Mary Westcott > Doughty Street Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile

Mary Westcott

020 7404 1313 m.westcott@doughtystreet.co.uk

Work Department

Position

Mary is an extradition barrister with a first-rate reputation for her specialist knowledge, advocacy and drafting. She works almost exclusively in extradition, predominantly defending with an excellent track record. She often acts in grave and complex matters, and lectures on extradition and related issues. Her background is in general crime and civil work, providing her with broad experience.

Mary also acts in public law proceedings, such as applications for judicial review, habeas corpus applications and statutory appeal proceedings. She advises individuals, requesting judicial authorities and Governments at each stage of the extradition process, including mutual legal assistance matters (such as Interpol Red Notice challenges and removal).

In 2010 Mary was invited to act as the legal assistant to the DPP’s principal legal advisor. This included assisting and advising on sensitive and very complex cases encompassing double jeopardy, deaths in custody and contentious charging decisions.

Before becoming a barrister, Mary studied Philosophy at UCL and spent 2 years working for Labour MEPs in the European Parliament. She also studied Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam (LLM).

Career

Year of Call: 2007

Chambers and Partners Guide has described Mary as “conscientious, hard-working“; “very committed to her cases“; that she “…excels in defending extradition cases, especially those involving human rights issues“; and notes that “sources are impressed with her ability to build a rapport with clients.“