TV Edwards has announced the forthcoming retirement of one of the country’s leading youth crime lawyers, Mark Ashford, who will step down as a Member Partner at the end of September.

Mark’s departure marks the latest stage in a wider partnership reorganisation, which began in April this year. As part of that transition, six new Member Partners – Katie Brown, Juanita Francis, Adam Haffenden, Sarah Inchley, Paul Read and Adrienne Wright – joined the LLP in April 2025, alongside existing Member Partners Julian Overton, Felix Couchman and Mark Ashford.

A solicitor since 1993, Mark joined TV Edwards from Taylor Nichol Solicitors in 2008 and quickly established himself as a national figure in youth crime defence. Widely respected across the sector, he has not only represented clients in some of the most challenging cases but also trained and mentored generations of criminal defence lawyers.

Mark became a Member Partner in 2012, cementing his leadership role within the firm. His dedication to legal aid and tireless advocacy for young people was recognised in 2015, when he was named Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (Criminal Defence) at the prestigious LALY Awards.

His reputation for skill and commitment is reflected in the legal directories. Chambers & Partners (2024) described him as: “He puts an extraordinary amount of work into his cases and is excellent at communicating with young clients. His knowledge of youth court procedure is second to none.”

In addition to his casework, Mark has helped shape the field of youth justice through scholarship. He co-authored two leading textbooks: Defending Young People in the Criminal Justice System (Legal Action Group, 3rd edition, 2006) and Blackstone’s Youth Court Handbook 2014–2015.

Managing Partner Julian Overton paid tribute to Mark’s contribution:
“Mark has always been a hugely loyal and supportive member of the LLP. I thank him for the immense contribution he has made to the firm, the profession, and the support he has given me personally and to colleagues over the years. We will all wish Mark the very best in his retirement.”

Mark’s departure will leave a lasting legacy of expertise and passion for defending young people, qualities that have defined his distinguished legal career.