An early case of note was his successful defence of Dr Caroline Deys before the General Medical Council in 1972.

[3][4] Alexander was one of the leading barristers of his generation and served as Chairman of the Bar Council 1985–86.

As a barrister he came to greater public fame representing Lord Archer in his libel case against the Daily Star in 1987.

He retired from the Bar in 1989, and served as Chairman of National Westminster Bank from 1989 to 1999.

He and his family were hosts to the annual Weedon Jazz evening for several years, used to raise money for the village.