Mark Gudgeon

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.