Mark is a partner specialising in matters that relate to children. Recognised as leader in his field, Mark is regularly appointed by CAFCASS to represent children in complex care proceedings and in difficult disputes between parents, often with an international element. Mark also has experience in assisting parents looking to relocate permanently form the jurisdiction or seeking to prevent such applications.

Mark attended Warwick University and qualified as a solicitor in 1997. Examples of his recent work include:

• Successfully preventing a removal from the jurisdiction to allow a father and daughter to remain together
• Representing parents in cases involving local authorities
• Representing parents in cases involving parental alienation
• Appearing in the Family Court to assist in resolving disputes between parents regarding their children
• Guiding birth parents and prospective adopters through the adoption process.

Mark is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, and a Resolution Accredited Specialist.

Mark’s personal testimonials:

Chambers and Partners (2024) – “He is very professional and an expert.”

Chambers and Partners (2023) – “Mark is at home in both public and private law work and brings proactive and out-of-the-box thinking to difficult cases.” “Mark provides clear, no-nonsense advice and has an ability to tailor it to meet his client’s needs. He takes an objective view of complex family matters to ensure that he guides clients to adopt tactically wise positions.”

Chambers and Partners (2022) – Mark Smith has notable expertise in private law and public law children’s cases. “Mark Smith has a very calm approach with clients.”

Legal 500 (2022) – Mark Smith leads the firm’s children law focus on both public and private matters, with a particular specialism in international relocation work.

“You have done a great and highly professional job from the start! Keep up the great work you all do especially for those of us who really need your professional help and support like I have!”

Ian, April 2021

Chambers and Partners (2020) – He is adept at advising on difficult issues related to parental alienation, international relocation and surrogacy, among other matters. “He was marvellous,” one client attests; “he put the case to the judge so well and gave me confidence in what I had to say as well.”

Chambers and Partners (2019) – notes that Mark has “a sound grasp of legal practice and is methodical, sensitive and focused.”

Legal 500 (2018) – Mark is “vastly skilled in care proceedings and skilled in case management.”

Chambers and Partners (2017) – one source comments “he is brilliant, reliable and engages well with children. He gives great advice and is very supportive.”

Outside of work, Mark can be found out on the water paddle boarding, surfing and wherever possible, rowing.