Band 1
Provided by Mary Westcott
Extradition
Criminal Law
Anti-trafficking
Children's Rights
Mary is an extradition barrister with a first-rate reputation for her specialist knowledge, advocacy and drafting.
Mary 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.
She 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).
Provided by Chambers
Mary Westcott has extensive expertise in relation to the ECHR and public law and is regularly instructed in complex extradition matters. She is particularly experienced at handling matters involving inhumane prison conditions, human trafficking and children's rights.
Provided by Chambers
Mary goes above and beyond. She offers a great source of help and reassurance to instructing solicitors.
Mary is quite simply brilliant. Extremely clever and really cares about the clients.
Mary is a formidable advocate and is meticulous in her preparation of cases. She is able to grapple with extremely complex law and advance robust legal arguments.
Brilliant on her feet, she combines chatty and formal in a way no-one else manages. Liked by all, fearless and extremely hard-working.
Mary goes above and beyond. She offers a great source of help and reassurance to instructing solicitors.
Mary is quite simply brilliant. Extremely clever and really cares about the clients.
Mary is a formidable advocate and is meticulous in her preparation of cases. She is able to grapple with extremely complex law and advance robust legal arguments.
Brilliant on her feet, she combines chatty and formal in a way no-one else manages. Liked by all, fearless and extremely hard-working.