Thirty Park Place

Practice Overview

Mark joined chambers in November 1985 and initially worked across all areas of practice. After 26 years his main areas of expertise now include care work for local authorities and privately paid family work.

Mark has recently undertaken cases involving shaken babies, facticious illness (Munchausen by proxy) and worked for the Official Solicitor on behalf of mentally handicapped clients and cases involving the removal of children from the jurisdiction. He also undertakes financial cases, usually, of higher value, involving farms, businesses, and trust of land claims. He also deals with inheritance act claims and claims for financial provision for children pursuant to schedule 1, section 15 of the Children Act 1989.

Mark has also conducted judicial reviews and permanent exclusion appeals in the field of education and applications to displace nearest relative under the Mental Health Act.

Recommendations

'Of the set's senior juniors, Mark Allen is a popular choice for complicated children cases, often involving mental health issues and instances of shaken baby syndrome'.
(Chambers UK 2012)

'Mark Allen is a highly experienced care practitioner with a particular interest in representing children with special educational needs’.
(Chambers UK 2011)

''Currently making a name for himself as an ancillary relief expert'.
(Chambers UK 2009)

'A sound practitioner...across a broad range of family law'.
(Chambers UK 2007)

'Recommended juniors include Kate Hughes and Mark Allen for children’s cases…’
'....a strong senior junior'
(Legal 500 2007)

'An excellent junior'
(Legal 500 2006)

Mark is also listed in the Legal Experts directory as a family law expert

Appointments

• Legal Services Commission Review Panel Board (2000)
• Part time Chairman of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales (2003)

Memberships

• Family Law Bar Association

Education

• LL.B (Hons)