Kate Goold

• Kate graduated from Sussex University with First Class BA (Hons)
• She then completed the CPE and LPC at Middlesex Guildhall University
• She trained at a large firm from 1994, qualified in 1996, and proceeded to work at another London law firm from 1996-2000
• Kate joined Bindmans LLP in 2000, became associate 2006, and a partner in 2014
• She frequently advises on legal matters for BBC drama and crime fiction

Kate’s cases include:

Extradition Highlights

USA v V (Abraaj private Equity) 2019

• Kate represents a Partner in Abraaj, one of the biggest private equity companies which sensationally collapsed in 2018. He is being prosecuted for conspiracy to defraud in the United States and faces extradition from the UK. Kate represents him in extradition and regulatory proceedings and has developed his US team to advise on the US criminal prosecution and potential SEC and Civil action

Russia v S 2019

• Kate acts for a high profile businessman accused of bribery and corruption in Russia due to his influential connections. He is resisting extradition on numerous human rights grounds and abuse of process

Poland v P 2019

• Kate represents an individual facing a conviction warrant to Poland. She has successfully persuaded the UK Government to agree to a transfer of the prison sentence to the UK, relying on European Framework Decisions

Portugal v H 2019

• Kate represents an elderly and disabled gentleman facing extradition to Portugal and has been granted leave to appeal on the basis that assurances with regards to prison conditions have not been complied with and his poor  physical health

Russia v Yurov 2018

• Kate successfully resisted extradition for Mr Yurov on the basis that he could not have a fair trial in Russia due to his connections with Yukos and the political motivation behind the prosecution

USA v G 2014-2018

• G was accused of a number of offences in  California 2003-2007. The extradition warrant was discharged in 2016 on the basis that extradition would violate Article 5 of the ECtHR as G would be subject to “civil commitment” if convicted which could result in indefinite detention in a secure mental facility following service of his sentence. The US appealed providing an assurance that the High Court controversially held was insufficient. Having failed to gain permission to reopen the appeal or appeal to the Supreme Court the US reissued the warrant a year later with a new assurance. We argued abuse of process, unlawful prison conditions and the inadequacy of the assurance but were ultimately unsuccessful

Russian Federation v  Z  June 2014- February 2018

• Z, a former Chechen rebel fighter, was accused of murder dating back to the period of the Chechen war. Extradition had already been ordered in Belgium and Mr Z had a critical European Grand Chamber judgment against him. We were unsuccessful in the Magistrates court but managed to gain access to the criminal file and eventually successfully resisted extradition after appeal and having the case remitted to Westminster magistrates court on the basis that he could not receive a fair trial in Russia (the Chechen Republic)

India v V 2013-2016

• Kate represented V, a political activist in Tamil Nadu,  accused of terrorist-related activities in 1992. The extradition warrant was discharged in May 2016 on the basis that extradition would breach Articles 3 and 6 and it was unjust and oppressive due to the unjustified delay in proceedings and V’s mental health and lack of facilities in India. Kate Goold was praised in the judgment by District Judge Purdy for  “working tirelessly and often against the odds to find and trace material evidence”

Azerbaijan v G 2013-16

• G, an Azerbaijani businessman who formally had a respected position within the Government of the ruling Aliyev family, fled Azerbaijan in 2007 once he was out of favour and his assets were seized. He resisted extradition on the basis the request was politically motivated, he could not have a fair trial and prison conditions breached Article 3 and the request was eventually withdrawn

Poland v S 2012-2015

• Kate acted for Mr S for a number of years on a total of 5 EAWs. Kate successfully had  all EAWs discharged, including an EAW for murder/manslaughter on the basis that the EAW was not valid and did not meet the requirements of s2 of the Extradition Act. The IJA unsuccessfully appealed

Media Related

Operation Midland: investigation into “Nick” (Operation Midland) 2017-18

• Kate, instructed by the NUJ, represented a freelance journalist in resisting a production order issued by Newcastle police for his source material to assist with an investigation into perverting the course of justice following allegations (believed to be false) made by “Nick” (Carl Beech) of  a paedophile ring in Westminster
• Kate regularly advises the NUJ and their members when production orders are served and carries out similar work for charities

David Miranda v SSHD and Commissioner of Police

• Kate, instructed by the Guardian and First Look Media, acted for journalist Glenn Greenwald’s partner, David Miranda, who was detained at Heathrow Airport under controversial Schedule 7 powers of the Terrorism Act whilst delivering top secret material obtained by Edward Snowden, the US National Security Analyst. Kate and the public law team Judicially Reviewed the Government and the Police on behalf of Miranda and were successful in the Appeal court with a finding that Miranda’s detention under Schedule 7 was incompatible with Article 10 (Freedom of Expression) as it undermined press freedoms and a journalist’s rights to protect their sources and material

Paul Gambaccini and others

• Kate acts for a number of high profile individuals where press interest around their case is intense. She acts for Paul Gambaccini, the BBC Radio presenter who was arrested and investigated as part of Operation Yewtree (the Met police investigation into historic sexual abuse within the BBC), and against whom no charges have been brought. She represented an ex Dragon’s Den accused of serious sexual offences and found not guilty, managing the media interest as well as his criminal defence. She represents a GP accused and acquitted of sexual offences and now represents him in related regulatory GMC/MPTS proceedings

Acquittal in high profile historic sexual allegations case

• Kate acted for Queen guitarist Brian May’s chauffeur who was unanimously acquitted in March 2021 of historical sexual abuse

Fraud

• Kate has a long history in defending complex fraud and money laundering. Recent matters include:

Kuwaiti health Centre fraud: 2017- present day

• Kate acts for an accountant accused of conspiracy to defraud the Kuwaiti health Centre of $11 million and money laundering following the discovery of false medical qualifications and fake invoices and prescriptions. The investigation is ongoing

Abraaj Securities and Wire fraud: US prosecution

• Kate advises on UK aspects of this US prosecution

Confiscation

R v  Stone

• Protracted confiscation proceedings which raised complex legal issues regarding tainted gifts and the variation of confiscation orders without the realisation of the third party asset. Kate successfully argued the unique point that a variation of a confiscation order due to inadequacy of the asset could be made, even without the sale of the asset

R v Bello and others

• Mrs Bello, after a 2-year investigation and 3-month trial, was convicted of major immigration fraud. Kate successfully secured a reduction in the confiscation order from £11 million to £70,000

Regulatory proceedings

Kate currently acts in regulatory proceedings brought by the SRA, GMC, FCA and CFA for professionals with parallel criminal and regulatory proceedings. In 2018 Kate successfully negotiated a settlement for a Solicitor accused of over £1m fraud on the LAA which did not result in a criminal prosecution and acts for GPs and medical professionals who often face regulatory proceedings despite a successful acquittal

Serious Organised Crime and Terrorism

R v Kersmo 2017-18

• Kate represented Tadesse Kersmo accused of Terrorism Act offences as a result of his membership of a democratic political group proscribed in Ethiopia. He was unanimously acquitted after we exposed the brutality of the Ethiopian Regime and the need for members of the organisation to act in self defence and for the movement to exercise civil disobedience. Following Mr Kersmo’s acquittal, the leader of the group was released from death row,  and returned to the UK, his organisation was no longer proscribed, the President stood down, political prisoners were released  and the political landscape in Ethiopia fundamentally altered

R v O’S and others, 2016

• O’S was prosecuted for being part of “Britain’s biggest armed robbery gang” of high class jewellers. He was extradited from Ireland after the gang members received sentences totalling over 140 years
• R v C: a senior employee for Lowery’s accused of orchestrating a large scale conspiracy to  steal cable from the Rail Network, acquitted in 2015

Homicide

• Kate has a strong reputation for defending vulnerable individuals accused of homicide
• She has been advising a number of suspects accused of assisting the suicide of a close family member
• She represented a vulnerable young man investigated for manslaughter having allegedly caused the death of his girlfriend by supplying her with lethal class A drugs and has recently been successful in securing him a caution for possession of the drugs only
• R v Du, a Chinese businessman who killed an entire family following a 10-year civil dispute over their business. He fled the UK instigating a widespread manhunt and was eventually arrested in Morocco and extradited to the UK. Kate argued, with the assistance of extensive psychiatric reports and her dogged pursuit of disclosure from the Crown, that his responsibility for the offences was diminished
• R v Crowley, R v Zaman, R v Richardson, R v Choudhury, involved a mental health element and arguments regarding fitness to plead, insanity and diminished responsibility
• R v Catling, explored the possibility that the defendant was sleepwalking at the time his girlfriend was killed. This defence was initially supported by well-regarded defence experts raising the possibility of the novel defence of autism or temporary insanity
• R v Riley successfully defended high profile alleged gang-related homicide

University Disciplinary proceedings 

Oxford University student disciplinary

• Kate acted for a student facing allegations of rape and harassment from multiple complainants. After a two day Disciplinary Hearing, each of the allegations were dismissed and the student was integrated back into university

What clients say

The last year has been the most trying of my life. I was charged with a heinous crime and subjected to the full force of the media. I cannot adequately express my good fortune in finding Kate Goold and Bindmans. Kate, and the firm around her, treated me with dignity and friendship; qualities that permitted me to survive the devastation of my public and private lives. Equally Kate’s legal work was of the highest standard. She does not only work hard, she works smart.She understands strategy and she knows the system intimately. I was trained as a lawyer but I had the good sense to trust Kate and I was rewarded with her vast experience and unfailing good judgement. She never left my side and was, always available herself

Your professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail, advice, accessibility, kindness and support has not only been a great source of strength to us all but the resulting verdict in court was everything we hoped for

I felt extremely well cared for by Kate and in very safe hands. She was very easy to work with and I trusted her opinion and suggestions

Ms Goold was empathetic, conscientious and was always quick to handle my queries and concerns. Her demeanour and professionalism were indicative of the caring, yet ruthless efficiency that Bindmans perpetuates.

Everything was great: service, communication etc. Hopefully I won’t have to use criminal lawyers again, but if I did I would use Bindmans

It was an honour to work with Kate Goold and Keshina Bouri to defend my right. I cannot summarise them in just a few words and sentences

While you were caring and reassuring towards me, you got the job done. It is because of your shrewd course of action that I did not spend Christmas in a black despair. For this I will never forget you

Bindmans have provided incredible legal support since they were instructed by the NUJ and I would not have even thought to speak to Bindmans without the NUJ support. Their legal team and in particular Kate Goold has been there at the end of the phone all week to explain my way through the complicated legal system and advise me who to speak to and then writing perfect letters and e-mails with the Police on my behalf. Its worked, in one week charges have been dropped. Her advice on what to do next is well thought out and I look forward to continue my case with them in the coming months. Thank you again

Legal Directories

Chambers and Partners UK 2024

• Kate is recognised in Band 1 of Extradition.
• Feedback says, ”She’s amazing. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and really efficient and hard-working.”
• Kate is also ranked Band 2 in Crime.
• Commentaries say, ”Kate was excellent from start to finish in all aspects of her service, understanding and communicative.”

Legal 500 2024

• Kate is featured as a ‘Leading individual’ in Crime: General.
• Clients say, ”Kate Goold has fantastic client skills, superb oversight of the case and the important issues and whilst she is incredibly personable, she is also a fearsome opponent.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

• Kate is ranked Band 2 in Crime. Feedback states she “is adept at dealing with complex criminal matters”
• “Kate is so incredibly detailed and engaged on a case. She prepares it in a way that is second to none and gives the client absolutely straight, realistic advice”
• “The service Kate provided was excellent. She fully understood our case and requirements and she was very approachable and supportive”
• “Kate Goold regularly handles serious criminal cases, including historic sexual abuse allegations and terrorism charges. She also has notable expertise in advising journalists and media organisations on criminal law matters”
• Kate is also ranked Band 1 in Crime: Extradition. Feedback says she “knows extradition law inside out and can come up with interesting, unusual arguments and run with them. She is always looking for practical outcomes for her clients”
• “Kate Goold advises clients on extradition requests and Interpol Red Notices brought in relation to serious criminal charges, as well as cases involving complex political aspects and possible human rights breaches”
• “She has exceptional legal and interpersonal skills, and a strong ability to deal with complex and difficult cases”
• Feedback says “An exceptionally good lawyer who is brilliant with clients”

Legal 500 2023

• Kate is recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Crime: general. Feedback describes her as “an exceptional solicitor. She is insightful, committed, and a pleasure to deal with”
• “Kate Goold is excellent and who I would suggest any friend of mine should go to. She is tireless, thinks of every possible point that can be raised, and does not rest until she has done all she can”
• “Kate Goold brings a wonderful element of humanity and insight into international work, and combines this with a insight fraud and white collar work”
• “Kate Goold has a growing practice in this field, drawing on her considerable experience in crime and fraud cases to assist clients facing serious regulatory/disciplinary allegations”
• “The firm’s long term profile as a leader in advising in fields where clients are exposed, especially to regulatory and criminal/extradition and immigration conflict with the authorities makes crisis and reputational management an integral part of their work. The work has a new name and higher profile that in the past, but Bindmans was already steeped in it before it was regarded as novel. As a result, partner Kate Goold has huge experience to draw on, which must explain how she stays calm whatever the crisis”
• “Kate Goold has exceptional client skills, putting worried clients at ease so well that you can imagine them calling her for pleasure rather than just legal advice. Always focused on what the client needs and not distracted by what they think they want; an excellent team builder”

• London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association
• The Extradition Sub-Committee
• Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum
• The Female Fraud Forum
• Fraud Lawyers Association
• Liberty