Doughty Street Chambers remains reputed for handling the most complex international crime and extradition cases, including the prosecution and defense of cases alleging genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes; and is also well known for victim representation before international courts. Leading Megan Hirst, Tim Moloney KC is representing three Guantanamo Bay detainees in an ICC prosecution of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan before the Appeals Chamber, while Steven Powles KC is representing a group of victims of US drone strikes in Pakistan before the Appeals Chamber of the ICC. Amal Clooney has been appointed as special adviser to the ICC prosecutor on the genocide case against Omar al-Bashir, who served as the seventh head of state of Sudan under various titles from 1989 until 2019, when he was deposed in a coup after spending the last decade of his rule indicted by the ICC.
International crime and extradition in
London Bar
Doughty Street Chambers
Testimonials
‘Doughty Street is a joy to work with since they have high calibre staff who provide an excellent service in support of the counsel, solicitor and the client. Tracy Oritsejafor is our main contact and she is unfailing professional and capable. It is no surprise she has recently been promoted to Assistant Practice Manager.’
‘Very efficient, polite, helpful and easy to work with.’
‘Their clerks are always very helpful and quick to act and respond to any query.’
‘James Tippey and Chloe Cousins, they have always been helpful, proactive and extremely flexible.’
‘Matt Butchard – bends over backwards to help. Always finds a solution.’
‘Doughty Street is probably the ultimate barristers chambers overall and everything about them is top level and of excellent standard. Your case is in very good hands with Doughty St.’
‘Strong set, with excellent senior juniors and king’s counsel.’
‘Doughty Street is rightly regarded amongst the top sets in Extradition practice, and possibly the no 1 set. They have an incredible depth of talent throughout and are in high demand as a result. Wherever possible, they assist with cases and do not disappoint. It is a first class service.’
Work highlights
Furnival Chambers
Furnival Chambers‘ members continue to receive instructions in a range of high-profile extradition cases, with many instructions coming from the CPS. Leading Nicholas Hearn, Joel Smith KC is representing the CPS in USA v Tahilramani, extradition proceedings concerning a person known to be ‘Hollywood Con Queen’, involving allegations of defrauding aspiring actors and film workers by pretending to be high-profile figures in the entertainment industry and luring them to Indonesia, where they would pay inflated fees to a driver. Julia Farrant acted for a Polish judicial authority in an extradition matter related to a multi-handed conspiracy to traffic people from Poland to the UK. In a test of the new post-Brexit legislative framework, Hannah Burton was instructed in Badea v Romania a case considering if Article 597 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement mandates a specific proportionality assessment when considering whether extradition is compatible with Article 8 of the ECHR under s.21 of the Extradition Act 2003.
Testimonials
‘I have a lot of respect for the extradition team at Furnival.’
‘Excellent clerks, courteous and efficient.’
Work highlights
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is experienced in advising corporate and individual clients on extradition exposure in international criminal cases, and the set’s barristers have been instructed in numerous cases before international courts such as the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Leading Jessica Jones, Alex Bailin KC represented the former CEO of Autonomy in USA v Michael Lynch, an extradition case in relation to allegations of fraud by HP concerning its $11bn purchase of the company, with Mark Summers KC opposing him for the US government. Clare Montgomery KC represented the former vice president of FIFA Jack Warner in an appeal against extradition from Trinidad to the United States, while Mark Summers KC has been instructed in Japan v Chappell, a case concerning a jewellery heist in Tokyo in 2015; a rare case of extradition from the UK to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between the states.
Testimonials
‘Excellent strength in depth.’
‘Excellent clerking!’
Work highlights
Three Raymond Buildings
Remaining a pre-eminent set in the extradition space, Three Raymond Buildings regularly advises and represents requesting judicial authorities, foreign governments, and requested individuals. Helen Malcolm KC is acting for the CPS on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan in high-profile extradition proceedings concerning Zamira Hajiyeva, wife of the former chairman of the International Bank of Azerbaijan and subject of the UK's first Unexplained Wealth Order. Rachel Barnes KC was instructed by the Kuwaiti government in Kuwait v Badie, a case concerning the first proposed extradition under UK-Kuwait treaty, raising questions about human rights standards in that jurisdiction, while Rachel Scott was led by James Lewis KC as junior counsel for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the Privy Council appeal of former FIFA president Jack Warner against the order for his extradition to the USA on corruption charges.
Testimonials
‘Dean Brown is a very astute clerk who manages his team of very talented barristers with some considerable style.’
‘Dean Brown is one of the finest criminal clerks in the country.’
‘3 Raymond Buildings are (rightly) regarded as a top ranking set for crime, extradition and police regulatory matters. They are the traditional powerhouses in criminal and quasi-criminal law.’
‘Probably the best criminal set of barristers in the country. Some stunningly good barristers at all levels.’
‘The best extradition set in the country.’
‘Very strong at the senior end for extradition.’
‘Very well organised, efficient and provide a great service.’
Work highlights
5 St Andrews Hill
With a particular strong extradition practice, 5 St Andrews Hill has a track record of handling Interpol red notices, and represents clients at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and in appeals to the Divisional and Administrative Courts, Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. David Josse KC is instructed in Government of Ukraine v Sivkiv, dealing with issues of extradition during times of armed conflict. Natasha Draycott is representing the requested person in Government of Albania v Seferi, an extradition case regarding offences of drug trafficking with a competing request by the Italian Government. Rebecca Hill successfully persuaded the Administrative Court in Rae v USA that the district judge was wrong to conclude that conditions in county jails in Texas are adequate, requiring specific assurances from the US government.
Testimonials
‘Dean Cook and his colleagues are the best barrister’s clerks in the business, always willing and able to help, and overall offer an excellent service.’
‘Dean Cook – quick, helpful and knows more about extradition law than many solicitors!’
‘I was always greatly assisted by the clerking team, who are very responsive and always helpful. Dean Cook is particularly impressive.’
‘Very helpful clerks – proactive with a can do attitude, also flexible in negotiating counsel’s fees for private clients.’
‘5 St Andrews Hill is a top chambers as far as extradition law is concerned and have maintained the same high quality year after year. Always my first point of call for extradition cases.’
‘A well-known, well-regarded set in the area who have a wealth of interesting extradition work across the spectrum of extradition cases. The team is made up of strong individual practitioners in the field and all members appear frequently in first instance and appeal proceedings.’
‘I have had a very positive experience of chambers. They have a wide range experts in the field of extradition.’
‘I have worked with the set for a number of years regularly instructing at least another four extradition barristers for my cases, all of them among some of the most established extradition juniors in the field.’
Work highlights
9BR
9BR Chambers is equipped to handle high-profile extradition cases from across the world, and offers established expertise in international initiatives against bribery and corruption. Leading Gillian Higgins, Steven Kay KC is assisting Lundin Energy in Swedish universal jurisdiction proceedings regarding allegations the company aided and abetted war crimes committed between 1997 and 2003 in Unity State (then Sudan, now part of South Sudan) during the Second Sudanese Civil War, the first prosecution of a corporation for war crimes. In extradition work, Jonathan Swain represented the requested person in Burghelea v Bucharest Tribunal Romania - the case involved the question of if someone who had lawyers present, but was unable to attend a trial, should be considered as having been tried in absentia or not.
Testimonials
‘A leading international criminal law chambers, with a global reputation and the most experienced advocates.’
‘9BR has a good extradition team. All members of the team are very good and hard-working and work well together.’
‘Excellent set, building up a good extradition team and very easy to access.’
‘Leading set in international criminal law with a global reputation. Quality and experienced counsel and a range of expertise from top to bottom. ‘
‘9 BR is increasingly becoming an extradition force to be reckoned with.’
‘Their clerks are always most helpful.’
‘The clerks are always on time and friendly.’
‘Clerks are responsive.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers‘ is notable for its work in both international criminal law matters and extradition cases in the UK. Aidan Ellis is representing Saif Al-Islam Gadaffi in admissibility proceedings before the International Criminal Court regarding alleged crimes of murder and persecution committed in Libya in 2011. Kathryn Howarth acted for the CPS in an extradition appeal in Maric v Croatia, requesting a Serbian man, now living in Derby, for alleged war crimes in 1991. Saoirse Townshend was instructed in Bazys and Besan v Lithuania, an extradition case before the Divisional Court regarding conditions in Lithuania’s prisons.
Testimonials
‘Clerks in general are polite and attentive.’
‘Always very helpful.’
‘In general, my experience has been very positive – with clerks able to assist with covering cases, including at short notice.’
‘A very good chambers, very professional.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers have some outstanding juniors.’
‘TG has a good number of experienced mid level juniors, so several options for clients.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers has a number of talented barristers in the field of extradition. I regularly encounter barristers from Temple Gardens at both Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court.
Work highlights
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row’s areas of expertise include trials of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes before international courts in Asia, Africa and in the Hague. Leading Sam Blom-Cooper, David Hooper KC is instructed as lead counsel to represent the former prime minister of Kosovo before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 1998-99. Blom-Cooper is also instructed in International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals case Prosecutor v Turinabo et al., a case concerning allegations of a campaign of interference with protected witnesses and contempt of court by means of intimidation and bribery.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room is very well run and highly efficient. It has received awards for the quality of service, and the staff at all levels show real commitment to their work’
‘The clerks’ room provides a very efficient service to clients and is a modern working environment. The whole team work well together under the Senior Clerk, Guy Williams.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive.’
‘The set has an extremely strong team of people.’
‘The set has a very solid group of barristers dealing with a wide range of work including international law and extradition. There are silks and juniors who undertake work in these fields and who have been involved in some of the leading cases. Many members of Chambers provide training for those working in the fields.’
‘A number of members of Chambers have appeared in virtually all the international courts and tribunals and have gained enormous experience in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Likewise, there are a range of barristers who deal with extradition cases.’
Work highlights
6KBW College Hill
6KBW College Hill‘s David Perry KC is instructed to represent a person charged with money laundering and drug offenses in USA v Palionnijs, while Ben Lloyd is representing the defendant in Italy v Reisenauer, concerning a man who was arrested at Heathrow Airport on charges of human trafficking and sex exploitation. Lloyd was also instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service in a case involving two requests from the government of India for the extradition of alleged arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Richard Evans acted for the US government in Lazo v USA, where the requested person was wanted in the US in relation to drug trafficking allegations.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are professional and problem-solving. The chambers work like clockwork.’
‘The clerks are uniformly excellent and helpful.’
‘Andrew Barnes is very responsive.’
‘Very contactable, accommodative and responsive.’
‘Mark Essex: one word – brilliant!’
‘6KBW is one of the traditional powerhouse sets in crime and quasi-crime, and deservedly so.’
‘6 KBW is a chambers of real quality. They are very prosecution focused.’
‘Good chambers with strength in depth in the junior ranks.’
Work highlights
Doughty Street Chambers
Testimonials
‘Doughty Street is a joy to work with since they have high calibre staff who provide an excellent service in support of the counsel, solicitor and the client. Tracy Oritsejafor is our main contact and she is unfailing professional and capable. It is no surprise she has recently been promoted to Assistant Practice Manager.’
‘Very efficient, polite, helpful and easy to work with.’
‘Their clerks are always very helpful and quick to act and respond to any query.’
‘James Tippey and Chloe Cousins, they have always been helpful, proactive and extremely flexible.’
‘Matt Butchard – bends over backwards to help. Always finds a solution.’
‘Doughty Street is probably the ultimate barristers chambers overall and everything about them is top level and of excellent standard. Your case is in very good hands with Doughty St.’
‘Strong set, with excellent senior juniors and king’s counsel.’
‘Doughty Street is rightly regarded amongst the top sets in Extradition practice, and possibly the no 1 set. They have an incredible depth of talent throughout and are in high demand as a result. Wherever possible, they assist with cases and do not disappoint. It is a first class service.’
Work highlights
Furnival Chambers
Furnival Chambers‘ members continue to receive instructions in a range of high-profile extradition cases, with many instructions coming from the CPS. Leading Nicholas Hearn, Joel Smith KC is representing the CPS in USA v Tahilramani, extradition proceedings concerning a person known to be ‘Hollywood Con Queen’, involving allegations of defrauding aspiring actors and film workers by pretending to be high-profile figures in the entertainment industry and luring them to Indonesia, where they would pay inflated fees to a driver. Julia Farrant acted for a Polish judicial authority in an extradition matter related to a multi-handed conspiracy to traffic people from Poland to the UK. In a test of the new post-Brexit legislative framework, Hannah Burton was instructed in Badea v Romania a case considering if Article 597 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement mandates a specific proportionality assessment when considering whether extradition is compatible with Article 8 of the ECHR under s.21 of the Extradition Act 2003.
Testimonials
‘I have a lot of respect for the extradition team at Furnival.’
‘Excellent clerks, courteous and efficient.’
Work highlights
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is experienced in advising corporate and individual clients on extradition exposure in international criminal cases, and the set’s barristers have been instructed in numerous cases before international courts such as the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Leading Jessica Jones, Alex Bailin KC represented the former CEO of Autonomy in USA v Michael Lynch, an extradition case in relation to allegations of fraud by HP concerning its $11bn purchase of the company, with Mark Summers KC opposing him for the US government. Clare Montgomery KC represented the former vice president of FIFA Jack Warner in an appeal against extradition from Trinidad to the United States, while Mark Summers KC has been instructed in Japan v Chappell, a case concerning a jewellery heist in Tokyo in 2015; a rare case of extradition from the UK to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between the states.
Testimonials
‘Excellent strength in depth.’
‘Excellent clerking!’
Work highlights
Three Raymond Buildings
Remaining a pre-eminent set in the extradition space, Three Raymond Buildings regularly advises and represents requesting judicial authorities, foreign governments, and requested individuals. Helen Malcolm KC is acting for the CPS on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan in high-profile extradition proceedings concerning Zamira Hajiyeva, wife of the former chairman of the International Bank of Azerbaijan and subject of the UK's first Unexplained Wealth Order. Rachel Barnes KC was instructed by the Kuwaiti government in Kuwait v Badie, a case concerning the first proposed extradition under UK-Kuwait treaty, raising questions about human rights standards in that jurisdiction, while Rachel Scott was led by James Lewis KC as junior counsel for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the Privy Council appeal of former FIFA president Jack Warner against the order for his extradition to the USA on corruption charges.
Testimonials
‘Dean Brown is a very astute clerk who manages his team of very talented barristers with some considerable style.’
‘Dean Brown is one of the finest criminal clerks in the country.’
‘3 Raymond Buildings are (rightly) regarded as a top ranking set for crime, extradition and police regulatory matters. They are the traditional powerhouses in criminal and quasi-criminal law.’
‘Probably the best criminal set of barristers in the country. Some stunningly good barristers at all levels.’
‘The best extradition set in the country.’
‘Very strong at the senior end for extradition.’
‘Very well organised, efficient and provide a great service.’
Work highlights
5 St Andrews Hill
With a particular strong extradition practice, 5 St Andrews Hill has a track record of handling Interpol red notices, and represents clients at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and in appeals to the Divisional and Administrative Courts, Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. David Josse KC is instructed in Government of Ukraine v Sivkiv, dealing with issues of extradition during times of armed conflict. Natasha Draycott is representing the requested person in Government of Albania v Seferi, an extradition case regarding offences of drug trafficking with a competing request by the Italian Government. Rebecca Hill successfully persuaded the Administrative Court in Rae v USA that the district judge was wrong to conclude that conditions in county jails in Texas are adequate, requiring specific assurances from the US government.
Testimonials
‘Dean Cook and his colleagues are the best barrister’s clerks in the business, always willing and able to help, and overall offer an excellent service.’
‘Dean Cook – quick, helpful and knows more about extradition law than many solicitors!’
‘I was always greatly assisted by the clerking team, who are very responsive and always helpful. Dean Cook is particularly impressive.’
‘Very helpful clerks – proactive with a can do attitude, also flexible in negotiating counsel’s fees for private clients.’
‘5 St Andrews Hill is a top chambers as far as extradition law is concerned and have maintained the same high quality year after year. Always my first point of call for extradition cases.’
‘A well-known, well-regarded set in the area who have a wealth of interesting extradition work across the spectrum of extradition cases. The team is made up of strong individual practitioners in the field and all members appear frequently in first instance and appeal proceedings.’
‘I have had a very positive experience of chambers. They have a wide range experts in the field of extradition.’
‘I have worked with the set for a number of years regularly instructing at least another four extradition barristers for my cases, all of them among some of the most established extradition juniors in the field.’
Work highlights
9BR
9BR Chambers is equipped to handle high-profile extradition cases from across the world, and offers established expertise in international initiatives against bribery and corruption. Leading Gillian Higgins, Steven Kay KC is assisting Lundin Energy in Swedish universal jurisdiction proceedings regarding allegations the company aided and abetted war crimes committed between 1997 and 2003 in Unity State (then Sudan, now part of South Sudan) during the Second Sudanese Civil War, the first prosecution of a corporation for war crimes. In extradition work, Jonathan Swain represented the requested person in Burghelea v Bucharest Tribunal Romania - the case involved the question of if someone who had lawyers present, but was unable to attend a trial, should be considered as having been tried in absentia or not.
Testimonials
‘A leading international criminal law chambers, with a global reputation and the most experienced advocates.’
‘9BR has a good extradition team. All members of the team are very good and hard-working and work well together.’
‘Excellent set, building up a good extradition team and very easy to access.’
‘Leading set in international criminal law with a global reputation. Quality and experienced counsel and a range of expertise from top to bottom. ‘
‘9 BR is increasingly becoming an extradition force to be reckoned with.’
‘Their clerks are always most helpful.’
‘The clerks are always on time and friendly.’
‘Clerks are responsive.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers‘ is notable for its work in both international criminal law matters and extradition cases in the UK. Aidan Ellis is representing Saif Al-Islam Gadaffi in admissibility proceedings before the International Criminal Court regarding alleged crimes of murder and persecution committed in Libya in 2011. Kathryn Howarth acted for the CPS in an extradition appeal in Maric v Croatia, requesting a Serbian man, now living in Derby, for alleged war crimes in 1991. Saoirse Townshend was instructed in Bazys and Besan v Lithuania, an extradition case before the Divisional Court regarding conditions in Lithuania’s prisons.
Testimonials
‘Clerks in general are polite and attentive.’
‘Always very helpful.’
‘In general, my experience has been very positive – with clerks able to assist with covering cases, including at short notice.’
‘A very good chambers, very professional.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers have some outstanding juniors.’
‘TG has a good number of experienced mid level juniors, so several options for clients.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers has a number of talented barristers in the field of extradition. I regularly encounter barristers from Temple Gardens at both Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court.
Work highlights
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row’s areas of expertise include trials of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes before international courts in Asia, Africa and in the Hague. Leading Sam Blom-Cooper, David Hooper KC is instructed as lead counsel to represent the former prime minister of Kosovo before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 1998-99. Blom-Cooper is also instructed in International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals case Prosecutor v Turinabo et al., a case concerning allegations of a campaign of interference with protected witnesses and contempt of court by means of intimidation and bribery.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room is very well run and highly efficient. It has received awards for the quality of service, and the staff at all levels show real commitment to their work’
‘The clerks’ room provides a very efficient service to clients and is a modern working environment. The whole team work well together under the Senior Clerk, Guy Williams.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive.’
‘The set has an extremely strong team of people.’
‘The set has a very solid group of barristers dealing with a wide range of work including international law and extradition. There are silks and juniors who undertake work in these fields and who have been involved in some of the leading cases. Many members of Chambers provide training for those working in the fields.’
‘A number of members of Chambers have appeared in virtually all the international courts and tribunals and have gained enormous experience in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Likewise, there are a range of barristers who deal with extradition cases.’
Work highlights
6KBW College Hill
6KBW College Hill‘s David Perry KC is instructed to represent a person charged with money laundering and drug offenses in USA v Palionnijs, while Ben Lloyd is representing the defendant in Italy v Reisenauer, concerning a man who was arrested at Heathrow Airport on charges of human trafficking and sex exploitation. Lloyd was also instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service in a case involving two requests from the government of India for the extradition of alleged arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Richard Evans acted for the US government in Lazo v USA, where the requested person was wanted in the US in relation to drug trafficking allegations.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are professional and problem-solving. The chambers work like clockwork.’
‘The clerks are uniformly excellent and helpful.’
‘Andrew Barnes is very responsive.’
‘Very contactable, accommodative and responsive.’
‘Mark Essex: one word – brilliant!’
‘6KBW is one of the traditional powerhouse sets in crime and quasi-crime, and deservedly so.’
‘6 KBW is a chambers of real quality. They are very prosecution focused.’
‘Good chambers with strength in depth in the junior ranks.’