Alexander Bunzl

Alexander is instructed in probate, inheritance and trust disputes, including 1975 Inheritance Act claims and TOLATA claims. This has included a case where the defendants were alleged to have breached their fiduciary duties as executors and trustees to the estate. He is regularly asked to advise on proposed claims, including in relation to professional negligence and restitution. In particular, he has advised on the merits of applying to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal in a wills case. He is instructed in bankruptcy petitions and has advised clients on whether they have grounds to set aside a statutory demand.

In his commercial work, he has a wide-ranging practice. He defended a production company which was sued for breach of contract and advised clients on bringing an action against a wedding venue. He was junior counsel to Jacqueline Perry KC in a successful appeal relating to unjust enrichment and the enforceability of a contract. He is also instructed in cases brought under the Consumer Credit Act. Alexander accepts instructions from employers and employees at the Employment Tribunal. He recently represented a business at a conciliation hearing where he negotiated a settlement.

Recent cases:

Glaser & Anor v Atay [2023] EWHC 2539 (KB)

In this appeal, the Appellant/Defendant successfully argued the Claimants were not entitled to quantum meruit for work they had not undertaken. The payment term was unenforceable, running contrary to the provisions of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Alexander was junior counsel.

Santander Consumer (UK) PLC v Reut [2023]

The Claimant sued the Defendant for purchasing a second-hand car in circumstances where the original buyer had not paid off the finance. Alexander, acting for the Defendant, persuaded the Court that his client was a purchaser of the motor vehicle in good faith, doing so without notice of the conditional sale agreement.

Alexander often attends court for landlord & tenant cases, both residential and commercial. This includes multi-track possession hearings, anti-social behaviour injunctions and advising commercial tenants who seek relief from forfeiture. He successfully appealed in a case where a judge erred in law about whether a party was entitled to remain in the property. His work encompasses disrepair claims and Equality Act claims, representing landlords, tenants, local authorities and management directors.

In his property work, he has assisted with a dispute where the defendant was permitted to override an easement when using parking spaces for building works. He has acted for property owners as well as squatters in adverse possession claims, and his research was published in the City Law Journal. He has also advised on applications to the Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal and represented clients in relation to applications to vary leases and challenge service charges.

Recent cases:

Ozbay v Bahcecioglu [2023], an appeal

The Claimant had been represented at first instance by someone acting under a power of attorney. Alexander, acting for the Appellant/Defendant, argued the Court had not properly considered the test for whether someone acting under a power of attorney should be able to address the Court, and it should not have been permitted. Also, the Claim Form had not set out the grounds for possession, contrary to the Civil Procedure Rules. The Appeal succeeded on both accounts.

Alexander accepts instructions in planning inquiries, drawing on his experience from working in economic consulting. He is particularly interested in litigation relating to infrastructure projects and housing developments. He has been instructed in numerous matters where tenants have not complied with the local planning and building regulations. Separately, he is instructed by local authorities and housing associations in relation to environmental protection orders. He has obtained strike out and summary judgment in cases where the Claimant has not met the evidential burden to demonstrate a real prospect of success.

Alexander frequently appears in the Family Court, including at the High Court. He recently obtained judgment for a large proportion of the equity in the family home, arguing his client’s short marriage should be considered within the context of five years of cohabitation. In opposing an application to vary a final order, he successfully argued that an increase in the maintenance should be limited to inflationary adjustments. He is experienced in making applications, including for third party disclosure orders and injunctions to prevent the sale of matrimonial assets. His understanding of family matters has assisted clients where their cases coincide with proceedings in chancery law. In addition to financial remedies, Alexander has ample experience of child arrangement orders as well as non-molestation and occupation injunctions.

Alexander prides himself on giving frank advice in conferences while prioritising client objectives. He has advised about the rights of grandparents to apply for contact under the Children Act and considered the application of the Hague Rules where the children attended school in another jurisdiction. He has advised on whether loans from family members can be included in the asset schedule in financial remedy proceedings.

Alexander accepts instructions for personal injury and negligence cases, including fast track and multi-track trials. He has defended local authorities in personal injury claims brought under the Highways Act. Likewise, he has rebuffed attempts to disapply QOCs and has protected his clients from allegations of fundamental dishonesty. He can advise on quantum and assist in settlement negotiations. Alexander’s tortious work has included defending the police against allegations of false imprisonment, unlawful arrest and personal injury. He has represented the Chief Commissioners of the Metropolis, West Midlands Police and Devon & Cornwall Police. He often is asked to advise on liability and quantum in complex cases, most recently in a case where the next of kin were not notified after their relative died. He has obtained strike outs with findings of no merit for vexatious claims and advised a chief commissioner who obtained a civil restraint order.

Alexander accepts instructions from employers and employees at the Employment Tribunal. He represented a business at a conciliation hearing where he negotiated a settlement. He recently advised on an appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal arising from discrimination and has assisted with an application for costs.