Ben Watson KC
About
Provided by Ben Watson KC
Personal
MA Hons (Cantab); Diploma in law.
Practice Areas
Particular expertise in extradition, public law, international mutual legal assistance, asset recovery, and crime. Recent high-profile work has included acting for Mrs Hajiyeva (the ‘Harrods shopper’) in the first Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO). Regularly instructed in the leading extradition cases, see recently: India v Modi (jeweler accused of fraud); Russia v Shuppe (Boris Berezovksy’s son in law); South Africa v Dewani (accused of murdering wife on honeymoon), and for the Secretary of State in US v Julian Assange; as well as in heavyweight crime, particularly fraud.
Prior to taking silk, Ben was a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel, and has extensive experience acting for the UK Government in national security cases, as well as for the MoD and FCO in cases arising out of UK military action abroad.
Career
Call 2002; KC 2021; Attorney General’s C Panel 2006; Attorney General’s Special Advocate Panel 2010-2016; Attorney General’s B Panel 2011; Attorney General’s A Panel 2016.
Professional Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
Defence Extradition Lawyers Fellowship
Publications
Asset Recovery (OUP, 2007-date).
National Security (OUP, 2021).
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Ben Watson KC
Ben Watson KC is a leading extradition barrister with vast experience in cases concerning European Arrest Warrants and extradition relating to international terrorism issues. He is also well versed in the area of mutual legal assistance, and is experienced in both prosecuting and defending individuals and foreign governments.
Ben Watson KC
Ben Watson KC frequently acts for the government, including the Home Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Justice in sensitive judicial reviews involving human rights, terrorism and criminal law. He is particularly experienced in public law claims relating to the UK government's alleged involvement in detention and rendition.
Ben Watson KC
Ben Watson KC is admired for his advocacy and work ethic. His broad public law practice revolves around national security and his knowledge of the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011. He has experience at the Supreme Court and acts in cases involving ECHR compatibility with police anti-terrorism powers. He is also a noted expert on the law concerning UK military actions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ben has the ability to take a large amount of complex detail, condense it and then present it clearly. He also has exceptionally good judgement when it comes to making tactical decisions."
"Ben is a fantastically fearless advocate. He understands the government's needs and how to advocate these in court."
"A silver-tongued advocate."
"He's a very effective advocate and argues difficult things in a fair way, which really makes a difference."
"Ben has the ability to take a large amount of complex detail, condense it and then present it clearly. He also has exceptionally good judgement when it comes to making tactical decisions."
"Ben is a fantastically fearless advocate. He understands the government's needs and how to advocate these in court."
"A silver-tongued advocate."
"He's a very effective advocate and argues difficult things in a fair way, which really makes a difference."
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