vaunted. "Brilliant on his feet," his ability to pitch arguments at the right level makes "judges really sit up and listen to him." According to interviewees, "seeing him in action is like watching a machine." Solicitors regarded him as "absolutely staggering" and an "intellectual powerhouse."’  (Chambers & Partners UK - 2004)

“Nicholas Blake QC is the doyen of immigration law”
“Applicants' advocate of choice for politically sensitive matters, Nicholas Blake QC had an exceptional year; his work included Abassi, the case of a British national held at Guantanamo Bay.” ' the "superb" Nicholas Blake QC is a leading light at the immigration and human rights Bar, well known for his "sharp intellect".   (Legal 500 - 2003)

"...he 'continues to shine'. Rivals admire "the imagination and creativity' he brings to his practice"
his "expertise and intellect come well recommended... immense tactical awareness"
"still the sharpest mind in the field - he dissects matters and identifies the issues"  
(Chambers & Partners - 2002)

"generally rated the outstanding silk in this field" (Immigration law, Legal 500 - 2001)