Mark Friend

Call To The Bar: 2002

OVERVIEW

Mark has rapidly developed an extremely busy Crown Court practice, covering all aspects of criminal law. Although he is often sought as prosecuting counsel by the CPS his practice is predominantly based in defending a wide range of cases. He joined Lincoln House in 2011.

Mark has extensive experience of cases spanning the entire spectrum of criminal law. He has been instructed in a variety of serious and complex cases that have received considerable media attention including prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (F.A.C.T.). Mark also undertakes regulatory cases and is often instructed to act on behalf of the General MedIcal Council.

Mark has also acted as junior counsel in a number of cases including those involving allegations of serious sexual misconduct, large scale drug conspiracies, substantial frauds and money laundering. He has experience of video and TV link cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses and is regarded as a meticulous preparer of the cases in which he is instructed.

Mark has a keen interest in road traffic law and has developed an enviable reputation for successfully defending motorists across the country in privately funded cases. Mark adopts a pro-active and determined approach to his cases, placing a premium upon thorough preparation and dedicated client care. Clients, both professional and lay, regard him as approachable and very committed.
Mark is a member of the Sports Law Direct team which provides representation at disciplinary hearings and regulatory matters. He also offers awareness seminars for sporting figures on staying within the law both in and outside the sporting area – conduct, public order, alcohol, driving, sexual behaviour and privacy.

“I’d just like to comment on how amazing Mark Friend was yesterday at Chester Crown Court. He managed to achieve a suspended sentence order for my client in a case which would have usually resulted in an automatic prison sentence.

He really turned the tide with the Judge. In his mitigation he was so articulate but extremely emotive whilst managing to convey every aspect of the difficult circumstances and supporting evidence to warrant the Judge departing from his guidelines.

“His family and I are so grateful to Mark.” – Instructing Solicitor

“Can I just and express my gratitude to Mr Friend, what an absolute fantastic job he did representing me, I really couldn’t of asked for a better barrister” – Feedback to instructing solicitor following acquittal in rape trial