Mark now works solely as a mediator. Mark handled his first divorce cases in the mid-1980s as a law clerk while in law school. After becoming a lawyer in 1987, Mark moved back to Seattle, where he worked on business, construction, tax, real estate, estate planning, and family law matters. Over time, divorce and family law became Mark’s main focus and he earned an outstanding reputation in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, and was a pioneer in the Seattle Collaborative Law community. Mark’s experience includes addressing most anything that arises in divorce and family law, including complex parenting, business, real estate, financial issues.
In 2003, Mark found his way from conventional legal practice to Collaborative Divorce and mediation. He enrolled in classes and did the necessary work to build skills and gain experience to be able to effectively assist clients to reach agreements outside the legal system. In January 2007, Mark finished his last family law trial to focus on Collaborative Divorce. In 2020 he retired from all client representation to focus on mediation, where he helps clients reach agreements together.
In Mark’s mediation style, he helps clients as early as the time they decide to consider divorce, to help them reach agreements without court intervention or unnecessary acrimony. Mark also added a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® certification to better help clients address important financial questions for their futures. With his experience, Mark understands the challenges of divorce, and can help clients achieve reality-based solutions that are supportive of their long-term goals, needs, and interests.
Mark is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which reflects recognition in the area of family law and meeting exacting standards. Mark was rated among the “Top 25” Family Law attorneys in Washington by Washington Law & Politics Magazine in 2009. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2018 “President’s Award” from Collaborative Professionals of Washington, the 2005 “Attorney of the Year” award from the Family Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association, the “Super Lawyer” designation from Washington Law and Politics magazine annually since 2007, the highest possible rating by the website Avvo, recognition by Best Lawyers in America in 3 distinct areas, and an “AV” (preeminent) peer-review rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Mark has taught and written extensively about divorce and about dispute resolution, including as a contributor to journals and books. Mark lives in Seattle with his wife and loves to ride his bicycle.
Finding a good fit for a divorce mediator is an individualized decision, and the personal fit with your mediator is an important criterion. It’s easy to learn whether Mark’s services and fit are right for you. Call (206) 622-6707 or fill out the form on this page to schedule a consultation.