George Hepburne-Scott Extradition Barrister
George Hepburne-Scott is a specialist extradition barrister practising from Church Court Chambers in London. He represents requested persons in extradition proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and in extradition appeals before the High Court.
His practice includes complex and high-profile extradition cases involving human rights, prison conditions, diplomatic assurances, prima facie evidence and challenges to extradition requests from jurisdictions around the world.
He is ranked as a Leading Junior for Extradition by The Legal 500 and has appeared in significant reported extradition cases involving both European and non-European states.
Specialist Extradition Barrister
George Hepburne-Scott specialises in extradition law and represents individuals facing extradition requests from countries around the world.
His practice covers proceedings under both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003, including contested extradition hearings, bail applications and appeals to the High Court.
He has particular experience of cases involving human rights challenges under Articles 3, 6 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, prison conditions, diplomatic assurances, political motivation, passage of time and challenges to the evidence relied upon by requesting states.
Notable Extradition Cases
George Hepburne-Scott has appeared in a number of high-profile and legally significant extradition cases.
His recent work includes representing Joe Anthony Chappell in the first extradition request made by the Government of Japan to the United Kingdom, involving judicial review proceedings, human rights challenges, diplomatic assurances and appeals before the High Court.
He represented Michal Herba in extradition proceedings arising from the Chloe Ayling kidnapping case and subsequently appeared in the High Court appeal. He has also represented Nirav Modi in proceedings arising from the high-profile Indian extradition request.
George has successfully represented requested persons opposing extradition on human rights grounds, including M.K. v Ukraine, in which the Chief Magistrate discharged the extradition request after finding that extradition would disproportionately interfere with the requested person's private and family life under Article 8 ECHR.
High Court Extradition Appeals
George Hepburne-Scott regularly appears in extradition appeals before the High Court.
His appellate work has involved complex questions of statutory interpretation, prima facie evidence, human rights, prison conditions and diplomatic assurances, as well as challenges concerning foreign criminal justice systems.
He has appeared both as sole counsel and alongside leading counsel in significant extradition litigation, including reported cases, concerning requests from:
Part 1: Poland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Lithuania, Ireland, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, Luxembourg,
Part 2, Type A: Albania, Moldova, USA, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, UAE, and Switzerland
Part 2, Type B: Ecuador, Thailand, India, Antigua and Bermuda
Part 2, Ad hoc: Japan
Professional Recognition
George Hepburne-Scott is recognised by The Legal 500 as a Leading Junior for Extradition.
His extradition practice combines advocacy in complex contested proceedings with substantial experience of international human rights issues and foreign criminal justice systems.
He also writes and comments on developments in extradition law and has contributed specialist analysis to legal publications and the media
In January 2021, George Hepburne-Scott was quoted by Lord Morris in a House of Lords debate on extradition, during a question to the Government concerning the UK's extradition arrangements.
Extradition Law Publications and Commentary
George Hepburne-Scott regularly writes and comments on extradition law and developments affecting requested persons in the United Kingdom.
His published legal commentary includes articles for New Law Journal on extradition law, human rights and developments in extradition practice.
He has also been interviewed and quoted by national and international media in connection with significant extradition proceedings in which he has acted.
Instructions and Direct Access
George Hepburne-Scott accepts instructions from solicitors in extradition proceedings and appeals and regularly works alongside specialist extradition solicitors.
Where appropriate, he may also be instructed directly by members of the public under the Public Access scheme.
He represents clients in extradition proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and in extradition appeals before the High Court.
Contact George Hepburne-Scott
If you are facing extradition proceedings or require specialist advice concerning an extradition request, George Hepburne-Scott can advise and represent you at all stages of the extradition process.
For enquiries about representation, please use the contact details below or visit the Take Action page.