Extradition | UK Bar

3 Raymond Buildings is a set known for the consistent excellence of its members and has long been a major player in the extradition sphere. It has for years been involved in high-profile cases, advising and acting for both requesting foreign governments and authorities, as well as requested individuals. Members regularly appear before the High Court, Supreme Court and ECtHR. Barristers here are noted for their advice on mutual legal assistance, and regularly counsel the UK authorities. This year members of the set appeared in the appeal case Nirav Modi v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another. A source comments: "The extradition team is highly skilled and offers a depth and breadth of counsel that ranks alongside any and all of the leading sets in this field."

Members of Doughty Street Chambers generally act for requested persons in extradition proceedings and are known for the commitment and ingenuity they bring to all their cases. They are regularly involved in the most high-profile matters of the day and are noted for having developed extradition law itself through the bringing of test cases before the Supreme Court. Individuals here act for defendants both in the UK and in international extradition courts, and have appeared in a number of Privy Council appeals. They have represented several key individuals including Julian Assange and Gianluigi Torzi, and are particularly known for running important human rights arguments in high-profile cases. An interviewee praises the barristers at the set for having "extreme depth of knowledge when it comes to complex, novel and challenging extradition matters."

Matrix Chambers is a true market leader when it comes to human rights issues, and has a strong footprint in the extradition sector. It is particularly impressive in financial and corporate crime cases. Members at the set appear for both prosecuting authorities and defence solicitors in the most high-profile and complex cases at home and abroad, often acting on both sides. Examples of recent work include Japan v Chappell, an extradition care related to a jewellery heist and India v Sanjay Bhandari, a high-profile case relating to allegations of fraud and money laundering. A source extols: "Matrix are on another level in this field."

5 St Andrew's Hill has a significant reputation for handling extradition cases and is known for having members who are fully committed to this area of the law. Individuals at the set regularly write and lecture on the topic and are called upon by the national press for their views. They both prosecute and defend cases in concert with teams of UK and foreign extradition lawyers, and are experts in both the European Arrest Warrant regime and cases outside Europe. They have particular expertise in the removal of Interpol Red Notices and a long track record of running human rights arguments relating to prison conditions and political corruption. Recently, members have appeared on appeal in Sanchez v United Kingdom, a case before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights considering whether it is a breach of Article 3 ECHR to extradite to the US Federal system in a situation where the person faces a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

6KBW College Hill is a set well versed in a vast array of extradition proceedings including those held before the Supreme Court and ECtHR. Its clients include international governments, requested persons and judicial authorities. Members are noted for having particular experience in Russian, US and Indian cases. Recent work highlights include Hamilton v USA, a case concerning an individual alleged to have committed money laundering.

9BR Chambers is a well-regarded set that represents both individuals and requesting states in relation to extradition requests and Interpol Red Notices. Many members here have significant experience with the CPS, and have covered some high-profile matters concerning crime and high-value fraud. In addition to this, they are known for their impressive work around post-Brexit issues and the impact these have on EU Arrest Warrants. Recent work highlights members have appeared in include Marinescu & Others v Romania, a leading case on Romanian prison conditions.

Furnival Chambers is noted for its involvement in significant extradition cases, and has members who routinely act for states and requested persons in Part 1 and Part 2 Extradition Act 2003 proceedings. Individuals here are also highly adept at advising on Interpol Red Notices. Members have recently been instructed in Government of India v Nirav Modi, an extradition request for a high-profile Indian businessman alleged to have defrauded the Indian State bank.

Temple Garden Chambers is a highly respected set housing practitioners who routinely represent requested persons, judicial authorities and the National Crime Agency. Members here handle cases relating to the rule of law, prison conditions and human rights issues. Members have appeared in Wozniak and Chlabicz v Poland, a case concerning the rule of law challenge in Poland. One interviewee reports: "This is an excellent set for extradition work, filled with barristers who have great depth of knowledge and are highly responsive."