Mark joins Lodders from a Top 50 UK law firm with extensive family law experience.

He has also been made an equity partner to further drive the growth of Lodders’ family law services.

Paul Mourton, managing partner at Lodders, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to Lodders.

“He is inarguably the best family lawyer in the region and brings with this a real human approach that fits the Lodders culture and ethos.

“Mark is one of only a handful of family law specialists outside of London with genuine expertise in the most complicated financial and children matters both regionally and where there is an international and London element.

“With his wealth protection expertise, Mark is a valuable addition to our team and will be a key player as we consolidate our position as a leading private client law firm.”

Mark brings many years’ experience practising family law and joins Lodders from a Top 50 UK law firm.

He is ranked as a ‘Band 1’ lawyer in Chambers & Partners and a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Legal 500 rankings.

He brings significant expertise in protecting wealth through nuptial agreements and is sought out for his ability to challenge prenuptial agreements.

He regularly represents victims of narcissistic and other abuse and those against whom false allegations have been made, whether in the context of children or financial disputes.

Over the years Mark has built up a niche practice advising families from Asian backgrounds, often instructed by those from the Sikh and Islamic communities for his understanding of the unique family dynamics and the legal implications that can arise.

Mark also has a strong reputation in acting for professionals, sportspeople, footballers and their partners, an area he understands well having played as a semi-professional footballer alongside his early legal career.

Mark said: “Lodders has a stellar reputation for combining excellent legal advice with genuine care for its clients and its people.

“That combination matters greatly to me, especially in family law, where the emotional demands can be significant.

“Lodders struck me immediately as a firm of excellent lawyers with strong values, and I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting stage in its growth.

“The existing family team already has real strength and a first-class reputation, having been expertly led by Vivienne Middleton and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with Vivienne as we build on that success.

“In addition to my role as head of family, I am also looking forward to working closely with Lodders’ leadership team.”