Lodders signs new partner and head of Family Law

Lodders is delighted to announce the appointment of leading family law specialist Mark Hands, as head of our Family team. Mark has also been made an equity partner to further drive the strategic growth of Lodders’ family law services.

Mark brings many years’ experience practising family law and joins Lodders from a Top 50 UK law firm. Ranked as a  ‘Band 1’ lawyer in Chambers & Partners and a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Legal 500 rankings, he is also one of only four family lawyers in the Midlands to be recognised by the Doyles Guide as ‘preeminent’ and one of only two lawyers practising in Birmingham to be admitted as a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Spears 500 (widely regarded as one of the most prestigious guides for elite London practitioners) also listed him as a ‘Top Recommended’ lawyer. Mark sits as vice chair of the Family Law Committee of the Birmingham Law Society and on the Resolution Committee.

“The Rolls-Royce of solicitors”

Mark brings significant expertise in protecting wealth through nuptial agreements and is sought out for his ability to challenge prenuptial agreements. He regularly represents victims of narcissistic and other abuse and those against whom false allegations have been made, whether in the context of children or financial disputes.

Over the years Mark has built up a niche practice advising families from Asian backgrounds, often instructed by those from the Sikh and Islamic communities for his understanding of the unique family dynamics and the legal implications that can arise. He also has a strong reputation in acting for professionals, sportspeople, footballers and their partners, an area he understands well having played as a semi-professional footballer alongside his early legal career.

In Chambers & Partners, leading practitioners were quoted as saying about Mark:

• “Clients like him, there is no ego and he is down to earth.”
• “He is as good as it gets anywhere.”
• “Mark Hands is the best family lawyer that I have come across. I refer all my work to him. He is very clever, down to earth, knowledgeable and strategic.”
• “Mark is the Rolls-Royce of solicitors in this area of law; clients love him.”

A shared ethos and vision for the future

Commenting on his appointment, Mark says:

“What attracted me to Lodders was its longstanding reputation for combining excellent legal advice with genuine care for its clients and its people. That combination matters greatly to me, especially in family law, where the emotional demands can be significant.

“Lodders struck me immediately as a firm of good people with strong values, and I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting stage in its growth. The existing Family team already has real strength and an excellent reputation, having been expertly led by Vivienne Middleton and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with Vivienne as we build on that success. In addition to my role as head of Family, I am also looking forward to working closely with Lodders’ leadership team.”

Mark is focused on growing the team further, adding: “I want to continue building a team where talented lawyers feel genuinely supported, valued and able to thrive.”

Louise Igoe, partner and head of Lodders’ Private Client team, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mark to Lodders as head of our Family Law team. He is a highly experienced solicitor with a strong client care ethos, and his expertise will further strengthen our ability to support families in managing their wealth and planning for succession.”

Paul Mourton, managing partner at Lodders, adds:

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to Lodders. He is inarguably the best family lawyer in the region and brings with this a real human approach that fits the Lodders culture and ethos.

“Mark also brings a work capability to Lodders, as one of only a handful of family law specialists outside of London with genuine expertise in complicated financial and children matters where there is both an international and London element. He is a valuable addition to our team and will be a key player as we consolidate our position as a leading private client law firm.”

Mark’s appointment brings the number of equity partners to nine, with 20 other partners at the firm.

Lodders’ experienced Family Law team offers expert advice tailored to each case and prides itself on its excellent client care.