Mark Jones is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution Department. Mark specialises in defence and investigations for both individuals and corporates. He regularly advises clients who have complex problems which require a multi-disciplinary approach. Often Mark’s work is multi-jurisdictional. Mark’s experience is recognised by Chambers High Net Worth, Legal 500, Spear’s and CityWealth.
Mark’s practice covers matters being investigated by a wide range of authorities such as the SFO, FCA, HMRC and the police as well as other regulators and bodies. Mark also has substantial experience in the range of different parliamentary investigations. He advises from the outset of matters and is able to devise a bespoke strategy for his clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.. Mark’s work is often sensitive and high profile and he works closely with members of the firm’s Privacy & Media team in order to provide a seamless service to clients.
In addition to his white-collar practice, Mark also represents clients accused of criminal conduct. Given Mark’s extensive defence experience, he is also able to advise victims of crime on the avenues available to them. This dovetails with Mark’s experience in conducting private prosecutions. Mark also conducts internal investigations for corporates concerning whistleblowing or alleged wrongdoing, as well as representing employees in internal investigations and interviews. With experience of reviewing and drafting compliance policies and procedures for corporate clients, Mark has significant experience across the business crime and compliance practice areas. He regularly provides training to clients on compliance areas such as anti-money laundering, the facilitation of tax evasion and bribery and corruption.
Mark is a regular commentator in the press with his thoughts being featured in The Times, The Telegraph, CityAM, Tatler and others.
Qualified 2005, joined Payne Hick Beach 2022, partner 2022.
Chambers UK Guide 2025 ranks Mark Jones for ‘Financial Crime: High Net Worth Individuals (UK-wide)’.
Mark is a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2024. He is recognised as being “utterly exceptional – the man to see if you’re in trouble” and is said to have “an incredible gift for making things go away”. He is known as “a first class fraud lawyer, who is able to draw on his experience in defending complex and serious white collar criminal cases to defend in general crime as well.”
The Legal 500 UK 2024 recommends Mark under two categories: Crime: general and Fraud: white collar crime (advice to individuals).
Mark is ranked in The Spear’s Criminal Law and White Collar Crime Index 2024 as “Recommended” with a focus on criminal and regulatory defence.
Comments in The Legal 500 UK include:
“Mark Jones is fantastic for individuals work. He has great client care skills and deep knowledge and experience of white-collar crime matters. He is tactically astute and unflappable.”
“Mark Jones is a very impressive fraud lawyer with huge knowledge in the field and with a first-class approach to strategy. He also has excellent client care skills, and is very responsive.
“A growing presence in the field of criminal law, particularly white-collar crime.”
“Mark Jones is a first class fraud lawyer, who is able to draw on his experience in defending complex and serious white collar criminal cases to defend in general crime as well. He is a great tactician, and he has first class client care skills.”
“Mark Jones knows his law, has a great rapport with clients, and exudes class. Top drawer.”
“Mark Jones is a man to see if you need help and are in big trouble.”
“Mark Jones is wonderful to work with. He has sound judgement, excellent client care skills, and is strategically a great tactician.”
“Mark Jones provides an exceptional service both to clients and counsel alike: he is analytical, thoughtful, attentive and his instincts are spot-on.”
“I’ve worked with Mark Jones on a complex cartel case, brought by the payment systems regulator. He is fantastic to work with, excellent with the client, and brilliant on the law. He gets to grips with the detail of a case but can also stand back and see the big picture. I would highly recommend.”