Katy Smart

Katy is a leading specialist extradition lawyer. She heads the Extradition Department. 

Katy has a wealth of experience working in criminal defence following qualifying as a solicitor in 2011 and she joined SMW in 2016 to head our extradition team. Katy has exceptional knowledge and experience in the complex area of extradition law and has particular experience fighting extradition requests which are politically motivated.

Katy is listed in the Legal 500 for Extradition and Crime, and ranked as a Band 1 extradition lawyer in Chambers and Partners. 

Katy has considerable experience at defending European Arrest Warrants but also has a particular specialisation in fighting requests from Russia, Ukraine, UAE, and USA, which usually involve complex litigation, require expert evidence and witnesses from foreign jurisdictions.  Recent cases have included a full range of issues including complex arguments pertaining to forum arguments, dual criminality, prison conditions and human rights issues.

In addition, Katy advises individuals who wish to make representations to INTERPOL and has assisted in successfully defending proceedings in foreign jurisdictions, coordinating, instructing and liaising with lawyers on behalf of her client.

Katy prides herself on the network of experts she has created to assist in resisting extradition and the support she can give to vulnerable clients. Katy has a wealth of experience in high profile extradition and an established track record of successfully fighting extradition requests.  In the professional directories Katy is described as tactically excellent, and a good strategist, qualities which are crucial to a great extradition lawyer.

Katy works with leading Counsel in this field, but also regularly acts as the advocate for her clients in extradition hearings.  Katy is a fierce advocate who is always well prepared.

Alongside Katy’s wealth of knowledge and experience she is routinely complimented for her commitment to her clients. Katy is an individual who works tirelessly to achieve results.

Professional societies and memberships

As an example of her dedication and commitment to this area of law Katy was a founding member of the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum (DELF), a professional body for lawyers who represent clients sought for extradition from the UK to other jurisdictions to either stand trial or serve a sentence.  Katy is also a committee member of Extradition Lawyers Association.