New Square Chambers

Appointed to silk in 2021, Alexander Learmonth KC has a busy practice and an enviable reputation as a leading figure at the Chancery Bar. Described as “intellectually and technically remarkable” (Legal 500), he is renowned for his “first-rate strategic acumen” (Chambers HNW), and his “great advocacy and cross-examination skills” (Legal 500).  Besides being “an excellent trial lawyer, cerebral but assertive”, “a commanding advocate”, “stellar on paper and on his feet”, and “a true team player who rolls up his sleeves,” he is also noted for being “charming” and “affable” with clients at what is often a stressful time.

His principal areas of practice are succession and trusts, both at home and abroad, having appeared in many major cases, at every level of court, including the first probate case ever to reach the Supreme Court, Marley v Rawlings. He is editor of leading Sweet & Maxwell textbooks: ‘Theobald on Wills‘ and ‘Williams, Mortimer & Sunnucks on Executors, Administrators and Probate‘.

He has particular expertise in relation to the law of mental capacity, both domestically in the Court of Protection and in the High Court, and abroad.

Alexander is also a recognised expert in the law of property, ranked by the Legal 500 for ‘Property Litigation’ and ‘Agriculture’, with several Court of Appeal decisions to his name.

He also regularly handles professional negligence claims (for claimants, professionals and insurers) arising in related fields, and has experience in dealing with the trust, property and succession issues arising in the context of Family proceedings.

Alexander won ‘Advocate of the Year’ at the prestigious STEP Private Client Awards 2020, having previously been named ‘Contentious Barrister of the Year  by ACTAPS in 2015, and shortlisted for Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2019. He then served as one of the Presiding Judges for the STEP Private Client Awards 2021 and 2022.

He is a certified mediator (IMI), having completed a CMC-accredited course in 2020. He is a great believer in mediation and other forms of ADR as a tool for resolving of succession disputes and brings his expertise to bear both when acting as mediator and when representing a party to a mediation to encourage mutually acceptable solutions.

Alexander is also the Deputy Chancellor for the Diocese of Derby.

He also appeared as an expert commentator on ‘Inheritance Wars: Who gets the money?’ on Channel 5.

Qualified 2000; Lincoln’s Inn. Publications of note: editor ‘Theobald on Wills’ (18th, 2016); contributor ‘Williams, Mortimer & Sunnucks on Executors, Administrators and Probate’ (20th ed and supplement) and ‘Probate Practitioners Handbook’ (6th ed). Public access trained.

STEP; ACTAPS; Chancery Bar Association Committee; Barrister’s Benevolent Association Committee.

New College, Oxford (1999 BA jurisprudence, college exhibitioner).

Singing in choirs and as soloist and in operas; cycling.