Alex Rook 

About My Role

I joined Irwin Mitchell as a trainee solicitor and qualified into the Public Law Department in 2006. I specialise in community care, mental capacity, disability discrimination, immigration and human rights law.  I have brought judicial review cases to secure proper assessments and services for vulnerable children and young adults. I have also been instructed by the Official Solicitor to act on behalf of vulnerable adults who lack capacity to make decisions regarding their health and welfare, and by UNISON in immigration work for its members.

Notable cases include:

• Westminster Social and Community Services Department v IC and others [2008] EWCA Civ 198 in the Court of Appeal and London Borough of Ealing v KS and others [2008] EWHC 636 (Fam) both of which related to the incapacitated adult’s capacity to consent to sex and/or marriage and/or contraception
• London Borough of Ealing v KS and others [2008] EWHC 636 (Fam)
• Re F (2009) EWHC B30 (Fam) regarding the test in accordance with s48 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 regarding an adult's capacity in order to found the jurisdiction of the Court of Protection
• Independent News and Media and others v A EWCA Civ 343 regarding 'good reason' for the media to attend hearings in the Court of Protection (which would otherwise be held in private)
• KD and LD v LB Havering (2009) EW Misc 7 (EWCOP) — confirming that the court has the power to deal with cases summarily but that power is unlikely to be exercised appropriately where there is a serious or potential issue as to the appropriateness of deprivation of liberty and so where articles 5 and 6 of the ECHR are potentially engaged
• London Borough of Enfield v SA v FA v KA 2010 EWHC 196 [Admin] – the COP has power under COPR 2007 r95(d) to admit hearsay evidence which originates from a person who is not competent as a witness
• City of Westminster v FS (2009) unreported – considering the circumstances in which it is appropriate for the COP to provide for independent experts to be instructed
• Was also instructed to act for Mr Cabrera where he successfully challenged the Home Office decision to deport him following the death of his wife in an NHS medical accident

I moved to Irwin Mitchell's London office in 2007 to establish a permanent public law presence in the capital.

Memberships

• Immigration Law Practitioners Association

Publications

• Capacity to Marry and Marriages Abroad - Yogi Amin and Alex Rook - Solicitors Journal

"Admirable ability for forensic legal analysis".
The Legal 500, 2011

More About Me

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

My inspiration to become a lawyer, and in particular a public law solicitor, came from the combination of the academic challenge it presents and the high level of client contact.  I have not been disappointed.  (In truth, I was also told from a young age that I was so argumentative that I should be a lawyer!)

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of your role?

Working with disadvantaged people to ensure that their rights are protected.

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

The quality of work in the public law department is pretty much unrivalled nationwide.  Every day brings new challenges and keeps me passionate about my work and the changes we can make to people's lives through enforcing their legal rights.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

Spend time with my wife and daughter, watch (and still try to play) most sports, read novels and current affairs books.