Partner
Mark Haslam
“Sources describe Mark Haslam as ‘extremely able and very polished’. He has an outstanding reputation in the market and is recognised for representing high-profile clients.”
Chambers UK
Mark Haslam has specialised in general criminal defence work since qualifying in 1981 and, prior to joining BCL as a partner in 1998, had gained extensive experience in a wide range of criminal cases ranging from murder to parking tickets.
Since joining BCL, Mark has been involved in establishing a general crime department within the firm, advising and representing clients in a whole range of criminal cases including fraud and business crime litigation, HMRC investigations, drugs cases ranging from importation to simple possession, murder, manslaughter, various degrees of assault and public order offences.
Mark provides advice and representation in the police station to those involved in police investigations and to others involved in investigations instigated by professional bodies and regulatory authorities.
Mark has extensive Magistrates’ Court advocacy experience, appearing in the Magistrates’ Court almost on a daily basis and also has higher rights of audience, which he exercises frequently to represent clients in the Crown Court.
He has represented many well-known public figures from the fields of sport, politics and the arts, particularly acting for a number of current and former professional footballers and rugby players.
Within the field of general criminal work, his particular specialisation is road traffic cases including driving with excess alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, causing death by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, speeding (including penalty point disqualifications), exceptional hardship arguments and Section 172 Notices.
Mark has been a regular broadcaster and lecturer on criminal legal affairs on radio and television and at legal seminars and conferences for a number of years and is a former president of the London Criminal Court Solicitors’ Association and a former member of the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society. He is currently a member of the London Criminal Court Solicitors’ Association and the Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association and has also sat as a Law Society representative on various Legal Services Commission Committees and as a Solicitor Assessor in High Court taxation matters.
What the directories have said:
“Everything was prepared and done properly. He has a good team around him and various skillsets.“
Chambers UK, 2023
“Mark Haslam has been around for years. He is great.“
Chambers UK, 2023
“Mark Haslam is in large measure responsible for the top drawer reputation of BCL’s criminal department. His sense of humour, experience and hard work amount to a masterful combination.“
Legal 500, 2023
“With his experience and maturity comes calmness. He acts for high-profile and high-net-worth clients. In terms of the networking element, he is always happy to do that – it is all about engagement and collaboration. He goes out his way and would happily drive anywhere to see a client. It strikes me that he doesn’t rate the client financially – so many are in it for the big bucks. He’s in it to do a good job. He puts his representation above money for the case and that shows integrity.”
Chambers Insights, 2022
“He really knows his stuff when it comes to sports law and motoring offences. He is very good on cases involving experts – he knows them all. He gets the best out of people.”
Chambers Insights, 2022
“Mark Haslam’s preparation of his cases is second to none, but for me his greatest asset, shared by very few in my humble experience, is his tactical intelligence. A combination of his hard work, tactical nous and persistence have seen him win many cases before they even come to court and, if they do reach court, see them disposed of favourably at a very early stage of the proceedings.”
The Legal 500, 2021
“Mark Haslam often represents well-known individuals and quietly, efficiently gives them an excellent service, with no fuss, no stress and no drama. He cuts through the nonsense and has laser-sharp focus. Astonishingly good at getting good results.”
The Legal 500, 2021
“A high calibre lawyer who has the ability to inspire confidence in those that seek his opinion.”
Chambers UK, 2021
“He is an impressive representative for any client.”
Chambers UK, 2019
“In relation to crime, he would be at the top of the list I go to in that sphere. He has great tactical nous and a great ability to communicate with the other side.”
Chambers UK, 2017