Mark Gudgeon

Senior Dispute Resolution Solicitor

Get in touch

Mark is a highly experienced commercial dispute resolution solicitor who joined Harper James in May 2019.

Mark joined Harper James having spent the previous year and a half at Freeths LLP. Prior to that he spent over nine years at Nabarro (which became CMS) and before that five years at Pannone LLP.

Having qualified in 2003, Mark has in excess of 15 years' post qualification experience working with private and public sector clients resolving commercial disputes through negotiation, settlement meetings, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings. Mark acts on a wide variety of commercial disputes including shareholders disputes, professional negligence, breach of warranty claims, injunctive relief, judicial review and complex debt. His stand out areas of expertise are complex contractual disputes, public procurement challenges, IT/Outsourcing and reputational management (including defamation).

I enjoy the varied nature of the work that I do. You learn about lots of different types of businesses and work with many interesting and intelligent people.

I also relish the problem solving that the work requires. I like to work out what the issues are, what the client wants to achieve and get a plan agreed at the outset. Having clarity in the working relationship from the off, and making sure that the desired outcomes are what is really needed and achievable, lays solid foundations for success.

Mark advises and assists clients on the avoidance of commercial disputes through inputting into organisational and strategic thinking, risk management and the use and construction of documents, particularly in areas such as public procurement, contract negotiation and IT/outsourcing. Where disputes cannot be avoided, Mark advises and assists clients on their containment through recognising and dealing with sources of conflict (including over personalisation, entrenchment, denial), settlement/resolution strategy, maximising on-going supplier/contractor performance and reputational management (through effective public communications, avoiding defamation and maximising market reputation).

Mark regularly provides training to clients, particularly in the areas of public procurement, judicial review and avoiding litigation. His most recent training focused on key issues, strategy and tactics for public procurement challenges.

Mark has been described by clients as able to "familiarise himself with the detail of both long running disputes in an incredibly short space of time" and for providing "extreme professionalism and value". He has also been praised for being "extremely responsive", for having a "high level of interpersonal skills" and being "a pleasure to work with".

Mark is married with two children (Rose 9 and Harry 7). Mark enjoys calisthenics/strength training, cycling, running and whatever else keeps him active and healthy. He also plays guitar and drums and regularly watches live music.

Mark has also taken part in our Spotlight on a Solicitor series, sharing his journey into law and proudest career moments. Read the interview to hear about his life in law.


TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

Mark is always extremely helpful and professional. He has become an extension of our legal team and is a great asset.
Jeanette McCartan Commercial Customer Experiance Manager, Moorepay Limited
Very efficient and professional. feel I made the right choice in choosing Harper James
Colin Hepplestone Founder & Owner, IDT Support Solutions
Supportive and straight talking. A pleasure to work with Mark and the team.
Laura Crawford CEO & Founder, Mama Bamboo
Clear, simple language, friendly to deal with.
Lisa McLaren Management Accountant, The Support Group
Great customer service with experienced staff. Mark and the HJS team worked well with us and took the stress out of a situation. Advised us proactively to achieve the the best outcome for our situation.
Paul Smith COO, Incuto
Mark is always extremely helpful and professional. He has become an extension of our legal team and is a great asset.
Jeanette McCartan Commercial Customer Experiance Manager, Moorepay Limited
Very efficient and professional. feel I made the right choice in choosing Harper James
Colin Hepplestone Founder & Owner, IDT Support Solutions
Supportive and straight talking. A pleasure to work with Mark and the team.
Laura Crawford CEO & Founder, Mama Bamboo
Clear, simple language, friendly to deal with.
Lisa McLaren Management Accountant, The Support Group
Great customer service with experienced staff. Mark and the HJS team worked well with us and took the stress out of a situation. Advised us proactively to achieve the the best outcome for our situation.
Paul Smith COO, Incuto


Interested in working with Mark?

Please leave us your details and we’ll contact you to discuss your situation and legal requirements. There’s no charge for your initial consultation, and no-obligation to instruct us. We aim to respond to all messages received within 24 hours.

Mark Gudgeon

Mark Gudgeon

Senior Dispute Resolution Solicitor

Your data will only be used by Harper James Solicitors. We will never sell your data and promise to keep it secure. You can find further information in our Privacy Policy.

Our offices

A national law firm

A national law firm

Our commercial lawyers are based in or close to major cities across the UK, providing expert legal advice to clients both locally and nationally.

We mainly work remotely, so we can work with you wherever you are. But we can arrange face-to-face meeting at our offices or a location of your choosing.

Head Office

Floor 5, Cavendish House, 39-41 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5PP
Regional Spaces

Capital Tower Business Centre, 3rd Floor, Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AG
Stirling House, Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9QE
13th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT
10 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HP
Harwell Innovation Centre, 173 Curie Avenue, Harwell, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QG
1st Floor, Dearing House, 1 Young St, Sheffield, S1 4UP
White Building Studios, 1-4 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2NP
A national law firm

To access legal support from just £145 per hour arrange your no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your business requirements.

Make an enquiry