“Alexander is hard-working and has a lovely turn of phrase that juries warm to.” – Chambers & Partners, 2025

“He is fast becoming one of the go-to silks on the Northern circuit.” – Chambers & Partners, 2025

“He is an exceptional advocate and his court presence, judgement and knowledge of the law are impeccable.”– Chambers & Partners, 2025

“He has a professional yet approachable and compassionate manner.”– Chambers & Partners, 2025

“He is an absolute stand-out performer.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023

“Alexander Leach KC is an excellent advocate. He is meticulous in his preparation and always provides a clear analysis of the issues to clients.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023

“Alex was one of the most highly regarded juniors on circuit and there is no doubt he will be one of the most highly regarded silks for many years to come.” – Legal 500, 2023

“He is calm, brilliant with clients, very thorough and always has the ear of the court.”

“He gets to grips with hugely complex content in a short amount of time. He commands the courtroom and his cross-examination is devastating.” – Chambers and Partners, 2022

“Absolutely brilliant on strategy, with a meticulous eye for detail.” – Legal 500, 2022

“He is very impressive advocate – thorough, forceful and clear. A strategic thinker.”

“He has a beautiful manner and is commanding in court.” – Chambers and Partners, 2021

“Intelligent, articulate and with a jury presence – when instructed he is able to advise the client in terms they understand.” – Legal 500, 2021

“Recent work includes multi-defendant drugs conspiracies.” – Legal 500, 2018

“A rising talent who is instructed in serious criminal matters such as murder, fraud and organised crime”.

“He has a court presence that few can match.” “He is very sharp-witted and an exceptional advocate.” – Chambers and Partners, 2018

“Recommended for a broad range of criminal matters” Legal 500, 2017

“The next generation of stars” – Legal 500, 2010

Alex is one of the leading criminal practitioners in the North, engaged to defend and prosecute in some of the most high-profile criminal cases of recent years. At Crown Court level, Alex is a specialist in three principle areas:

1. Murder and Serious Organised Crime;
2. Fraud and;
3. Rape and Sexual Abuse cases.

Alex is described by those who instruct him as a creative and intelligent strategist capable of influencing the outcome of a case from its very outset. He provides training to leading criminal solicitors on the value of pre-charge engagement and encourages a proactive and assertive approach from the moment an investigation begins.

In preparation for trial, Alex has a meticulous approach to detail and a tireless work ethic, often identifying weaknesses in a case that only emerge from close analysis of the evidence. Alex always places his client at the centre of the trial preparation process and has a real ability to create a successful working partnership in even the most challenging circumstances.

In Court, Alex deploys an expert approach to legal argument that often leads to the exclusion of pivotal sections of a prosecution case. He commands the respect of the Judiciary for his knowledgeable, focused and well-judged approach.

Above all, Alex is instructed as a trial advocate, sought after for his energetic and forceful approach to the most difficult of cases. Juries naturally warm to his reasoned and intelligent manner and he is capable of adjusting his style of cross-examination from the type of sensitive approach needed with more vulnerable witnesses to the more robust approach often required when dealing with the most serious organised crime.

Many of Alex’s most impressive results have arisen in circumstances where he has been retained privately and at an early stage in proceedings and he is highly sought after by private clients for that reason.

Prior to taking silk, Alex sat on the level 4 CPS panels for Serious Crime, Fraud, Confiscation, Rape and Sexual Abuse and Counter Terrorism. Alex also conducts an appellate practice, dealing recently with conviction appeals relating to historic convictions.

Alex also sits as a Recorder (Criminal) and is authorised to try serious sexual offences.