He has particular expertise, in Nationality, deportation and National security matters, including deprivation of Citizenship and is recommended as a leading individual by both the legal 500 and Chambers UK guide 2020
His expertise in asylum and human rights includes appeals by those who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed and complex issues relating to individuals who are excluded from international protection. Alex advises and acts across the range of family reunion issues that affect his clients, deploying human rights arising under the ECHR. A developing part of Alex’s practice consists of cases concerned with modern slavery and trafficking in human beings.
Alex has extensive experience of acting for clients where the legality of detention is challenged and accepts urgent instructions where a person is detained and subject to removal or deportation.
Alex practises in Courts and Tribunals at all levels from the First-tier Tribunal, through to the Supreme Court. A list of some of his notable cases is set out below. He is available at short notice for urgent work and where injunctions and other interim relief may be required.
He frequently acts for clients whose appeal involves close family members such as a spouse, parent or a child. In many of these cases his expertise in the Immigration Rules, the European Convention on Human Rights and European Community law has proved to be decisive in the outcome of the appeal
He is increasingly instructed in advising on the preparation and drafting of initial applications made both overseas and within the UK with the objective of avoiding the delays and expense of the appeal process.
Alex accepts instructions via a solicitor or other licenced professional client. In addition, he acts for clients directly under the Bar Public Access scheme.
He has experience in business immigration and acts for individuals, commercial undertakings, and institutions in relation to matters arising for economic migrants under the Points-Based System (Tiers 1, 2 and 5) and other Immigration Rules routes. He also advises on issues that arise for migrants and for employers in relation to unlawful employment and Civil Penalties (including County Court appeals), including in scenarios where the employer holds a sponsor licence.
Alex is a reviewer for the Bar Pro Bono unit, and is a regular contributor to social media through Twitter, where he seeks to highlight the failures of the Government’s approach to immigration. He is also an avid follower of Liverpool Football Club.