Rt. Hon. Alex Chalk KC joins Jones Day as a partner in the Global Disputes Practice
The Rt. Hon. Alex Chalk KC will join Jones Day as a partner in the Global Disputes Practice based in the London Office.
Mr. Chalk is an English-qualified King's Counsel (KC). He served as Member of Parliament for Cheltenham from 2015-2024 and became the first MP from that seat to sit in Cabinet. His roles included Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, HM Solicitor General for England & Wales, and Minister of State for Prisons and Probation.
Before entering politics, Mr. Chalk had a rich and diverse career at the Bar. He advised and defended corporate clients in proceedings arising out of criminal investigations and government investigations, acting for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), among many others. He also has experience prosecuting on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC); the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (formerly the DTI); and local government bodies. In addition, he has privately prosecuted a matter involving the criminal misappropriation of online metadata, and has acted on behalf of company directors accused of offences under the Insolvency Act 1986. He recently finished prosecuting one of the UK's highest profile criminal trials of 2024. Mr. Chalk joins the Firm from 6KBW College Hill.
While in government, Mr. Chalk was involved in promotion of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which introduced the ''failure to prevent fraud'' offence (with a direct impact on companies' compliance programs for the prevention of fraud by associated persons) and reformed the UK's test for attributing criminal liability to corporates for economic crimes. As HM Solicitor General, he oversaw the Law Officers' Departments which includes the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office, as well as the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alex to Jones Day. 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," said Sion Richards, leader of Jones Day's Global Disputes Practice.
At Jones Day, Mr. Chalk joins one of the most formidable litigation law firms in the world. He will be part of an integrated practice of more than 200 Global Disputes lawyers, located in more than 25 business centers worldwide, who advise clients on how to successfully resolve high-value disputes wherever they arise, including in some of the world's most challenging jurisdictions.
"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," said Ted Chung, leader of the Firm's Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice.
"Alex's profound legal acumen will significantly enhance our already formidable team of disputes and investigations lawyers. Alex's addition underscores our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients in the UK and globally," said John Phillips, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day's London Office.
"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," said Mr. Chalk.
Mr. Chalk earned his BA from Magdalen College, Oxford, and his Diploma in Law from City University, London.
