Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon)

Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon) is an experienced barrister, writer and educator specialising in mental capacity, mental health and healthcare law. He writes extensively in these areas, contributing to leading textbooks and publications, including the 39 Essex Chambers Mental Capacity Law Report. He is the creator of the website Mental Capacity Law and Policy, which provides specialist resources and commentary on complex mental capacity issues.

Alongside his legal practice, Alex is Professor of Practice at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London, Visiting Professor at the University of West London, Visiting Senior Lecturer at IoPPN, King’s College London, and a Research Affiliate at the University of Essex. He lectures widely on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 and trains professionals across health, social care and the legal system.

Alex has made significant contributions to national policy and law reform, including work with the Law Commission, the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Joint Committee on Human Rights. He also sits on the Court of Protection Rules Committee and contributes to professional committees addressing mental health, disability and cross border capacity issues. In 2022, Alex was appointed Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa) in recognition of his contribution to mental capacity and mental health law outside the courtroom.