Matrix Chambers has recruited Doughty Street Chambers' Richard Hermer QC, as the set looks to bulk up its public law offering.

Hermer joined Matrix yesterday (13 March) and takes the number of silks in the chambers to 21.

Hermer's practice focuses on human rights, public international law, public law, personal injury and actions against the police.

The move comes as part of a wider strategy at Matrix to build up its public law offering, particularly outside of the UK.

Matrix management committee chair Hugh Tomlinson QC said: "We are continuing to build our international practice and Richard's very impressive international spread of work brings the kind of expertise to the set that we are looking to grow.

"It has always been our aim to have quality rather than quantity and we have no current plans for further recruitment at the senior level. But the market is changing so quickly. One of our great strengths is our practice diversity, which enables us to respond quickly and flexibly to the new challenges."

Hermer has acted on a number of high-profile international human rights cases in recent years including representing the family of Baha Mousa – the Iraqi civilian who died in the custody of British soldiers in 2003.

The news comes after Matrix and Doughty were both awarded new silks in this year's annual round, with two barristers handed the elite kitemark at Matrix and three at Doughty.