Mark is head of chambers at Cotswold Barristers, a niche direct access set based in Cheltenham. He was the authorised litigator and junior counsel for the representative claimant in Alexander v West Bromwich Mortgage Company, the largest direct access case to date.
Mark Smith explains how the ‘mortgage tracker loans case’, a direct access group action, made novel use of crowdfunding and BARCO
Widely trailed in the broadsheets as the largest-ever direct access case, Alexander v West Bromwich Mortgage Company Ltd [2016] EWCA Civ 496 was covered by the legal and financial press and analysed by commentators, academics and major firms of solicitors.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Human rights cases don’t come bigger than this. Tim Otty KC, lead counsel for the Government of Ukraine in its case before the European Court against Russia, talks about the significance of this landmark ruling and other pro bono highlights from his career at the Bar. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
