Mark Woods

Profile

I am a Senior Law Costs Draftsman, and have worked in costs since leaving Her Majesty’s Armed Forces in 1990. Since then I have gained vast experience in bill preparation and costs negotiations for purposes of cost assessments.

I have maintained and run a small personal business, specialising in legal aid, completing the relevant Legal Services Commission related forms and preparing bills to be assessed by the court, including inter partes bills. I have a high level of experience in immigration, housing, finance and family, both in private and public law, as well as specialising in care cases.

I have also participated in advocacy on detailed assessments where appropriate and maintained good interpersonal relationships with clients. I also have excellent knowledge on uploading new claims on the CCMS system implemented by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

Education

• O Levels in English, Geography, History, Maths, French, RE and Metal work

Military Qualifications and Courses:

• Equitation instructor Class 1 (1989)
• Equitation instructor Class 2 (1985)
• Crew Commander (1984)
• Mounted Gunner (1981)
• Gunner Field Guns (1980)

Career

• Started at Duncan Lewis Solicitors – October 2018
• CEO of M.A. Woods legal services - July 1994 – September 2018
• Knapp Richardson Ltd – August 1990 – June 1994
• Started as a Trainee Costs Draftsman in August 1990

Interests

• I have been a qualified referee since 1994, refereeing in both men’s and women’s football leagues. The highlight of my career was refereeing at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in April 2018.
• I am a keen (if not excellent) golfer and enjoy most sports.
• I enjoy the theatre and also love to cook.