MEET:
Alex Bailin QC
"a class act"; "everyone wants him on their side"; "smooth"; "innovative"; "very authoritative"; "elegant and effortless"; "frighteningly quick"; “an outstanding advocate”; "hugely respected"
Chambers UK and Legal 500 (2013-20)
Alex’s practice is centred on financial and business crime, all aspects of criminal law, and extradition. His work also involves public law, human rights, media law and public international law.
Alex is recommended by the legal directories as a leading Silk in eight areas, spanning both criminal and civil law. His core areas are (1) business crime (2) general crime (3) extradition (4) human rights (5) public and administrative law; he also specialises in (6) media law (7) defamation and privacy, and (8) public international law.
Previously a derivatives trader in the City who read Mathematics at Cambridge University, Alex is instructed in a wide variety of commercial and business crime cases: corporate manslaughter, corruption, cartels, frauds of all kinds, insider dealing and other financial services/regulatory offences. He represents a wide range of bodies and persons: senior business executives, regulators, prosecuting authorities, professional bodies, multinational corporations, banks, government departments, foreign governments, journalists and media organisations. He is sought after for his advice during the investigatory stages and for heavyweight trial work. He is a contributing author to various leading textbooks on criminal law and fraud. He writes the Companies Act offences chapter in Montgomery and Ormerod, Fraud: Criminal Law & Procedure. He is on the Serious Fraud Office’s QC list. He is recommended as a ‘Thought Leader’ for Investigations in Who’s Who Legal, which also ranks him as a leading Silk for Criminal Fraud and Business Crime Defence (Individuals & Corporates).
He has a wealth of financial services experience, having acted in a number of complex market abuse investigations and insider dealing criminal trials. He has been instructed in a number of regulatory investigations and is briefed in RDC hearings, where his previous trading experience is invaluable. He has particular expertise in areas where criminal and regulatory financial services law intersect such as market abuse, with specific knowledge of specialist areas e.g. ‘spoofing’. He is frequently instructed regarding the reputation management aspects of such investigations where those under investigation seek to maintain their confidentiality. Increasingly, he is instructed in cross-border financial services cases, which involve parallel criminal and regulatory investigations in different jurisdictions.
His commercial work often has a criminal aspect to it e.g. high value civil claims following criminal investigations or prosecutions; Commercial Court litigation with parallel criminal proceedings. Recent high profile Commercial Court work includes the Tchenguiz litigation and Libyan Investment Authority v SocGen where issues of collateral use of documents and self-incrimination protection were litigated extensively. He has experience of ring-fencing (protecting testimony from onward use) and depositions (evidence for foreign proceedings obtained in the UK).
His practice frequently involves international and cross-border issues e.g. multi-jurisdictional investigations, extradition, sanctions and Interpol Red Notices. He acts for requested persons and foreign governments in extradition cases. He has experience of criminal cases from many diverse jurisdictions e.g. USA, Russia, Ukraine, France, Jersey, Iceland, Greece, the Middle East and a number of Caribbean countries. He has been briefed in many of the recent high-profile US extradition requests.
His general criminal work ranges from murder and gross negligence manslaughter to interception of communications and official secrets. Notable cases include defending a GCHQ employee charged with Official Secrets Act disclosures relating to the Iraq war; the first application to retry an acquitted person (for murder) under the new law relating to double jeopardy; a high-profile business blackmail and unlawful email interception case; litigation arising from a large corruption investigation in Premiership football; the leading case on the meaning of ‘miscarriage of justice’; an allegation of gross negligence manslaughter relating to a death in police custody. He is instructed in a mixture of trial and appellate work, including CCRC referrals. He writes the Official Secrets Act chapter in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice and contributes to Emmerson & Ashworth, Human Rights & Criminal Justice.
He has a particular interest in Official Secrets and Espionage cases:
- Defended Katharine Gun in the Official Secrets Act prosecution arising from disclosures relating to the Iraq war
- Advised the Guardian in relation to the publication of Assange-WikiLeaks material
- Represented BuzzFeed in the litigation arising from publication of the Steele-Trump dossier
- Acted for a number of journalists, newspapers and media organisations in Official Secrets Act investigations
- Published widely in the national and legal press on official secrets and espionage; writes the Official Secrets Act chapter in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice
- His grandfather was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park in WWII
His international criminal and public international work includes advising on state immunity and its interaction with the jurisdiction of various domestic and international criminal courts; cases concerning torture, rendition, genocide and other violations of fundamental human rights; issues relating to individual violations of international criminal laws. He has experience of diverse jurisdictions: from US Supreme Court cases to litigation in the Turks & Caicos Islands and Channel Islands. He has advised concerning proceedings before the International Criminal Court and has been instructed in cases relating to Darfur and Libya.
His media work often involves the interaction between fair trial rights, privacy, confidentiality, open justice and freedom of speech – areas where criminal and media law intersect. He has advised high-profile figures, editors, journalists, programme producers, publishers, national newspapers and broadcasters on reputation management issues, production orders, search warrants, witness summonses, reporting restrictions, anonymity, contempt of court, the Official Secrets Acts and other criminal offences. His media clients have included the Associated Newspapers, BBC, BuzzFeed, Thomson Reuters, Guardian, the Mirror Group, Daily Telegraph, Independent, ITN, Evening Standard, Channel 4, The Times, BSkyB, Financial Times, News Group Newspapers, and the Press Association. He is recommended in the Defamation & Privacy and Media & Entertainment sections of Who’s Who Legal.
He has a diverse human rights and public law practice: from commercial judicial reviews to test cases in Strasbourg. His clients range from wealthy private clients, major shareholders, multinational corporations and FTSE companies to media organisations, regulators, public authorities, NGOs and publicly-funded individuals. He has been instructed in more than 20 cases in the Supreme Court, House of Lords, Privy Council and European Court of Human Rights. He often works at the interface between criminal and public law. He has appeared in a number of major Public Inquiries.
Co-author, Emmerson & Ashworth, Human Rights & Criminal Justice
Co-author, Montgomery & Ormerod, Fraud: Criminal Law and Procedure
Co-author, Blackstone’s Criminal Practice (Espionage / Official Secrets Act chapter)
Co-author GIR Guide to Global Investigations
Numerous articles on public law, crime, financial crime, media law and human rights in legal journals and the national press. Appeared on BBC News, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Radio 4 Today Programme and Newsnight on legal issues. Regularly quoted in national and financial press on legal issues. A regular speaker at legal conferences in the UK and abroad.
- Deputy High Court Judge (Administrative Court)
- Recorder (Crown Court)
- Cambridge University MA (Hons.) Mathematics
- Lincoln’s Inn Scholar (CPE)
- Highest mark in the University (CPE)
- Regular speaker at legal conferences
- Contributing author to leading books on fraud, human rights and criminal justice
- Articles frequently published in the legal and national press
- Appeared on BBC News, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Radio 4 Today Programme and Newsnight on legal issues.
- Clooney Justice Foundation – Advisory Board
- External Advisory Committee of High Level Panel of Experts on Media Freedom
Alex is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to my clients, including advice and representation services, Alex needs to collect and hold personal data. This includes his client’s personal data and the personal data of others who feature in the matter upon which he is instructed. To read Alex’s privacy notice in full, please see here.
"Will defend his client to the hilt” “strategic, and wise"
"Quick on his feet, he fights hard” “is great with commercial clients in a way few criminal barristers are.” “Exuding intelligence and poise."
"A superb silk” “Innovative, very smooth and a class act, he takes the case to another level."
"Considerable experience of representing blue-chip clients” “very, very bright"
"Everyone wants him on their side."
"Hugely respected”; “fierce in the protection of his clients."
"Shines through in complex extradition cases."
"A top name at the Bar for extradition matters."
"A truly extraordinary barrister."
"An accomplished and compelling advocate."
"A real commercial sense of what clients need."
"A go-to silk for any tricky case which has cross over crime and public law or civil issues."
"Great judgment and tactical skill."
"Incredibly effective in all settings”; “incredibly valuable on financial services cases."
"Exceptionally intelligent."
"great insight”; “deep experience."
"Superb”; “a very cool and trusted individual."
"Excellent in all he does”; “an excellent advocate."
"Thinks of solutions that do not occur to others."
"A class act."
"A hugely impressive silk in court and with clients."
"A highly polished and accomplished advocate."
"Absolutely superb"
"Very sought after."
"Supreme Court judges listen closely to him."
"Steps ahead of everyone else”; “a very easy-going style of advocacy that really wins the court over."
"Strategic and creative”; “very charming, intelligent and energetic”; “notably adept at handling matters involving multi-jurisdictional elements."
"Understands the world of finance”; “frequently represents high net worth individuals in complex business crime cases."
"Dedicated and decisive”; “a wealth of experience."
"Second to none”; “a very smooth advocate."
"Shrewd operator”; “eminent media practice”; “leading contribution to the field."
"An outstanding advocate."
"Elegant and effortless”; “meticulous preparation."
"Inspires."
"Incredibly bright”; “frighteningly quick”; “has the flair you need … to get the ear of the court."
"Very authoritative."
"Praised for his oral advocacy and strategic foresight."
"Attractive, concise and powerful."
"Hugely talented”; “known for his great intelligence."
MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE:
- Commercial Law
- Investigations
- Crime
- Corporate and Business Crime
- Extradition and Mutual Assistance
- Fraud and Financial Crime
- Regulatory Offences
- Serious Crime (including terrorism) and Trial Advocacy
- Civil Liberties and Human Rights
- Inquests and Inquiries
- Investigatory Powers
- Media and Information Law
- Court Orders affecting the Media
- Defamation and Privacy
- Public International Law
- Public Law
- Commercial Public Law
+44 (0)20 7404 3447
"a class act"; "everyone wants him on their side"; "smooth"; "innovative"; "very authoritative"; "elegant and effortless"; "frighteningly quick"; “an outstanding advocate”; "hugely respected"
Chambers UK and Legal 500 (2013-20)
MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Commercial Law
- Investigations
- Crime
- Corporate and Business Crime
- Extradition and Mutual Assistance
- Fraud and Financial Crime
- Regulatory Offences
- Serious Crime (including terrorism) and Trial Advocacy
- Civil Liberties and Human Rights
- Inquests and Inquiries
- Investigatory Powers
- Media and Information Law
- Court Orders affecting the Media
- Defamation and Privacy
- Public International Law
- Public Law
- Commercial Public Law
Alex Bailin QC
Contact Alex: alexbailin@matrixlaw.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7404 3447
Contact Alex's Practice Team (Team T): TeamT@matrixlaw.co.uk
Alex’s practice is centred on financial and business crime, all aspects of criminal law, and extradition. His work also involves public law, human rights, media law and public international law.
Alex is recommended by the legal directories as a leading Silk in eight areas, spanning both criminal and civil law. His core areas are (1) business crime (2) general crime (3) extradition (4) human rights (5) public and administrative law; he also specialises in (6) media law (7) defamation and privacy, and (8) public international law.
Financial Crime and Financial Services
Previously a derivatives trader in the City who read Mathematics at Cambridge University, Alex is instructed in a wide variety of commercial and business crime cases: corporate manslaughter, corruption, cartels, frauds of all kinds, insider dealing and other financial services/regulatory offences. He represents a wide range of bodies and persons: senior business executives, regulators, prosecuting authorities, professional bodies, multinational corporations, banks, government departments, foreign governments, journalists and media organisations. He is sought after for his advice during the investigatory stages and for heavyweight trial work. He is a contributing author to various leading textbooks on criminal law and fraud. He writes the Companies Act offences chapter in Montgomery and Ormerod, Fraud: Criminal Law & Procedure. He is on the Serious Fraud Office’s QC list. He is recommended as a ‘Thought Leader’ for Investigations in Who’s Who Legal, which also ranks him as a leading Silk for Criminal Fraud and Business Crime Defence (Individuals & Corporates). He has a wealth of financial services experience, having acted in a number of complex market abuse investigations and insider dealing criminal trials. He has been instructed in a number of regulatory investigations and is briefed in RDC hearings, where his previous trading experience is invaluable. He has particular expertise in areas where criminal and regulatory financial services law intersect such as market abuse, with specific knowledge of specialist areas e.g. ‘spoofing’. He is frequently instructed regarding the reputation management aspects of such investigations where those under investigation seek to maintain their confidentiality. Increasingly, he is instructed in cross-border financial services cases, which involve parallel criminal and regulatory investigations in different jurisdictions.Commercial Disputes
His commercial work often has a criminal aspect to it e.g. high value civil claims following criminal investigations or prosecutions; Commercial Court litigation with parallel criminal proceedings. Recent high profile Commercial Court work includes the Tchenguiz litigation and Libyan Investment Authority v SocGen where issues of collateral use of documents and self-incrimination protection were litigated extensively. He has experience of ring-fencing (protecting testimony from onward use) and depositions (evidence for foreign proceedings obtained in the UK).Extradition
His practice frequently involves international and cross-border issues e.g. multi-jurisdictional investigations, extradition, sanctions and Interpol Red Notices. He acts for requested persons and foreign governments in extradition cases. He has experience of criminal cases from many diverse jurisdictions e.g. USA, Russia, Ukraine, France, Jersey, Iceland, Greece, the Middle East and a number of Caribbean countries. He has been briefed in many of the recent high-profile US extradition requests.Crime
His general criminal work ranges from murder and gross negligence manslaughter to interception of communications and official secrets. Notable cases include defending a GCHQ employee charged with Official Secrets Act disclosures relating to the Iraq war; the first application to retry an acquitted person (for murder) under the new law relating to double jeopardy; a high-profile business blackmail and unlawful email interception case; litigation arising from a large corruption investigation in Premiership football; the leading case on the meaning of ‘miscarriage of justice’; an allegation of gross negligence manslaughter relating to a death in police custody. He is instructed in a mixture of trial and appellate work, including CCRC referrals. He writes the Official Secrets Act chapter in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice and contributes to Emmerson & Ashworth, Human Rights & Criminal Justice. He has a particular interest in Official Secrets and Espionage cases: Defended Katharine Gun in the Official Secrets Act prosecution arising from disclosures relating to the Iraq war Advised the Guardian in relation to the publication of Assange-WikiLeaks material Represented BuzzFeed in the litigation arising from publication of the Steele-Trump dossier Acted for a number of journalists, newspapers and media organisations in Official Secrets Act investigations Published widely in the national and legal press on official secrets and espionage; writes the Official Secrets Act chapter in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice His grandfather was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park in WWIIInternational Work
His international criminal and public international work includes advising on state immunity and its interaction with the jurisdiction of various domestic and international criminal courts; cases concerning torture, rendition, genocide and other violations of fundamental human rights; issues relating to individual violations of international criminal laws. He has experience of diverse jurisdictions: from US Supreme Court cases to litigation in the Turks & Caicos Islands and Channel Islands. He has advised concerning proceedings before the International Criminal Court and has been instructed in cases relating to Darfur and Libya.Media Law
His media work often involves the interaction between fair trial rights, privacy, confidentiality, open justice and freedom of speech – areas where criminal and media law intersect. He has advised high-profile figures, editors, journalists, programme producers, publishers, national newspapers and broadcasters on reputation management issues, production orders, search warrants, witness summonses, reporting restrictions, anonymity, contempt of court, the Official Secrets Acts and other criminal offences. His media clients have included the Associated Newspapers, BBC, BuzzFeed, Thomson Reuters, Guardian, the Mirror Group, Daily Telegraph, Independent, ITN, Evening Standard, Channel 4, The Times, BSkyB, Financial Times, News Group Newspapers, and the Press Association. He is recommended in the Defamation & Privacy and Media & Entertainment sections of Who’s Who Legal.Public Law and Human Rights
He has a diverse human rights and public law practice: from commercial judicial reviews to test cases in Strasbourg. His clients range from wealthy private clients, major shareholders, multinational corporations and FTSE companies to media organisations, regulators, public authorities, NGOs and publicly-funded individuals. He has been instructed in more than 20 cases in the Supreme Court, House of Lords, Privy Council and European Court of Human Rights. He often works at the interface between criminal and public law. He has appeared in a number of major Public Inquiries.Publications
Co-author, Emmerson & Ashworth, Human Rights & Criminal Justice Co-author, Montgomery & Ormerod, Fraud: Criminal Law and Procedure Co-author, Blackstone’s Criminal Practice (Espionage / Official Secrets Act chapter) Co-author GIR Guide to Global Investigations Numerous articles on public law, crime, financial crime, media law and human rights in legal journals and the national press. Appeared on BBC News, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Radio 4 Today Programme and Newsnight on legal issues. Regularly quoted in national and financial press on legal issues. A regular speaker at legal conferences in the UK and abroad. Publications listAppointments and other information
Deputy High Court Judge (Administrative Court) Recorder (Crown Court) Cambridge University MA (Hons.) Mathematics Lincoln’s Inn Scholar (CPE) Highest mark in the University (CPE) Regular speaker at legal conferences Contributing author to leading books on fraud, human rights and criminal justice Articles frequently published in the legal and national press Appeared on BBC News, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Radio 4 Today Programme and Newsnight on legal issues. Clooney Justice Foundation – Advisory Board External Advisory Committee of High Level Panel of Experts on Media FreedomAlex's Privacy Notice
Alex is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to my clients, including advice and representation services, Alex needs to collect and hold personal data. This includes his client’s personal data and the personal data of others who feature in the matter upon which he is instructed. To read Alex’s privacy notice in full, please see here.
DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATIONS
"Will defend his client to the hilt” “strategic, and wise"
"Quick on his feet, he fights hard” “is great with commercial clients in a way few criminal barristers are.” “Exuding intelligence and poise."
"A superb silk” “Innovative, very smooth and a class act, he takes the case to another level."
"Considerable experience of representing blue-chip clients” “very, very bright"
"Everyone wants him on their side."
"Hugely respected”; “fierce in the protection of his clients."
"Shines through in complex extradition cases."
"A top name at the Bar for extradition matters."
"A truly extraordinary barrister."
"An accomplished and compelling advocate."
"A real commercial sense of what clients need."
"A go-to silk for any tricky case which has cross over crime and public law or civil issues."
"Great judgment and tactical skill."
"Incredibly effective in all settings”; “incredibly valuable on financial services cases."
"Exceptionally intelligent."
"great insight”; “deep experience."
"Superb”; “a very cool and trusted individual."
"Excellent in all he does”; “an excellent advocate."
"Thinks of solutions that do not occur to others."
"A class act."
"A hugely impressive silk in court and with clients."
"A highly polished and accomplished advocate."
"Absolutely superb"
"Very sought after."
"Supreme Court judges listen closely to him."
"Steps ahead of everyone else”; “a very easy-going style of advocacy that really wins the court over."
"Strategic and creative”; “very charming, intelligent and energetic”; “notably adept at handling matters involving multi-jurisdictional elements."
"Understands the world of finance”; “frequently represents high net worth individuals in complex business crime cases."
"Dedicated and decisive”; “a wealth of experience."
"Second to none”; “a very smooth advocate."
"Shrewd operator”; “eminent media practice”; “leading contribution to the field."
"An outstanding advocate."
"Elegant and effortless”; “meticulous preparation."
"Inspires."
"Incredibly bright”; “frighteningly quick”; “has the flair you need … to get the ear of the court."
"Very authoritative."
"Praised for his oral advocacy and strategic foresight."
"Attractive, concise and powerful."
"Hugely talented”; “known for his great intelligence."