Our People

Alex Chakmakjian (2009)

Profile

Alex is a committed and passionate advocate, coming to the Bar after completing a post-graduate degree. He also had significant experience as a senior caseworker, often dealing with human rights issues that have led him as far as Nepal to gather evidence.

His further education and earlier experience frequently inform his growing multi-disciplinary practice.

Teams

Criminal Defence, Immigration, Employment, Prison Law, Public Law

Education

LLB (Hons), University of Southampton

LLM (Hons), University College London – International and UK Human Rights Law

BVC, College of Law

Practice

Crime

Alex conducts a busy criminal defence practice in the Crown Court. He has extensive experience in dealing with young and vulnerable clients, as well as those with mental health issues.

Alex has a particular interest in matters involving complex legal argument and fair trial issues. He has developed a reputation for exceptional attention to detail and an imaginative style of advocacy.

Examples of recent work include:

R v QS [2013], Northampton Crown Court – Defendant charged with three counts of sexual assault, with the Crown relying on two complainants and CCTV. After a four-day trial the jury were hung on two counts and convicted on the third. After review the Crown changed course and did not seek a retrial.

R v MH and SP [2013], Harrow Crown Court – Robbery trial of a youth, jointly charged with an adult. After three days the Crown accepted a guilty plea to common assault. The Defendant was sentenced to a standalone compensation order.

R v TL [2012] – Defending in the unprecedented Olympic ticket touting prosecutions. Successfully challenging the Crown's claim that the offence was one of strict liability and securing acquittal following a submission of no case to answer.

R v CC [2012], Harrow Crown Court – Represented CC, who was to be sentenced for possession of a false passport. Sentenced to a Conditional Discharge (9 months).

R v RW [2011], Croydon Crown Court – Represented RW, who was convicted of perverting the course of justice. RW had given her partner a false alibi during an investigation into a rape allegation. Following mitigation, outlining the background of abuse and violence that RW had been subjected to during her relationship, a 12-month suspended sentence was imposed.

Immigration

Prior to joining Chambers, Alex was a senior caseworker at a prominent immigration firm, working on the Gurkha litigation, and continues to be instructed in the Tribunals. He provides a full range of representation in immigration, ranging from Article 8 and Entry Clearance challenges to deportation and asylum. Alex is frequently asked to advise on, and conduct, further appeals in the Upper Tribunal.

Alex has a particular interest in the contentious issue of detention, specialising in complex bail applications. Most recently, he was led by Benjamin Hawkin in the Court of Appeal in R (Abdollahi) v SSHD [2013] EWCA Civ 366, [2013] All ER (D) 119 (Apr). The case concerned detention under the Immigration Act 1971, where the detainee was separated from his wife and children for 26 months. Issues included whether the failure to consult Office of Children's Champion or consider children's best interests made detention unlawful, and whether nominal or substantial damages should be awarded.

Employment

Alex is developing his practice in the field of Employment, accepting instructions for Claimant matters. He is a member of the 1MCB General Employment Pro Bono Scheme and focuses primarily on claims for unfair dismissal.