Skip to Main Content
Overview

When clients call Mark for advice, they know he has the answers at his fingertips.

After more than 40 years of protecting clients’ interests, Mark has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge. This includes extensive research on toxic tort litigation and files on the history of his cases, the history of the defendants, and the scientific and medical literature.

An active toxic tort trial attorney, Mark represents large manufacturers and small businesses in state and federal courts from coast to coast. As a national trial counsel, Mark directs the day-to-day management of clients’ toxic tort litigation. He works with defense experts, supervises other counsel, handles depositions, oversees discovery, and develops and implements defense strategies. Among his accomplishments in asbestos litigation is a ruling from the Tennessee courts that a valve manufacturer should not be liable for external insulation under Tennessee law.

Mark reaches cost-effective and favorable resolutions for clients’ exposure lawsuits, defending many of these cases in difficult jurisdictions. He also has successfully represented clients in related areas including product liability, malicious prosecution, contract disputes and employment discrimination.

Industry

Services

Recognition

Education

  • J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
    • magna cum laude
      • Saint Louis University Law Journal, editor
  • B.A., University of Notre Dame
    • magna cum laude

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Illinois

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • The Missouri Bar
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute


*Contact Mark to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the St. Louis office.
Blog | September 02, 2016
Toxic Tort Monitor
Blog | September 28, 2012
OSHA: Myths and Misconceptions
Speaking Engagements | October 02, 2018 and September 9, 2019
"Future of Lung Cancer Cases," National Asbestos Litigation Conference | Perrin Conferences
Speaking Engagements | November 10, 2016
"Is It in the Genes?" DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar
Media Mentions | June 11, 2021
Reuters: Week Ahead in Insurance: June 14, 2021
News Releases | May 28, 2020
Husch Blackwell Named CLOC's Inaugural Legal Innovation in Operations Project Award Winner

Husch Blackwell is believed to be the only law firm to date to be recognized by both the CLOC LIO Project and ACC Value Champion award series for its ability to implement legal solutions that cut spending, improve predictability and achieve better outcomes.

News Releases | May 15, 2018
Association of Corporate Counsel Names Monsanto and Husch Blackwell 2018 Value Champions

Husch Blackwell partners with client to take home its second consecutive Value Champion award.

Outside the Office

Mark plays contract bridge and, when his practice allows, has competed in bridge tournaments in the United States and Canada.

He is also a woodworker and gardener. Mark enjoys reading history books and has written on historical subjects.

Asbestos Litigation

Mark is a frequent contributor to literature on the topic of asbestos defense litigation.

His numerous articles in various publications often focus on the interaction between law, science and medicine. These articles are the basis for a number of defenses in asbestos cases, both for mesothelioma and lung cancer.

His writings and presentations on asbestos litigation include subjects such as:

  • Why studies cited by plaintiffs fail to prove that anything but high-dose exposure to asbestos causes lung cancer.
  • How genetic factors play a role in the causation of mesothelioma.
  • Why studies claiming that low doses of asbestos exposure cause mesothelioma are not reliable science.
  • How the historical context and development of the knowledge of the hazards of asbestos can assist in the defense of asbestos cases.