Biography
I am a solicitor in Irwin Mitchell’s Public Law and Human Rights Department. I joined the department as a newly qualified solicitor in July 2021. I was paralegal in the department between 2016 and 2018 before completing my training contract and returning into the department on qualification.
I specialise in:
- Health and welfare cases in the Court of Protection
- Health and social care law
- Inquests, civil liberties and human rights claims
- Public law and judicial review.
In the Court of Protection, I am instructed by the Official Solicitor, advocates and families in complex mental capacity law cases concerning the rights and freedoms of vulnerable young persons and adults.
I represent adults and children with disabilities in cases concerning the support they receive from local authorities and the NHS. I also advise campaign groups and organisations on the withdrawal or closure of services, policy and consultation challenges.
I represent bereaved families at inquests into the death of a loved one in prison or during detention under the Mental Health Act.
I also act in civil claims against public authorities including Human Rights Act claims for breaches of the right to life, liberty, private and family life and the right not to be subject to inhuman or degrading treatment; Equality Act, false imprisonment and data privacy claims.
What inspired you to get into law?
I'm passionate about using the law to achieve positive and material change in society, particularly for those most in need.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The work that we do in the Public Law and Human Rights team often concerns the rights and freedoms of disadvantaged people. We work hard as a team to create meaningful change and it is really rewarding when we get a good result.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
It's a privilege to be able to dedicate your working life to helping others, and work alongside many like-minded, talented and inspiring lawyers who all share a common goal.
What do you do away from the office?
Away from the office, I enjoy time with my wife and two young children. We are fortunate to live near the Lake District so I can often be found on top of a fell or on my bike. I am also a local primary school governor.
Testimonials:
“Alex's name is well known in my department. He is often mentioned in our peer support sessions, our team meetings and our training suggestions. He has built and earned a great reputation within [our organisation] and our management team advocate to the new members of the team to contact Alex and Irwin Mitchell to raise 21As.
[…] You have an amazing solicitor in your team with Alex"" - Professional Advocate
“Alex has been a remarkable asset in the cases where people are deprived of their liberty under S21a proceedings, and I have had the privilege of working closely with him as litigation friend.
"I must emphasize Alex’s exceptional tenacity when dealing with the local authority. Alex has displayed a remarkable ability to navigate the complex legal terrain and advocate effectively on behalf of his clients. His unwavering commitment to justice and his clients' rights have been truly inspiring, and I am constantly amazed by his ability to maintain his cool under pressure.
"Additionally, I would like to highlight Alex’s incredible support and dedication to the issues we have faced. Throughout our work together, Alex has gone above and beyond for his clients and shown exceptional compassion and empathy. He has taken the time to understand our concerns and always works tirelessly to ensure that we are represented in the best possible light.
"In conclusion, I cannot speak highly enough of Alex. His professionalism, tenacity, and commitment to his clients have been an incredible asset to our team. I am confident that he will continue to make a significant contribution to the legal profession, and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal representation.” - Professional Advocate
"I am hugely impressed by him. Beneath a calm and compassionate exterior there is an imposing intellect and dogged determination on behalf of the vulnerable. I have seen him in action in a deeply distressing and enormously complex case which he has handled with professional skills way beyond his years." - Kings Counsel
"Alex is a fantastic lawyer and a real pleasure to work with. He is very diligent, thorough, hard-working and very reliable. Alex does his absolute best for his clients, and always seems to know when to push his opponents and when to take the pragmatic view to ultimately get the best outcomes for his (usually very vulnerable) clients. It is always a pleasure to get instructions from Alex; they will be clear, concise and send me straight to the key issues." - Counsel
"Alex has been simply outstanding on this matter. His conduct of the case has really set him apart and demonstrated skills and maturity far beyond his years as a solicitor.
"Alex has worked in a diligent and careful manner to fully understand the client’s communication needs and meet him on his own terms, being one of the client’s only professional support during a very difficult and stressful period in his life. Alex has a real gift for understanding needs and working for clients in a way that works for them.
"Alex’s work fundamentally changed the course of the client’s life.
"Alex’s understanding of the client’s needs and history is simply exceptional, and he has been tireless as an advocate for the client, often working late nights and over the weekends when crises emerged to make sure the client was getting the help he needed.
"Alex is an outstanding lawyer who is utterly committed to social justice and helping people with disabilities to enforce their legal rights. He will continue to be a credit to the profession." - Counsel
"We would both like to express our most sincere thanks for representing my family in such difficult and heart-breaking circumstances. You have stood by our side and eased the stress of the inquest into Laurens death. You have showed respect, compassion, been able to laugh with us and also comfort us when we were distressed. With you by our side, I’m certain we will get justice for Lauren. You are a true asset to Irwin Mitchell." - Client
"We want to say a big thank you to Alex for all his work and help since his involvement started back in August 2021. The service Alex provides is exemplary throughout and we really appreciate his kind patient advice especially when we are getting rather stressed. Alex has the personal caring touch which has really helped my son who has autism. I would recommend Alex to everyone we know." - Client
"...so impressive in terms of the information he shared […] other solicitors could learn something from him […] utterly professional but so warm and genuine at the same time." - Independent Expert
"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work and support you have provided us during the past year and how you have helped my family. You have helped my family and I get some sort of relief and closure." - Client
"It really feels like you guys care. You treat us like people and you take the time to speak to us. Alex was wonderful in the inquest and that’s why I decided to come to him with this [new case] because I feel like I’ll be in good hands/ listened to." - Client
"I don't think there’s anywhere else where I would be getting answers to an email sent after 5pm at almost 7pm. Alex was right there and picked it up immediately and you’ve called me the next morning straight away and it just shows how dedicated you guys are and I really appreciate it. - Client
"I have known Alexander for a number of years, I have always found him courteous, polite and respectful. Alexander is efficient and prompt in responding to any of my queries or concerns. I have particularly appreciated how he is able to summarise, documents and reports making it easier to get to the salient points with ease. He has good communication skills which I have observed and noted when he has been communicating with the clients who I support. I think Irwin Mitchell must be content that they have good young solicitors coming through who are a credit to the company” - Professional Advocate
“I have had the pleasure of working with Alex on numerous cases and he’s shown utmost professionalism in handling all the applications. He delivers sound advice and ready to support both advocate and client. He’s been nothing short of articulate and thorough in all his dealings with the clients.” - Professional Advocate
“Irwin Mitchell made what was a very tough experience a lot easier because they always kept us up to date and informed and always explained what was happening. Alex was wonderful. It really feels like you care.” – Client
“This is an incredible result and is the outcome of the amazing work that you do.” – Caseworker
