Joel Smith

Year of Call: 2002

Specialist practice areas: Serious Crime, Criminal/Civil Fraud, Regulation/Compliance, Extradition, Asset Forfeiture, Health & Safety

“Observers are particularly impressed with his in-depth knowledge of the Extradition Act," and the fact that "he is always extremely up to date on case law" (Chambers and Partners 2011).

"Extremely sharp and shows remarkable commitment to his clients" (Chambers and Partners 2010).

Joel undertakes all types of criminal work. He prosecutes and defends.

Joel is ranked as a 'leading junior in extradition' in Chambers & Partners (2011). A regular practitioner in the field of extradition, Joel has represented both individuals and foreign governments in a number of high profile cases including proceedings against individuals accused of rape, murder, terrorism and large-scale fraud.

Joel also practises in regulatory law, including environmental protection, health and safety law and local government prosecutions.

In the field of general crime, Joel's wide-ranging practice has included appearances in the Court of Appeal and High Court, along with judicial review proceedings. He also acts in prison adjudications and parole hearings, advising on prisoners’ rights and judicial review. Joel has acted alone and as junior counsel in multi handed, large scale confiscation proceedings.

In 2011 Joel is currently instructed as junior counsel for the first defendant on an indictment alleging conspiracy to rob, kidnap and possess firearms, and as junior counsel to the Crown in a large scale importation of cannabis (Operation Puncture).

Recent highlights include:

R v. Talbot and others (Operation Tiramisu) [2011]. Junior counsel to the Crown. Prosecution of a serving  prisoner, police officer and prison guard (amongst others) for conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office and to smuggle contraband, including class A drugs, into prison.

R (on the application of Zaporozhchenko) v Westminster Magistrates Court [2011] 1 W.L.R. 994. Successful judicial review relating to the failure of the Secretary of State to order extradition within the permitted period and the operation of the ‘corresponding date rule’.

R v. Subramaniam and another [2010] (Operation Dulse). Junior counsel to the Crown, prosecution of the organiser of an international online criminal network ‘Dark Market'.

Italy v. Barone [2010] EWHC 3004 (Admin). Extradition, abuse of process, successful application to stay in proceedings relating to a 36 year old allegation of murder.

Bite v. Latvia [2009]. Extradition, double murder, appropriate test in cases concerning article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Wallace v. Canada [2009]. Extradition proceedings arising from the ‘boxing day shootings' in Toronto, Canada.

Joel is a member of the Criminal Bar Association.