Mark Balysz KC has been for many years one of the leading and most effective advocates in defending high profile cases of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, as well as complex health and safety offences, Maritime Coastguard Agency prosecutions, fire safety, environmental offences, fraud and corruption.
His clients include multi-national corporations, national companies, directors, managers, employees and high net worth individuals looking to defend themselves in the most difficult circumstances.
Mark’s practice also encompasses high profile inquests and inquiries, including both the Grenfell and Covid inquiries.
Winner in 2020 and 2016 of “Health & Safety Junior of the Year” at the Bar Awards, having also been nominated for the award in 2011.
Corporate Crime Junior of the Year nominee – Legal 500 Awards October 2022.
Ranked consistently throughout the last decade by legal directories as a leading or “Star Individual” most recently he has been described as being:
“Absolutely superb: the crème de la crème … extremely sharp and decisive … silky smooth with his advocacy and doesn’t shirk from a fight … mitigates with panache and humanity … a go-to barrister … smooth operator who is strong on the law and always prepared … a superb advocate … a real depth of technical knowledge. Commitment to strategy that is key in cases of this nature and he has very persuasive advocacy skills that not only reassure clients but get results … an amazing jury advocate … he has brilliant charm … an exceptional barrister …”
Guest lecturer in health & safety on the King’s College Construction Law and Dispute Resolution Masters.
View full profile »Awards
News
- Mark Balysz KC, Mike Atkins, and Meredith Daniel secure non-custodial sentences for directors in trampoline park case involving hundreds of injuries
- Mark Balysz KC has secured the acquittal of a cargo ship operator after a three-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court
Events
Qualifications
- Criminal Bar Association
- Health & Safety Lawyers Association
Recommendations
“Mark is outstanding. He is technically superb and achieves excellent results. He also is very personable and builds a good rapport with clients who immediately feel at ease with him.”…”Diligent and thorough and good with clients, instilling their confidence from the outset.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘He has been one of the leading and most effective advocates in this area for many years – passionate about his clients and this comes across in his advocacy.’
Legal 500, 2024
“A really strong junior operating at silk level – he is fantastic.”
Star Individual, Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Mark is extremely sharp and decisive. Mark is silky smooth with his advocacy and doesn’t shirk from a fight. Mark mitigates with panache and humanity.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A go-to barrister – he is a smooth operator who is strong on the law and always fully prepared.”
Star Individual, Chambers & Partners, 2022
“A superb advocate. He has a real depth of technical knowledge, commitment to strategy that is key in cases of this nature and has very persuasive advocacy skills that not only reassure clients but get results.”
Legal 500, 2021
“An amazing jury advocate – he has a brilliant charm and he’s very personable. He really empathises with clients.”; “Mark is an exceptional barrister. Clients really like him and he delivers a high-quality client service.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“He is fantastic in terms of his ability to cut through the issues and explain matters to clients in a very easy to understand manner.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“A great junior with solid criminal knowledge and an impressive manner in court.”
Legal 500, 2018
“An utterly reliable advocate with a great understanding of the law.”
Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2018
“He has excellent technical skills and a real ability to read clients’ expectations.”
Legal 500, 2017
“Health & Safety Junior of the Year”
Chambers & Partners, 2017
