Joshua Kern

Joshua Kern is a criminal defence barrister specialising in serious and complex crime, extradition, and international criminal law.

He is regularly instructed in sensitive and high stakes matters where courts and tribunals are required to assess contested evidence, complex factual narratives, and issues of procedural fairness at the domestic and international level.

He is known for a calm, methodical approach to advocacy and is trusted in cases where careful judgement and disciplined presentation are essential. His practice spans jury trials in the Crown Court, appellate and first-instance extradition proceedings, and advisory, oral, and written advocacy before international courts, tribunals, and related bodies.

Joshua is an accredited advocacy trainer with the Inner Temple and sits on its International Practice Committee.

Crime

Joshua is regularly instructed as defence counsel in serious and complex Crown Court proceedings, including cases involving allegations of terrorism, corruption, organised crime, and sexual violence. He is trusted in matters where the evidence is contested, the factual narrative is sensitive, or the stakes are high, and where careful judgement is required throughout trial.

He is known for a forensic approach to cross-examination, close attention to evidential and legal detail, and an ability to test the prosecution case rigorously. He is frequently instructed in multi-handed cases and matters attracting public or institutional attention.

Extradition

Joshua is regularly instructed in complex extradition proceedings before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court. His extradition practice includes cases raising issues of proportionality, fair trial rights, political motivation, and systemic deficiencies in requesting States.

He is trusted in sensitive matters where courts are required to scrutinise contested evidence, procedural fairness, and the reliability of assurances advanced by requesting authorities. He is known for a measured and forensic approach to extradition advocacy, combining close analysis of international and domestic legal frameworks with sound judgement in cases carrying significant personal, diplomatic, or institutional consequences.

International Criminal Law and Public International Law

Joshua is instructed in international criminal and public international law matters requiring careful analysis of jurisdiction, admissibility, evidential standards, and institutional process. His international practice focuses on advisory and written advocacy work, including the preparation of submissions and amicus curiae interventions in proceedings before international courts and tribunals.

He is particularly trusted in matters involving contested factual narratives, sensitive allegations, and complex institutional processes, and is known for a measured, process-focused approach grounded in legal and evidential discipline.

Public Law

Joshua undertakes advisory and advocacy work in public law matters concerning the lawfulness of decision-making by public authorities, including issues of procedural fairness, equality duties, and Convention rights.