23ES

Crime/ Financial Crime

Barrister

Alexander Upton is a criminal defence barrister who specialises in serious and complex fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and large-scale organised crime. He acts for private individuals, senior executives and people in public life, often in matters where confidentiality, reputation and careful case management are paramount. He is best known for multi-handed, evidence-heavy trials.

Clients value his strategic judgement, his discretion and his meticulous preparation. He also advises before charge, where early advice can help shape the course of an investigation. In addition to his defence practice, he prosecutes and accepts instructions to advise on and conduct private prosecutions. He is a Level 3 advocate on the CPS List of Advocates and sits on the CPS Specialist Fraud Panel at Level 2. His direct involvement in case building, investigations and prosecution trials gives him a rounded perspective from both sides of the courtroom, making him an accomplished advocate and criminal barrister.

“Alex is as committed and well-prepared as they come. He is approachable and knowledgeable and always does his homework. Clients appreciate his excellent submissions as well as his style and charm. He’s set for the very top.” Legal 500, 2025 (Crime)

Alexander Upton was called to Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 2004 and is a member of the South Eastern Circuit, the Fraud Lawyers Association

Ranked as a Leading Junior in both Legal 500

What the Legal Directories say:

“Alexander Upton is experienced in the handling of fraud, corruption and bribery cases. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence in complex investigations brought by the Serious Fraud Office and HMRC.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2026

“Alexander Upton is adept at dealing with the most difficult of clients. He is upbeat, determined, sensible and the quality of the work that he gets instructed in is a reflection of those qualities.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2026

“Alex is as committed and well-prepared as they come. He is approachable and knowledgeable and always does his homework. Clients appreciate his excellent submissions as well as his style and charm. He’s set for the very top.” Legal 500, 2025 (Crime)

“Alexander is highly competent, hugely enthusiastic and a born defender.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2025

“Alexander is a superb advocate who prepares very thoroughly. A junior who inspires confidence.” Legal 500, 2025 (Fraud)

“He has a calmness and a way of dealing with things that is great.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2025

“He is brilliantly supportive of the whole team and also very good with difficult clients.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2024

“Alexander has a ‘never say die’ attitude to litigation.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2024

“Alexander Upton is adept at dealing with the most difficult of clients. He is upbeat, determined, sensible and the quality of the work that he gets instructed in is a reflection of those qualities.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2026

“Alexander is highly competent, hugely enthusiastic and a born defender.” Chambers and Partners, Financial Crime 2025

• CPS List of Advocates: Level 3

• CPS Specialist Fraud Panel: Level 2

• The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn

• Criminal Bar Association

• Fraud Lawyers Association

• South Eastern Circuit

University of Birmingham (BA (Hons)); University of Birmingham School of Law (Dip Law); Inns of Court School of Law (BVC).