Drystone Chambers

Alex Shanks was called to the bar in 2022 and became a member of Chambers in October 2024 upon the successful completion of his pupillage.

Alex has a busy practice both prosecuting and defending across a wide range of offences including violence, drug related crime, sexual offences and driving matters. Alex accepts instructions in the magistrates’ court, Crown Court and youth court.

In his first Jury trial, Alex’s client was unanimously acquitted of ABH and affray following a four-day trial at Southwark Crown Court. He has since completed further trials within the Crown Court where he has been complimented by the judge for his advocacy and management of the case.

Alex prides himself on his ability to build genuine rapport with clients from the outset as well as fearless advocacy. Alex has considerable experience in dealing with young and vulnerable defendants in a calm and empathetic manner.

Prior to joining Chambers, Alex was a paralegal at a Legal 500 criminal defence firm, assisting with a wide range of criminal cases including murder, serious violence and sexual offences, large scale encrochat conspiracies, fraud and money laundering. Alex was often first port of call for clients, providing excellent client care and supporting the partners and solicitors with their caseloads.

As part of his LLM, Alex completed his dissertation on ‘The controversial use of drill music as evidence in criminal trials’ and remains particularly interested in this area.

In his spare time, Alex is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing cricket and gol

Criminal Bar Association The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple CPS Advocate Panel 1

University of East Anglia – LLB Law (Hons) BPP University Holborn- Barrister Training Course, Distinction and LLM, Distinction