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David specialises in immigration, extradition and human rights work. He is an experienced advocate, successful before the European Court of Human Rights and courts and tribunals at every level. He is recognised as an International Expert by the Council of Europe. He is ranked as a leading junior in both Immigration and Extradition.
Key cases & testimonials
European Court of Human Rights
Unuane v UK [2021] 72 EHRR 24
Successful Article 8 appeal in context of deportation, described on Free Movement as a “slobber knocker” of a case.
High Court & Divisional Court
Ene v Romania [2026] EWHC 286 (Admin)
Key consideration of operation of provisions on right to retrial and deliberate absence in context of Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Cohen v Germany [2025] EWHC 1851 (Admin); [2025] ACD 118
Complex suicide risk case with voluminous expert evidence
Mohammed v Romania [2025] EWHC 1671 (Admin); [2025] 4 WLR 85;
Lead case on the operation of deliberate absence provisions
Gurau v Romania No 2 [2024] EWHC 1924 (Admin)
Lead case on Romanian prison conditions
Gurau v Romania No 1 [2023] 1 WLR 2813; [2023] EWHC 439 (Admin)
Lead authority on scope of cross appeal jurisdiction in extradition proceedings
Marinescu v Romania [2022] EWHC 2317 (Admin)
Divisional Court decision on Romanian prison conditions
Prusianu v Romania [2022] HRLR 19; [2022] EWHC 1929 (Admin)
Sensitive case relating to extradition of a trans requested person, and considering the operation of the extraneous considerations bar
Killoran v Belgium [2021] EWHC 2290 (Admin)
Lead case on the operation of s12A and issue of whether there has been a decision to charge or try on context of Belgian criminal proceedings
Enasoiae v Romania [2021] EWHC 69 (Admin)
Consideration of the role of specialty in Romania
Bernotas v Lithuania [2021] EWHC 1410 (Admin))
Challenge to nature of assurances on Lithuanian prison conditions
R (Y) v SSHD [2016] EWHC 2883 (Admin)
Challenge to s96 certification
R (Antwa) v Lambeth Children’s Services LGL 2016, Mar 18; JHL 2016, 19(3), D32-D33; Legal Action 2016, Apr, 38-42
Consideration of extension of interim mandatory injunction requiring a local authority to provide accommodation further to s17 Children Act 1989
R (Mohammadi) v SSHD [2014] EWHC 2251 (Admin)
Fresh claim and proper application of Devaseelan test
R (Jaberkhail) v SSHD [2014] EWHC 1821 (Admin)
Application of corrective relief principle
Dowland v Architects Registration Board [2013] EWHC 893 (Admin)
Construction of Architects Act 1997
Destiny 1 Ltd v Lloyds TSB Bank Plc [2010] EWHC 1233 (QB)
Construction of guarantee
Court of Appeal
Sicwebu v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWCA Civ 550
Successful deportation appeal against Zane Malik KC relating to operation of “unduly harsh” test
KG (Turkey) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWCA Civ 1578 1 Dec 2022
Appeal concerning proper scope of duty to give reasons and application of credibility exercise required by section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004
R (AK) v Entry Clearance Officer (Islamabad) [2021] EWCA Civ 1038
Led by Tim Buley KC in appeal concerning challenge to operation of de facto adoptions
KA (Afghanistan) v SSHD [2017]
Led by Richard Drabble QC in appeal conceded by Respondent day before substantive hearing
R (AM (Iran)) v SSHD [2016] EWCA Civ 667
Application of anxious scrutiny in context of fresh claim
Nelson v Circle 33 Housing Association [2014] EWCA Civ 106; [2014] 3 Costs LO 355
Successful relief from sanctions application
B (A Child) Hague Convention Proceedings [2014] EWCA Civ 375; [2015] 1 FLR 389; [2014] Fam Law 942
Application of Brussels IIR
David Ball is brilliant in court and is a compelling advocate.Chambers UK, 2026
David is someone you always want on your side. He is able to make the most complex point understandable and is a truly gifted advocate.Legal 500 2026
David Ball is a very fair advocate, whether prosecuting or defending. He is very knowledgeable, down-to-earth, serious and kind.Chambers UK, 2026
He is very patient, even in the toughest of moments with imminent deadlines. He is very responsive and easy to work with.Chambers UK, 2026
He is very smart, having a very quick brain in all sorts of extradition cases. He is also the leading authority on Article 8.Chambers UK, 2026
Tactical and creative in the way he runs cases. Highly experienced and knowledgeable. Very high standards of drafting and a personable approach.Legal 500 2026
He has an expert understanding of the nitty gritty of extradition law, and his advice work is on point, and clearly very carefully considered. Legally and tactically he is top notch, and he is one of the leading extradition juniors.Legal 500, 2025
David is very tactical and will switch up his style and work different angles depending on the case.Chambers UK, 2025
David is a persuasive and powerful advocate, both orally and in writing.Chambers UK, 2025
David has an exceptional grasp of our cases, and his joint commitment to immigration and extradition is often extremely valuable.Chambers UK, 2025
He provides clear advice, and his grounds and submissions are always refreshing to read.Chambers UK, 2025
He prepares a case like no other, and is always up to speed on the latest legal developments. Recommended for extradition cases.Legal 500 2024
His written work is of a very high standard.Chambers UK 2024
A specialist in immigration who is hard-working.Chambers UK 2024
He is very quick to respond and is very helpful. He can identify issues and problems very quickly.Chambers UK 2024
Brilliant, particularly when it comes to human rights points, he's a strong opponent.Chambers UK 2023
Areas of expertise
David is an extradition specialist barrister, acting on behalf of both individuals and judicial authorities at all levels. He is regularly instructed in complex part 1 and part 2 matters. He has a thorough understanding of international mutual legal assistance having for a number of years advised the Serious Fraud Office in a high profile investigation into multi-million dollar international corporate corruption. Before coming to the Bar David worked for Linklaters and has a strong background in international commercial litigation. He is on the CPS Specialist Extradition Panel and is B Panel Counsel for the Serious Fraud Office. He is a contributor to the leading text book on Criminal Judicial Review.
David is an experienced immigration practitioner, working in all areas of immigration, with particular expertise in unlawful detention, asylum, human rights and EU law. He is Trustee of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association. Before coming to the Bar he was a caseworker for the Immigration Advisory Service, working directly with unaccompanied minors and victims of torture. He regularly appears before the First Tier, Upper Tier, High Court and Court of Appeal. He has particular experience in judicial review matters whether before the Upper Tier or High Court. He has appeared in landmark litigation before the President of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber on the procedure for immigration judicial reviews (R (on the application of KA and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (ending of Kumar arrangements)). He is currently acting in a case pending before the European Court of Human Rights on the operation of the rules on refugee family reunion.
Further information
Heavy Traffick – Update on Recent Trafficking Decisions
Public Law in a Hostile Environment – Deportation post Brexit
National Refusal Mechanism?
David Ball and Ben Amunwa – System failure: recent challenges to asylum support and bail accommodation
Unlawful Detention
Appointments & Memberships
- Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association
- Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum
- Extradition Lawyers’ Association
- Administrative Law Bar Association
- CPS Panel appointments – Extradition – Level 4