Region Area

Barristers

Alex Chakmakjian

Alex Chakmakjian

1MCB, London

Work Department

Crime; Immigration & asylum; Regulatory; Public law & judicial review; International human rights; Prison law

Position

Alex is regularly instructed on complex and challenging immigration and asylum cases.  He has a particular interest in assisting vulnerable clients, children and those with mental health issues.  His substantial experience in criminal law means that he has significant insight into issues arising from deportation matters.

Through his expertise in representing victims of trafficking, Alex worked to establish and clarify the key principles that can arise in such cases in the reported case of DC (Trafficking, Protection/Human Rights appeals: Albania) [2019] UKUT 351 (IAC).  The judges, including the President of the Upper Tribunals (IAC), commended Alex on his helpful analysis of the caselaw, which informed much of the leading judgment (para.13).

Alex also has a depth of experience in statelessness, family life and EUSS cases.  He is frequently asked to deal with judicial review matters on a broad range of immigration cases, and advises on student and business visas, as well as entry clearance.

Alex is especially happy to assist in complex bail applications and challenges to the lawfulness of detention, and has a substantial history of involvement in such cases.

Before joining Chambers, Alex was a senior caseworker at a prominent London immigration firm, working on the Gurkha litigation.  When he first joined Chambers in 2010, he assisted in preparing the landmark case of ZH (Tanzania) v SSHD [2011] UKSC 4 in the Supreme Court.

He is also qualified to accept instructions from members of the public directly.

Career

Called to the Bar 2009

Education

LLB (Hons), University of Southampton LLM, University College London – Law and International Human Rights BVC, College of Law