• "Mark is a master tactician. He has the ability to consider a case from all angles." Chambers UK 2023

  • 'An expert strategist who displays ceaseless determination and energy to pursue a client's case to the best possible outcome.' Chambers UK 2019
  • 'A real grafter with good common sense, he fights his clients’ corner aggressively but politely.' Legal 500 2018
  • 'A devastating tactician and cross-examiner.' The Legal 500 2018
 

Mark Aldred

Called to the Bar:1996

  • Overview

    A phenomenal strategist and an outstanding advocate, Mark Aldred is committed to the client and always delivers.

    Corporate & Financial Crime 

    Mark Aldred is often instructed to defend in large complex investigations conducted by the SFO, especially where the cases involve an international element. He is extremely tactically aware and is often instructed early in the process to advise upon Section 2 orders, particularly where it is unclear whether an individual is a witness or a suspect. He specialises in bribery and corruption investigations whether conduct is pre- or post the 2010 Act.

    Crime 

    Mark Aldred gained considerable experience of the most sensitive and high-profile cases involving terrorism and murder before moving his focus to the defence of individuals.He defended the GP Dr Howard Martin charged with against multiple counts of murder. His expertise in the field of professional discipline places him in the unique position of being able to expertly deal with professional clients through dual criminal, regulatory enquiries and associated coroner’s inquests, where a death has occurred. 

    Regulatory 

    Mark has brought the skills he has gleaned from his serious criminal practice to the regulatory stage with incredible success. Now with a focus on professional discipline, he has worked across a vast number of tribunals. His particular expertise is in police discipline, he is one of the leading specialists in police law and is sought out to advise on the most complex and impacting issues for the police federation and its members.

    Public Law

    Mark Aldred has specific expertise of representing professionals at inquests where their involvement in a death arises from their work as professionals. His knowledge of the fields of professional discipline and crime have led to him being considered the natural choice in this field, particularly so for police officers and medical professionals.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2024: Business and Regulatory Crime (Including Global Investigations) - Tier 2

    Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2023: Police Law (Forces and Constables) – Tier 2; Business and Regulatory Crime (Including Global Investigations) - Tier 2

    "He is absolutely fierce, determined and hard-working." Chambers UK Financial Crime (2024)

    'Mark is a master tactician. He has the ability to consider a case from all angles.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2023)

    'He is fiercely clever and very dedicated to his clients. He has good judgement and real strategic sense. He knows how to run a case strategically in front of a jury.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2022)

    'A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.' Legal 500 Police Law (Defendant) (2022)

    'He is a very high-flying advocate who is exceptionally able.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2021)

    'A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.' Legal 500 Police Law: Defendant (2021)

    ‘He's tactically brilliant and he challenges absolutely everything to such a point that you can almost see the will of his opponents drain away.’ Chambers UK Financial Crime (2020)

    ‘He is an accomplished strategist.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2020)

    ‘A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2020)

    ‘An expert strategist who displays ceaseless determination and energy to pursue a client's case to the best possible outcome. His skill in handling SFO investigations and leading teams of lawyers is extremely valuable.’ Chambers UK Financial Crime (2019)

    ‘A real grafter with good common sense, he fights his clients’ corner aggressively but politely.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2018)

    ‘A devastating tactician and cross-examiner.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2018)

    ‘An excellent strategist with ceaseless energy to pursue cases to the best possible outcome.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    ‘An excellent strategist with ceaseless energy to pursue cases to the best possible outcome.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    ‘He works well in a team, and is thoughtful and incisive.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2017)

    Appointments

    • Legal assessor in police disciplinary hearings

    Education

    • BVC Inns of Court School of Law
    • LLB (Hons) UCL London

       

    Privacy Notice

    Recent Cases

    News

    Articles

  • Corporate and Financial Crime

    A senior junior employing his keen intellect and ability to master the voluminous and complex in the field of corporate and financial crime; as he has turned his focus to the defence of SFO investigations, Mark Aldred has impressed the market.

    Overview

    Mark Aldred is often instructed to defend in large complex investigations conducted by the SFO, especially where the cases involve an international element. He is extremely tactically aware and is often instructed early in the process to advise upon Section 2 orders, particularly where it is unclear whether an individual is a witness or a suspect. He specialises in bribery and corruption investigations whether conduct is pre- or post the 2010 Act.

    Experience 

    Mark’s understanding of the complex, his astute judgement and commitment to not just the client but the team he is working with has proven him an invaluable asset in the defence of numerous SFO investigations. Widely recognised as an exceptional advocate, Mark has also established a reputation for his advisory skills; he identifies the issues to be dealt with at the earliest stages of the investigation and swiftly provides a solution. 

    Mark was recently engaged to act for the first defendant in the Unaoil trial and played a pivotal role in uncovering and challenging SFO misconduct - conduct which led the trial judge ordering an internal inquiry. He is also currently instructed to act for the first defendant in the upcoming SFO prosecution of individuals in the G4S trial.

    Notable Cases

    SFO Investigation into G4S (ongoing)
    Instructed to represent an individual arising from the SFO corruption investigation into the G4S and SERCO in relation to Government Contracts. 

    SFO Investigation into Unaoil
    Instructed to represent Ziad Akle in an investigation and trial into the £4.9m bribery plot to win oil deals in Iraq.  Mark argued that the conduct of the SFO management amounted to an abuse. 

    R v Taylor (2015)  
    Police officer charged with fraud and offences under the Insolvency Act as a result of statements made during liquidation proceedings. Instructed by Burton Copeland.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2024: Business and Regulatory Crime (Including Global Investigations) - Tier 2

    Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2023: Business and Regulatory Crime (Including Global Investigations) - Tier 2

    'Mark is a master tactician. He has the ability to consider a case from all angles.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2023)

    'He is fiercely clever and very dedicated to his clients. He has good judgement and real strategic sense. He knows how to run a case strategically in front of a jury.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2022)

    'He is a very high-flying advocate who is exceptionally able.' Chambers UK Financial Crime (2021)

    ‘He's tactically brilliant and he challenges absolutely everything to such a point that you can almost see the will of his opponents drain away.’ Chambers UK Financial Crime (2020)

    ‘He is an accomplished strategist.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2020)

    ‘An expert strategist who displays ceaseless determination and energy to pursue a client's case to the best possible outcome. His skill in handling SFO investigations and leading teams of lawyers is extremely valuable.’ Chambers UK Financial Crime (2019)

    ‘A real grafter with good common sense, he fights his clients’ corner aggressively but politely.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2018)

    ‘An excellent strategist with ceaseless energy to pursue cases to the best possible outcome.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    Recent Cases

    News

  • Crime

    A consummate advocate with vast experience of the most serious and sensitive crimes, Mark Aldred has skill, energy and absolute commitment to his client; he is the sort of counsel you want in your corner.

    Overview 

    Mark Aldred gained considerable experience of the most sensitive and high-profile cases involving terrorism and murder before moving his focus to the defence of individuals. He defended the GP Dr Howard Martin charged with against multiple counts of murder. His expertise in the field of professional discipline places him in the unique position of being able to expertly deal with professional clients through dual criminal, regulatory enquiries and associated coroner’s inquests, where a death has occurred. 

    Experience 

    Mark is a former Treasury Counsel monitoree, as a result of which, he has been engaged in advising the Attorney General's Office in appellate cases and has dealt with the most serious cases at the Central Criminal Court. His work has often involved complex and often sensitive issues such as PII, disclosure, legal privilege and supergrass evidence. Mark led for the prosecution in cases stemming from the Chandlers Ford armed robbery shooting; he was also engaged to act in the inquest arising from the shooting.Mark also acted in R v Percival in both the Crown Court and Court of Appeal, a case of gangland murder and police corruption so sensitive that he worked with a specialist team from a covert location. He subsequently liaised with the CCRC in relation to a review of the supergrass evidence. 

    Mark has come to specialise in the defence of professionals, both in the regulatory and criminal spheres. This is most evident in his defence of police officers although expands to the medical and legal professions.

    Mark’s experience is vast and varied, he has dealt with the most heinous crimes, from the cradle to the grave, and has developed expertise in the numerous complex issues that have arisen. His knowledge of other legal arenas places him exceptionally well to provide the full package to any client.

    Notable Cases

    R v Clark & Drury (2011)
    Mark Aldred acted for the defence in this historic police corruption case.

    R v Percival (2010)
    Prosecution of a gangland murder involving police corruption and supergrass evidence.

    Reviews

    'He is fiercely clever and very dedicated to his clients.' Chambers UK (2022)

    'He is a very high-flying advocate who is exceptionally able.' Chambers UK (2021)

    ‘He's tactically brilliant and he challenges absolutely everything to such a point that you can almost see the will of his opponents drain away.’ Chambers UK (2020)

    ‘He is an accomplished strategist.’ Legal 500 (2020)

    ‘An expert strategist who displays ceaseless determination and energy to pursue a client's case to the best possible outcome. Chambers UK (2019)

    ‘A real grafter with good common sense, he fights his clients’ corner aggressively but politely.’ Legal 500 (2018)

    ‘An excellent strategist with ceaseless energy to pursue cases to the best possible outcome.’ Legal 500 (2017)

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Mark Aldred comments on the liability of 999 response drivers

      The Police Federation of England and Wales warned its members that there is no exemption from prosecution for careless or dangerous driving for response units.

      Read more

    • Doubts over credibility of supergrass Neil Putnam

      “'Substantial doubts' raised over credibility of supergrass Neil Putnam who 'exposed' Met Police corruption after Stephen Lawrence murder case”http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/substantial-doubts-raised-over-credibility-of-supergrass-...

      Read more

  • Regulatory

    An absolute expert in the field of professional regulation with a particular focus on Police Discipline, Mark Aldred is the go-to senior junior in this field; what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing.

    Overview 

    Mark has brought the skills he has gleaned from his serious criminal practice to the regulatory stage with incredible success. Now with a focus on professional discipline, he has worked across a vast number of tribunals. His particular expertise is in police discipline, he is one of the leading specialists in police law and is sought out to advise on the most complex and impacting issues for the police federation and its members.

    Experience 

    Mark Aldred specialises in regulatory matters and is instructed to defend professionals in various tribunals including the SDT, NMC and RICS. 

    Police Discipline
    In the field of police law, he is one of the leading specialists with more than 18 years’ experience as a barrister together with prior experience as a Police Sergeant for the Metropolitan Police. He is regularly instructed by the Police Federation to act for its members in the most high-profile police cases including Moat, Plebgate, the Savile inquiry and the Holden pursuit case. He is widely considered to be the lead advisor for the Police Federation in relation to the law and regulations surrounding Police Driving. Mark spearheads the legal campaign on behalf of ACPO and the Police Federation to amend the law surrounding police pursuits. He was instrumental in bringing about the change in the DPP's revised guidance regarding prosecution of emergency response drivers, drafted a Private Member's Bill to bring about change and acted for the defence in the leading Court of Appeal case of McAll. He currently engages with the Home Office and Dept of Transport about changes in the law surrounding Emergency Response driving.

    He also acted for DS JB in her appeal, successfully challenging the findings of the disciplinary panel and the Chief Constable. The matter concerned the Charlene Downe murder review and subsequently became the subject of a Panorama documentary.

    Mark’s knowledge, experience, energy and committed personable approach make him ideally suited to representing professionals during the course of an investigation as well as advising and acting for a regulator.

    Notable Cases

    Moat (2011)
    Mark Aldred was instructed to represent firearms officers involved in Moat shooting.

    Reviews

    Legal 500 2023: Police Law (Forces and Constables) – Tier 2

    'A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.' Legal 500 Police Law (Defendant) (2022)

    'A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.' Legal 500 Police Law: Defendant (2021)

    ‘A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2020)

    ‘A devastating tactician and cross-examiner.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2018)

    ‘He works well in a team, and is thoughtful and incisive.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2017)

    ‘He works well in a team, and is thoughtful and incisive.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2017)

    ‘Mark Aldred's knowledge of not just police procedures but also his awareness of police culture and hierarchy is invaluable... Aldred continually demonstrates an empathy and understanding and shows a quick mind and outstanding advocacy skills.’  Legal 500

    Recent Cases

    News

    Articles

  • Inquests, Inquiries and Public Law

    Notable experience of inquests and specifically of representing professional participants, Mark Aldred is recognised for his commitment to the client and for obtaining the best possible outcome for them.

    Overview 

    Mark Aldred has specific expertise of representing professionals at inquests where their involvement in a death arises from their work as professionals. His knowledge of the fields of professional discipline and crime have led to him being considered the natural choice in this field, particularly so for police officers and medical professionals.

    Experience

    Mark's experience of representing professionals at inquests is vast, often extending from his involvement in linked disciplinary proceedings. He acted for a Consultant following a CQC investigation into the Trust after a patient committed manslaughter having been released from psychiatric care. He also regularly acts for police officers involved in fatal pursuits and officers involved in deaths in police custody. 

    Mark’s work in professional regulation means he is ideally qualified to represent professionals in inquests. His experience of the GMC, NMC and GDC and police disciplinary tribunals has meant that he is well placed to represent those engaged in those professions when they are party to proceedings in the coroner's court.

    Mark’s detailed knowledge of the professions he has worked with, their regulations and culture means that he is the ideal candidate to represent those individuals facing further scrutiny via the Public Law route.

    Notable Cases

    Plebgate Inquiry (2013)
    Mark Aldred was instructed to represent the interests of a Police Federation lead in the Plebgate inquiry.

    Savile Inquiry (2012)
    Mark Aldred was instructed by The Police Federation of England and Wales to represent all officers affected by the Savile inquiry. 

    Inquest of Alan Long (2010)
    Acted for an interested party in the inquest into the death of a motorcyclist following a 44-minute police pursuit. 

    Reviews

    'A remarkable advocate with an unparalleled tactical approach to cases.' Legal 500 (2022)

    'He is a very high-flying advocate who is exceptionally able.' Chambers UK (2021)

    ‘He's tactically brilliant and he challenges absolutely everything to such a point that you can almost see the will of his opponents drain away.’ Chambers UK (2020)

    ‘An expert strategist who displays ceaseless determination and energy to pursue a client's case to the best possible outcome.’ Chambers UK (2019)

    ‘A real grafter with good common sense, he fights his clients’ corner aggressively but politely.’ Legal 500 (2018)

    ‘An excellent strategist with ceaseless energy to pursue cases to the best possible outcome.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    ‘He works well in a team, and is thoughtful and incisive.’ Legal 500 Police Law (2017)

    Recent Cases

    News