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. “A tough opponent with a meticulous eye for detail” (Chambers & Partners 2022).

CPS Panel appointments

Extradition  Level 4

Key cases & testimonials

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.

Killoran v Belgium [2021] EWHC 2290 (Admin)
Application of principles of s12A and issue of whether there has been a decision to charge or try on context of Belgian criminal proceedings

Bernotas v Lithuania [2021] EWHC 1410 (Admin)
Challenge to nature of assurances on Lithuanian prison conditions

Pun v SSHD 2019 (HU/12495/2015)
Decision before Vice President Ockleton allowing Article 8 appeal for adult dependents of Gurkha veteran

KA (Afghanistan) v SSHD [2017]
Led by Richard Drabble QC in appeal conceded by Respondent day before substantive hearing

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
He has very good communication in terms of timescales and preparation.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

36 Crime Winter Newsletter

Criminal Judicial Review

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
Human Rights Lawyers’ Association

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