Alexander West > Albion Chambers > Bristol, England > Barrister Profile
Albion Chambers Offices
BROAD STREET
BRISTOL
BS1 1DR
England
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Alexander West
Position
Alexander specialises in Matrimonial Finance, Regulatory Crime and Inquests. Having joined Chambers in 2014 following the successful completion of his pupillage, Alexander has built a busy practice within the Western Circuit and beyond, and is known for his friendly client manner and detailed approach to cases. Alexander is also a qualified mediator; a skill which assists when negotiating settlements on behalf of clients. Having maintained an intentionally broad Family Law practice for several years, Alexander now specialises in Matrimonial Finance, dealing with all aspects of financial remedy applications following divorce or separation. Alexander advises and provides advocacy services at all stages from initial application through to final hearing, and particularly enjoys the challenge of cases where matrimonial assets are unlikely to meet both parties’ needs. Alexander has experience beyond his level of call representing clients in Article 2 and non-Article 2 inquests, with and without a jury, dealing with issues such as disclosure, appropriate conclusions and PFD reports. Having worked in a variety of client-facing roles in the past, Alexander is able to put clients at ease in what is often a very unfamiliar environment, enabling them to give their best evidence. Typically representing public authorities, Alexander has a detailed understanding of issues surrounding Regulation 28 evidence, non-causative culpable conduct and the engagement of Article 2. He is able to provide advice on case strategy in addition or as an alternative to advocacy services. Alexander acts for regulators, individuals and businesses in a broad range of regulatory disputes, and is always happy to advise on areas which may be unfamiliar territory to those instructing. He is one of three barristers on the Western Circuit to be ranked in Chambers and Partners for Environmental Law, described as: “A rising star with a growing practice in environmental crime and regulatory matters. He regularly defends environmental prosecutions and has a particular focus on waste management”.
Career
Called 2011; Middle Temple; Middle Temple GDL Scholarship (2009/10), Middle Temple BPTC Scholarship (2010/2011), Sachs Prize for BPTC Results top 5% (2011), Winner National BPTC Criminal Advocacy Competition (2011)
Education
Philosophy and Theology (Joint Honours) Nottingham University; GDL
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Inquests and inquiries
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 1Alexander West – Albion Chambers ‘Alex has an extraordinary ability not to be fazed by anything which is unexpected; he glides above it all like a swan. His advocacy is concise and clear. He is also fantastic at analysing documentation and evidence and has an ability to get to the heart of a problem.’
Albion Chambers’ inquests and inquiries team, led by Alexander West, continues to gain traction on the Western Circuit, with members now regularly acting for NHS Trusts, families of the deceased, regulators and businesses, with some cases involving hospital and custody settings. David Sapiecha is deputy head of inquests and has recently acted on several occasions in connection with inquests into the deaths of individuals with mental health issues discharged from police custody or the care of community mental health teams. Kate Brunner KC is currently chairing the Independent Isle of Man Covid-19 Review, while West is acting as counsel to it.
Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Family: divorce and financial remedy
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 3Alexander West – Albion Chambers ‘Alex is very personable, approachable and calm with his instructing solicitors and clients alike. He has an eye for detail and a disarming approach that can catch his opposite number off-guard. He works well with judges, can think fast on his feet and his advocacy is strong.’
Albion Chambers is ‘one of the strongest in the South West’ for divorce and financial remedy work. Richard English, whose ‘advocacy style is both highly persuasive and measured’, has a broad practice which includes applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act and TLATA. Gemma Borkowski is widely praised for her ‘confident and empathetic’ approach to engaging with clients and regularly handles cases involving pre- and post-nuptial agreements, company assets, trust assets, non-matrimonial property, and complex pension arrangements. Alexander West is a ‘clever advocate respected by the bench’ who has a ‘wonderful manner with clients’.