Doughty Street is the top-ranked set in the UK for extradition in both the Legal 500 (International crime and extradition) and Chambers and Partners (Extradition) for 2023. We have more ranked juniors in extradition in the directories than any other set.

The team features an outstanding array of practitioners across a broad range of call; our members regularly feature in the most high-profile and significant extradition cases.

The formidable Edward Fitzgerald KC is described as a ‘pre-eminent silk’ and the ‘king of extradition’. He is an ‘outstanding practitioner in the extradition field’, famed both in the UK and internationally, who ‘commands the respect of the courts at all levels.’

Described as ‘exceptional’, ‘innovative and creative’ Ben Cooper KC has featured in a long list of leading authorities, securing the discharge of the alleged computer hackers, Gary McKinnon and Lauri Love, the successful appellant in HH v Italy and a host of extradition test cases.

Authoritative, highly experienced and charming, Peter Caldwell is extremely knowledgeable in complex cases. He brings his renowned business crime and fraud experience to bear and displays an ‘unruffled, steely calmness’ in court.

Amelia Nice is an ‘excellent practitioner’ and an ‘all-rounder who attracts praise for her legal acumen and expert client handling skills’. The majority of her work involves human rights related arguments and she has particular expertise in cases concerning children’s rights, child abduction and trafficking.

Malcolm Hawkes is regularly instructed in high-profile and complex extradition matters. He is noted for his Russian country knowledge and language skills, advancing human rights-based arguments and is known as a ‘fierce fighter with compelling advocacy skills’.

Lauded for her great drafting and going the extra mile for her clients, Mary Westcott is a committed, incredibly hard-working and ‘extremely talented’ practitioner who will cover all angles of a case. Mary has acted in a number of leading cases on prison conditions and the rights of the child.

Graeme Hall is described as ‘meticulous and confident’, ‘very intelligent’, determined and never afraid to raise challenges in court. He has acted in numerous complex and high-profile cases and is noted for the strength of his written arguments.

Other members

In addition to the extradition practitioners above, Doughty Street has a number of members who have acted in significant extradition cases.

Steven Powles KC heads the Doughty Street International team and has a wealth of experience in extradition and international criminal law. Tim Moloney KC acted in the Rwandan genocide case and maintains a formidable serious crime practice. Joe Middleton KC has exceptional knowledge of Interpol Red Notices, which he combines with his market-leading immigration law practice. David Rhodes has acted in notable extradition cases, including a very rare Polish Article 3 prison conditions discharge. Amal Clooney is a recognised top lawyer on the international stage and an expert in human rights issues, including extradition law. She currently acts for the mother of a five-year-old murder victim in the first ISIS-related genocide trial in Germany. In addition to her busy criminal and inquest practice, when led by Edward Fitzgerald KC, Abigail Bright acted for Danilo Restivo who faced extradition to Italy for double murder while serving a lengthy sentence in the UK. Kate O’Raghallaigh enjoys a combined practice in general crime and extradition and has acted in a US case involving an alleged computer hacker.

All members are available to act in and advise on tackling Interpol Red Notices and diffusions, matters involving Mutual Legal Assistance. Many have also acted in multiple jurisdictions, including in the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Singapore and Northern Ireland.

Introducing

Chambers is delighted to highlight the work of Pippa Woodrow who accepts extradition instructions and has acted in a number of cases. Pippa has a mixed practice, involving crime, immigration and human rights, acting in terrorist cases for those accused of travelling abroad to fight for the so-called Islamic State as well as pro bono work against the death penalty.

For more information about our extradition and international crime work, or to discuss our barristers, please contact Senior Crime Clerk, Matthew Butchard by calling on our dedicated crime team number – 020 7400 9088 – or by e-mailing crime@doughtystreet.co.uk.

What the directories say

Chambers and Partners 2023 - Band 1

"First-class in terms of service and responsiveness."

"The calibre of the staff is so high. The clerks will always go the extra mile."

Legal 500 2023 - Tier 1

"First class set for extradition. Strong international connections."

"Multi-disciplinary set who have real academics working for them. Every counsel is a true legal mind."

"Very strong extradition team with a number of counsel with 10-15 years plus experience."