Mark Gudgeon

Mark is a senior solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team at Harper James. He has more than 20 years’ post-qualification experience helping private and public sector clients resolve complex commercial disputes. Mark joined Harper James in 2019, having previously practised at Freeths, Nabarro (now CMS), and Pannone.

He advises on a wide range of disputes, with particular expertise in complex contractual disputes, public procurement challenges, IT and outsourcing matters, reputational issues and defamation.

Mark combines strategic advice with practical risk management. He supports clients through negotiation, settlement discussions, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings, helping them choose the route most likely to achieve their commercial objectives.

“I focus first on understanding the real commercial objective, identifying the key issues and agreeing a clear, practical plan with the client. That clarity from the outset provides the best foundation for a successful outcome.”

Mark helps clients identify and address the causes of conflict early, before disputes become more entrenched or disruptive. He works with clients to agree a clear resolution strategy, protect commercial relationships where possible, maintain supplier or contractor performance and manage reputational risk through careful communication.

Examples of Mark’s work are:

• Advised a business on resolving a multi-million-pound dispute arising from a long-term outsourcing agreement, helping it protect continuity of service while pursuing its contractual remedies.
• Acted for a bidder challenging a public procurement process for a £15 million contract, providing urgent advice on the merits, evidence and available remedies.
• Supported a technology supplier in a complex contractual dispute concerning the scope, delivery and performance of a major IT implementation project.
• Advised a business facing potentially damaging online allegations, developing a response strategy to protect its reputation and reduce defamation risk.
• Helped a commercial client resolve a long-running supplier and high-value dispute through negotiation and settlement, avoiding the cost and disruption of formal proceedings.

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. Mark enjoys callisthenics and strength training, cycling, and whatever else keeps him active and healthy. He also plays guitar and drums and regularly watches live music.