Chalk: Criminal law specialist
Former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC has left the self-employed Bar to become a partner in the London office of US law firm Jones Day.
Last month, Mr Chalk became what is thought to be the first former Lord Chancellor to return to the criminal courts when he prosecuted a murder trial at the Old Bailey.
A former Solicitor-General too, he lost his Cheltenham seat at last July’s election after nine years as a Conservative MP.
During the 16 years prior to that practising from 6KBW College Hill, where he returned last year, Mr Chalk prosecuted and defended in a wide range of criminal cases, including serious fraud – acting for the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority among others – terrorism, homicide and serious sexual violence.
He has also privately prosecuted a matter involving the criminal misappropriation of online metadata, and acted on behalf of company directors accused of offences under the Insolvency Act 1986.
Jones Day highlighted his role in promoting the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
Sion Richards, leader of Jones Day’s global disputes practice, said: “His extensive experience as both a prosecutor and defence counsel at the criminal Bar, coupled with his tenure in various senior government roles, makes him an exceptional advocate for our clients.
“Whether our clients are confronting a crisis or aiming to avert one, Alex’s insightful guidance and proactive compliance strategies will be instrumental in navigating these complex challenges.”
Ted Chung, leader of the firm’s investigations & white collar defence practice added: “Alex’s well-rounded experience with major corporate investigations and prosecutions will provide great value to clients in mitigating regulatory risk and handling high-stakes domestic and cross-border investigations.”
Mr Chalk said: “I am excited to join the exceptional team at Jones Day, where the emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and commitment to worldwide client service seems to me to be second to none.”
Under government rules, former ministers are banned from lobbying for two years after they leave office and must seek advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments on any appointments or employment they wish to take up in that time. The committee has not yet published its advice to him, however.
Mr Chalk is not the first former Lord Chancellor to go and work for law firms. We reported last year that Sir Robert Buckland KC had taken on a second law firm consultancy role after joining the policy team at leading defendant practice DAC Beachcroft.
He was to be paid £50,000 a year for 12 hours a month, adding to the £48,000 a year for 32 hours a month he received from London firm Payne Hicks Beach, where he was appointed head of policy and senior counsel a year earlier.
Lord Falconer, who as Lord Chancellor introduced the Legal Services Act 2007, is a partner in the London office of US firm Gibson Dunn.
Lord Goldsmith, who was Attorney General under Tony Blair between 2001 and 2007, then joined the London office of US firm Debevoise & Plimpton. He is now its London co-managing partner and chair of European and Asian litigation.
