Alex Chalk KC MP

Alex is instructed in the most serious terrorism cases. In 2013 he acted in the prosecution of six defendants accused of planning an extremist terrorist atrocity in the UK, using an improvised explosive device (IED), firearms and swords. He also has experience in prosecuting offences under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – including possession of documents useful to those seeking to manufacture IEDs and evade detection. Alex is used to dealing with highly sensitive material, as well as advising on complex disclosure issues. He is familiar with marshalling large volumes of documentation, and advising on electronic trial presentation.

Alex has recently written an article entitled “Possession of Terrorist Materials”, which can be accessed here.

Alex is instructed to advise and defend corporate clients. In relation to media investigations he has acted for a number of prominent journalists in proceedings arising out of Operation Weeting (phone-hacking) and Operation Elveden (corrupt payments to public officials). He has, in addition, represented corporate clients in relation to proceedings brought by the Environment Agency as well as under the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991. He has also acted on behalf of company directors accused of offences under the Insolvency Act 1986.

Alex has experience of prosecuting on behalf of HMRC, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (formerly the DTI), the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and local government bodies. In addition he has prosecuted privately on behalf of an internet company in proceedings alleging the criminal misappropriation of online metadata.

Alex prosecutes and defends in cases of homicide. He has appeared in several Operation Trident cases at the Central Criminal Court, including a double murder relating to targeted executions in south London. Other cases have included gang murder, and drug-related shootings. In this context he has developed experience in handling sensitive disclosure issues, assessing material ranging from covert human intelligence source reports to prison surveillance recordings. As Defence Counsel Alex has successfully defended clients charged with murder and attempted murder arising out of serious gang violence in London, as well as gun crime.

Alex also acts in cases involving serious sexual offences. He has, for example, prosecuted six defendants accused of abducting two teenagers from Telford and subjecting them to a weekend of rape, sexual violence and degradation. He also prosecutes and defends in fatal road traffic cases, and is an experienced cross-examiner of experts.

Alex accepts instructions to appear at inquests and public inquiries. He is currently instructed in the inquest arising out of the murder of two private security contractors, shot dead by a colleague in Iraq. The case has attracted considerable press attention.

Alex regularly appears in the Court of Appeal and High Court, often in relation to novel or unusual points of law. He is a fluent performer and is confident engaging with complex issues of law and statutory construction. He has been singled out for praise by several appellate judges. Particular areas of expertise include arguing points relating to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants Act) 2004 and human trafficking.

Alex has acted as pro bono counsel for Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prisoner of conscience held captive in Iran, and has written a column in The Times calling for her release.

• Queens Counsel (2021)

• Magdalen College, Oxford, BA (Hons) Modern History, 2:1;
• City University, London (CPE/Diploma in Law) Distinction;
• Inns of Court School of Law (BVC) very competent.

To view Alex Chalk KC’s Privacy Notice, please click here.