Chambers and Partners 2008 recommend Philippe Sands QC as a leading silk in Competition/European Law (joint 1st), Environmental law and Public International Law “passionate and principled”.

Legal 500 2007/2008 recommends Philippe Sands QC as a leading silk in Admin and Public law, Commercial arbitration law "immensely dedicated", Environmental law and Public international law.

Chambers and Partners 2007, Philippe is recommended as a leading silk in Competitiion/EU law (joint 1st) "top flight public international lawyer". Philippe is recommended as a leading silk in Environment Law (ranked 2nd) and in International Arbitration (ranked 2nd) "peers applaud Philippe Sands QC's impeccable knowledge of public international law".Philippe is also recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law (ranked 2nd), interviewers agreed "it is rare to find such a formidable advocate and such a strong academic in one and the same practitioner".

Philippe is recommended as a leading silk by the Legal 500 in Administrative Law, Environment Law and Public International Law. "highly rated on climate change, described by solicitors as very responsive, a very good team player and a one off in his field".

Philippe's work is recognised in the fields of International Arbitration, Environmental law (in which he is named joint 2nd Leading Silk) and Public International law in the latest edition of Chambers UK Guide.  Regarding Arbitration: [Philippe is] 'well renowned for his application of public international law to arbitrations, especially when it comes to ICSID, NAFTA and interstate disputes. As such he is credited with a "truly eclectic practice." ...[has] admirers on both sides of the Atlantic.'  In Environment: 'Philippe Sands QC "just exhibits supreme intellectual skills and has a spectacular grasp on the issues," said one impressed interviewee. His particular area of expertise is within the nuclear and minerals context. Public International: '[He] 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)

Recommended as a Leading Silk in Environment; 'Philippe Sands QC continues to impress instructing solicitors, especially for international matters' and, in International Public law; 'Philippe Sands QC is [an] 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)

Joint 2nd ‘Leading Silk in Environment Law - ‘"Top-level performer" Philippe Sands QC was said to have a vibrant international environment practice.’ Also ranked as ‘Leading Silk in Public International law - ‘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 UK - 2005)

Ranked as ‘Leading Silk in Environment Law - ‘During 2003 Phillippe Sands QC was instructed on cases by Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. He is well regarded by clients for his international environment law expertise.’ Also named a ‘Leading Silk in Public International law: ‘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.’   (Legal 500 - 2004)

“Philippe Sands QC, who took silk in 2003, comes highly recommended for his expertise in international environmental law.”   (Environmental law and Public International law, Legal 500 - 2003)

'"Enormously enthusiastic" ...an "intellectually creative" barrister' ‘Much of his profile in the sector lies with his work in environment-related cases, but he also has a wider practice, such as representing Honduras in the ICJ case against Nicaragua as well as in a boundary dispute against El Salvador. Sands has been involved in the human rights Abassi case and represented Ireland against the UK in a dispute over the Sellafield MOX Plant.' 
‘is at "the top of his field - public international law."
‘Environment solicitors would not hesitate to approach him on a relevant matter.’
(Chambers & Partners UK - 2003/04)

"the set has a well-defined international dimension in the practice of Philippe Sands"
(Chambers & Partners - 2002)

"one of the foremost authorities on international environmental law" (Legal 500 - 2001)

"takes an expansive view of difficult and serious matters"......"if you need an answer on an esoteric environmental treaty in a South Pacific state, he'll give it to you without looking it up"
(Chambers Guide - 2001)

"appeared on behalf of Human Rights Watch at the Pinochet hearings" (Legal 500 - 2000)