Not all UK barristers automatically have rights of audience in the US courts, and the rules vary from state to state.

I was thinking that Sir Sydney Kentridge QC would be good. I am concerned that using Clive Stafford Smith would put the backs of the US court system up, but no-one disses Kentridge. I once had the privilege of preparing some notes for him and instructions (on a Biko-related matter) and seeing my notes pretty well regurgitated as his opinion for which he charged loads, but I was too thrilled that he hardly changed anything to kvetch about the bill.

Pinochet was extremely good at faking illness, and was not going to the USA so that Straw was not handicapped by the skewed UK/US extradition treaty in saving Pinochet's neck. Personally I think that saving Pinochet was a put-up-job. If only Lenny Hoffman had not screwed it up!