Rebecca has significant experience in both domestic criminal litigation and extradition, having acted for defendants in a wide range of criminal matters from serious fraud, money laundering and corruption, to sexual offences and offences involving violence or drugs. She advises on a wide range of white collar crime matters including SFO and FCA investigations. She has extensive experience of representing individuals at police station interviews. Rebecca is rated Band 1 in Chambers UK 2017/2018 for crime: extradition.
Rebecca specialises in cases involving cross-jurisdictional elements. She has successfully defended a large number of persons requested by other states, both inside and outside the EU in extradition proceedings at all levels from the magistrates’ court to the Supreme Court. She has experience in advising in sanctions cases, and in providing advice to those subject to Interpol red notices and mutual legal assistance requests.
She has a detailed knowledge of legal developments both domestically and at the EU level and is keen to apply solutions which are both practical and, in appropriate circumstances, innovative, to a particular client’s needs.
“an excellent lawyer” who is recognised here for her impressive work defending individuals. She wins high praise from sources who note, “She’s really at the top of her game.”
Who's Who Legal: Business Crime Defence 2018
Rebecca has co-written one of the leading practitioner texts on extradition law (see below), now in its second edition.
In October 2014, she gave evidence at the House of Lords to the Select Committee on Extradition Law.
Rebecca has Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal). She has a PhD in Art History from the University of Bristol.
Recent work
- Successfully defended a number of EAW cases, from countries such as Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Romania.
- Successful challenges to a number of requests from Ukraine.
- Secured a discharge in the two most recent extradition requests made by the Russian Federation.
- Represented a number of persons facing allegations of sexual offences.
- Advising senior members of international companies in relation to SFO and FCA investigations.
- Acting for Nepalese army officer facing trial for torture in criminal proceedings brought in the UK.
what clients and directories have said
"She is one of the leading extradition lawyers practising in London. She is academically excellent and able to translate that into advice for her clients."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2016
Associate Rebecca Niblock is praised as "extremely knowledgeable, hard-working and thorough."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2015
"Rebecca Niblock is highly regarded within the fields of general crime and extradition. Sources note that "she is an urbane and thoughtful lawyer with an impressive intellect"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2014
"She stands out as being 'exceptionally bright' and 'fearless'.
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2013
Publications
Rebecca is co-author of Extradition Law: A Practitioners Guide, published by LAG. It is available to order online. Read the Law Society Gazette review here.
Rebecca recently contributed to the House of Lords Select Committee on Extradition. The report has now been published, read it here.
Public Service Europe 9 July 2013: Making political capital at the expense of the rule of law is a dangerous game, which the British government should avoid at all costs, argues Rebecca
in the press
- Quoted in Law360, December 2018 - UK Judges Block Extradition Of Russian Tax Fraud Suspect
- Quoted The Times, December 2018 - Judges block extradition of Russian oligarch over torture concerns
- Quoted in EFE News Service, November 2018 - Russian bid to head Interpol fails, but concerns of abuse remain
- Quoted in Wall Street Journal, November 2018 - Russian Bid to Head Interpol Fails, but Concerns of Abuse Remain
- Quoted in Bloomberg, 6 April 2018 - Ex-HSBC Worker Extradition Risks Crashing Into Spanish Politics
- Quoted in the press regarding Lauri Love extradition appeal case, February 2018 - including Law Society Gazette, Daily Mail, Boston Herald, Washington Post and Express News
- Spoke about Lauri Love extradition appeal case on BBC Radio 4 PM Programme, 5 February 2018
- Quoted in The Times, 10 November 2017, A battle between law and politics
- Quoted in The Brief, June 2017, Throwing out human rights law 'would hamper security services'
Professional societies and memberships
- Member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitor’s Association (LCCSA)
- Member of Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates.
Rebecca is also chair of the Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum. She sits on the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee and is a committee member of the Extradition Lawyers’ Association.
‘hugely respected by colleagues, due in large measure to her unerring ability to out-tactician her opponents’
Legal 500, 2019
"one of the most experienced extradition people," who is "academically very bright, and pragmatic in how she runs cases," and produces "top-tier work."
Chambers and Partners UK, 2018
"she knows the law very well and is on top of this fast-moving area," and "she adds value that you wouldn't get from other counsel."
Chambers and Partners UK, 2017
"comes highly recommended for the "specialist knowledge" she brings to her expert extradition practice"
Chambers UK, 2017
"She is one of the leading extradition lawyers practising in London. She is academically excellent and able to translate that into advice for her clients."
Chambers and Partners, 2016
"...Associate Rebecca Niblock is praised as "extremely knowledgeable, hard-working and thorough." She is highlighted for her abilities in extradition matters between the UK and the Russian Federation and Ukraine... "
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2015
Rebecca Niblock has an active and impressive extradition practice. "She is immensely talented" and "a very good litigator," say interviewees. She has handled a number of significant Ukrainian cases.
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2015
noted for her tactical intelligence and knowledge of extradition law
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2014
She stands out as being 'exceptionally bright' and 'fearless'. Interviewees regard her as a rising star in the field of extradition, noting that 'her expertise is beyond her years'..."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2013
