Alex is a highly experienced and respected barrister with nearly 25 years of practice, specialising in family law, with a particular focus on financial applications arising from divorce, both domestically and internationally. A born and bred Mancunian, Alex has a deep understanding of the challenges his clients face, particularly those that may arise from multicultural or religious issues. His familiarity with the local community allows him to offer tailored legal support, with regular appearances at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and Stockport Family Courts.

Alex’s practice spans complex financial disputes, including those involving pensions, property, company law, and international assets. He is also well- versed in handling cases of family home disputes (FMH) and can assist clients through mediation, arbitration, private Financial Dispute Resolutions (FDRs), and Early Neutral Evaluations (ENEs), ensuring all avenues for resolution are explored. Alex has also acted in Direct Access cases for two decades.

Having practiced law in Dubai, Alex brings an international perspective to his work, maintaining a global network of legal contacts to assist with cross- border and inter-jurisdictional disputes. His expertise is further demonstrated by his role as the lead tutor for the LPC Family Unit course at Manchester Law School, where he shared his knowledge and passion for family law with the next generation of legal professionals.

Through the Direct Access Scheme, barristers provide tailored expertise at a lower cost due to their self-employed status. Fixed fees are agreed upfront, ensuring budget control.

Barristers’ roles mirror those under solicitor instruction – offering advice, representation and document drafting. Most cases can be managed under this scheme, though some may require solicitor involvement.

Unit Chambers eases the challenges of cases involving children, prioritising clear communication and understanding. While we don’t handle administrative aspects like court document delivery, we guide and support clients. Our fee structure is transparent with upfront agreements.

Get started with a free online consultation to assess direct instruction suitability.

Additionally, Alex has a wealth of experience acting in Chancery disputes, which frequently overlap with family matters, including property, probate and wills, company law, and trusts of land applications (TOLATA).

2015 - present | Authorised to Conduct Litigation (Bar Council/BSB)

2013 - present | Part II Registered Practitioner DIFC Courts (Dubai, UAE)

2004 - present| Licensed for Public/Direct Access (Bar Council/BSB)

2000 | Called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn)

1995 | PhD Haematology, University of Birmingham Medical School

1994 | PG Dip Law, UCE Birmingham

1989 | MSc Information and Analytical Science, University of Manchester

1988 | BSc (Hons) Combined Science, De Montfort University

2024 - present | Senior Consultant Barrister, Unit Chambers

2017 - 2024 | Tenant, Central Chambers, Manchester

2021 - 2022 | Associate Lecturer for MMU LPC Family Law Unit

2011 - 2017 | Sole Practitioner & Head of Chambers, Coral House

July - Dec 2014 | Standing Counsel, AXA ICAS International

2013 - 2015 | Door Tenant, 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, London

2013 - 2014 | Partner, Al Safar & Partners, Dubai

2011 - 2014 | International Practice, Europe and Middle East

2004 - 2011 | Tenant in Independent Practice, Clerksroom

2001 - 2004 | Pupil and Door Tenant, NIPC, Manchester

1995 - Present | Consultant Director, Residential and Commerical Property Business

2000 - 2001 | Editor of Publications, CICES

1996 - 2000 | Freelance Editor and Marketing Consultant, Pubilc Healthcare Sector

1995 - 1996 | Editor, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe

Member of the Northern Circuit Member of the FLBA

Member of the Chancery Bar Association

Member of Lincoln’s Inn

Member of the British Business Group [Dubai and Northern Emirates]

Pupil Supervisor – as Authorised by the Bar Council/BSB