Band 3: Extradition (UK Wide)

Ruta is a passionate, proactive, and adaptable solicitor advocate with over 15 years’ experience in criminal defence and extradition law. Recognised for her genuine client care, composure under pressure, and quick thinking, she has earned a reputation as a highly sought-after expert in her field.

Her extensive experience spans complex criminal and extradition cases involving international jurisdictions. Ruta has successfully represented clients facing extradition requests from countries worldwide including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Norway, Italy, Portugal, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Belgium, and numerous other EU states. This global exposure, combined with her excellent track record, underscores her status as an expert extradition lawyer.

Ruta has cemented her reputation as a skilful and knowledgeable advocate by tackling some of the most challenging criminal cases across a variety of courts from Youth Magistrates and Crown Courts to Appeal, High, and Divisional Courts.

Ruta is regularly commended for her approachability, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile for her clients. She stays current with developments in international justice systems to enhance her background knowledge and to better understand the wider context of her work.

Education & Qualifications

• Higher Rights of Audience advocacy
• Legal Practice Course
• Graduate Diploma in Law
• Bachelors degree in Politics, Public administration and diplomacy
• Bachelors degree in Business management

Notable Cases

• R v J Crown Court: Defended the lead defendant accused of conspiring to breach the Immigration Act by attempting to smuggle a record number of individuals into the UK via a large boat.
• Germany v HP: Successfully resisted the extradition of a respected professional accused of rape, leading to the withdrawal of the warrant in both Germany and the UK.
• USA v A: Represented a client accused of conspiring to hack and defraud US banks. The case concluded with an exceptionally favourable deal with the FBA and US authorities.
• L v USZ: Successfully argued for prison assurances in a leading case regarding Lithuanian prison conditions under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
• DS v Portugal: Challenged an extradition for a conviction warrant based on abuse charges, successfully discontinuing the extradition proceedings due to the client’s mental health and care concerns for her newborn.
• M v Portugal: Appealed against an extradition order for aggravated robbery, with the appeal successfully focusing on the client’s mental health issues.
• S v Portugal: Reduced a conviction warrant for fraud and drug offences from 1 year 10 months to 10 months, leading to the discharge of the extradition warrant.
• L v Poland: Represented a mother recently treated for cervical cancer in an appeal against a fraud charge dating back over a decade, with permission to appeal granted.
• W v Poland: Represented an elderly client facing rape charges, with ongoing efforts to gain permission for appeal based on her health conditions.
• K v. Poland: Appealed a drug supply conviction resulting in a lengthy sentence, focusing on the client’s family situation and human rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
• I v Italy: Fought extradition for a client accused of masterminding a major human trafficking ring, with a focus on prison conditions in Italy. The client chose not to appeal and opted to stand trial in Italy.
• W v Poland: Successfully defended a father of three in an extradition case involving cannabis possession and the unauthorised use of bicycles, leading to his discharge based on his private life in the UK.

News

• Celebrating our Extradition department’s success in the 2026 Chambers and Partners UK Rankings!
• Extradition to Spain refused for vulnerable father due to serious welfare and human rights concerns
• Persistent defence secures not guilty verdicts for client facing serious charges at the Crown Court

Client Feedback

• “Ruta Mikailaite is the best — I would definitely recommend her. She’s very patient and understanding, and she truly listens to what you have to say. I’m very grateful to have had her as my solicitor. She has made a huge difference in my case.”

• “I was falsely accused in a very serious rape case, and solicitor Ruta Mikailaite represented me with outstanding skill, care, and professionalism. Despite the difficulty of the case, she supported me at every step and I was fully acquitted. She was always available, guided me through every stage, and even helped me urgently recover my passport from the police so I could travel the day after my arrest. Without her knowledge and dedication, this result would not have been possible. I am truly grateful and highly recommend her to anyone who needs a solicitor that will fight tirelessly and genuinely care about their clients.”

• “I cannot thank Ruta Mikailaite enough for her exceptional support, professionalism, and advocacy during a challenging and contested legal matter. From our first interaction, Ruta demonstrated not only an impressive command of the law but also genuine compassion, clarity, and strategic thinking. She handled my case with meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication, ensuring that every detail was addressed and every argument presented with strength and precision. Her calm presence and confidence in court gave me great reassurance, and her ability to secure the outcome I had hoped for is a testament to both her legal skill and commitment to justice. Ruta went above and beyond in every respect – she listened, advised, and fought for what was right with integrity and grace. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ruta Mikailaite to anyone in need of a solicitor who is not only brilliant and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to her clients. I remain deeply grateful for her guidance and support.”

• “Ruta my Lawyer was really helpful and patient. She understood my legal problems and she heard me and guided me how to go ahead with my problems. She gave me good advice which helped me get out of my problems without much complications. I highly recommend Ruta Mikailaite for criminal defence extradition.”

• “Ruta Mikailaite at GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates did a great job with my brother-in-law’s case. She was very professional, experienced, and always patient with us. She explained things clearly and made us feel supported during a tough time. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a good solicitor advocate.”

• “A Few Words About Attorney Ruta Mikailaite. I’ve never written a review before in my life, but today is a special occasion. I want to share some great news — thanks to the professional and dedicated work of our attorney, Ruta Mikailaite, our case was won. From the very beginning, Ruta showed incredible commitment and genuine care for my brother’s case. It was a difficult and complicated situation — one that many other lawyers refused to take on. But Ruta wasn’t afraid of the challenge. She accepted the case and fought tirelessly all the way to the end. Her determination, hard work, and deep knowledge made all the difference. I am truly grateful to Ruta for believing in us and for standing by our side throughout the entire process. If you are looking for real legal protection — someone who will actually fight for you — I wholeheartedly recommend Ruta Mikailaite. She is a true professional and a person you can trust, even with the most difficult cases.”

• “I recently had the opportunity to work with a criminal lawyer Ruta who helped my partner, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. From the initial consultation, they demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to defending his rights. What stood out most was their ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand, which helped us feel more confident and informed throughout the entire process. The lawyer’s preparation was meticulous. They conducted a thorough investigation of the case, gathered all necessary evidence, and built a strong defense strategy. In court, their presence was commanding, and their arguments were both persuasive and well-reasoned. They were not only skilled in the courtroom but also showed genuine empathy and support, which made a difficult situation more bearable. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we was able to achieve a favorable outcome in the case. I highly recommend this criminal lawyer to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care for their clients make them an outstanding advocate.”

• “I had a positive result in court and it would not have been possible without Ruta Mikailaite and Ana Derham. Ruta represented me in court for a football related offence and was very professional and made a very good case. Both Ruta and Ana Derham were very supportive and always find the time to help and give advice when in need. I highly recommend these solicitors at GT Stewart.”

• “I am very happy with my outcome at Court and it wouldn’t be possible without Ruta Mikailaite my Solicitor who was extremely professional and supportive and puts up a good fight. She also kept me updated about any changes in the case which made me feel very reassured. I would highly recommend.”