International and Business Law

Great James Street Chambers has considerable expertise in international criminal law and cases involving individuals who face investigation, arrest or extradition.

Members can advise individuals, businesses and overseas lawyers on matters including:

• UK arrest warrants and outstanding warrants;
• extradition requests and proceedings;
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Diffusions;
• international criminal investigations;
• pre-charge representations;
• representations following charge;
• requests for information from UK authorities;
• challenges and representations to relevant authorities;
• advice before travelling to or entering the United Kingdom;
• criminal investigations involving overseas individuals or businesses; and
• the interaction between criminal, extradition and immigration proceedings.

Where an individual believes that a warrant may be outstanding in the United Kingdom, early legal advice can be particularly important.
Our barristers can advise on the legal position before travel, make appropriate enquiries or representations and, where necessary, work with solicitors and other professionals to put arrangements in place for the client’s arrival in the United Kingdom.

In appropriate cases, counsel may travel with a client to the UK or be available upon arrival to provide immediate legal advice and representation.

Members of Chambers advise individuals, businesses and overseas lawyers in relation to INTERPOL Red Notices, Diffusions and other international policing measures.

This can include advice concerning:

• existing or suspected Red Notices;
• requests for access to information held by INTERPOL;
• applications and representations to INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF);
• requests for the deletion of information;
• requests for provisional measures or suspension;
• politically motivated allegations;
• disputes where civil or commercial conduct is alleged to have been improperly criminalised;
• extradition proceedings arising from Red Notices; and
• the immigration and travel consequences of international alerts.

Where appropriate, Chambers can assemble counsel with expertise across extradition, criminal law, immigration and international law to provide a coordinated strategy.

Barristers from Great James Street Chambers can be instructed by overseas law firms and international clients where specialist advice on the law of England and Wales is required.

Members may act as:

• counsel in proceedings;
• co-counsel alongside local lawyers;
• specialist UK legal advisers;
• consultants to overseas legal teams; and
• expert witnesses on issues of English and Welsh law in foreign proceedings.

We understand the importance of working collaboratively with a client’s existing legal team. Our barristers can become an extension of that team, providing specialist input while working alongside lawyers, accountants, corporate advisers and other professionals across different jurisdictions.

Members advise businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals on UK immigration matters connected with international business and relocation.
We can advise clients who wish to establish, invest in or conduct business in the United Kingdom, as well as businesses dealing with immigration issues affecting directors, employees and other key individuals.

Where immigration issues arise alongside criminal proceedings, extradition requests or international policing measures, counsel from different practice areas can work together to provide joined-up advice.

Great James Street Chambers has an international outlook and works with clients, lawyers and professional advisers across multiple jurisdictions.

Members of Chambers have connections and practices extending internationally, including in the Middle East and Africa, with members based in or working from cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Yaoundé, Lagos and Abuja.

Our barristers are available, where appropriate, to travel internationally to:

• attend client and legal team meetings;
• advise on complex or ongoing matters;
• work alongside local lawyers;
• attend conferences and negotiations;
• provide consultancy services; and
• support international legal teams on substantial cases and projects.

For longer-term matters, members may also be available to work with international clients and legal teams on a consultancy or temporary relocation basis.

We welcome instructions and enquiries from law firms outside the United Kingdom.

Overseas lawyers may require English counsel for a discrete question of UK law or may need continuing assistance as part of a wider international case.

Our clerking team can identify appropriate counsel based upon the nature, complexity, urgency and budget of the matter.

Where several areas of expertise are required, we can assemble a team of barristers rather than requiring an overseas firm to approach multiple providers separately.

We are also keen to establish long-term relationships with international law firms and welcome enquiries concerning collaboration, referrals and cross-border work.