Serving both regional and nationwide businesses for 30 years, Mark assists clients with preventative legal matters as well as resolving complex litigation issues.

Mark is a State and Federal Court Approved General Civil Mediator, with regular appointments by the Kent County Circuit Court and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.   He has extensive representative experience handling claims in excess of one million dollars and has handled some of the largest (30 million plus) and longest (eight week jury trial) cases in Kent County history.

He frequently lectures on topics including alternative dispute resolution, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, whistle-blower and retaliation claims, construction liens, public and private sector construction contract terms, change orders, delay damages, claims analysis, architectural copyrights, employee non-competes, confidentiality agreements, electronic communication policies, e-discovery rules and a host of other topics for the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Association of Building Contractors, The Grand Rapids Home Builders Association, the National Business Institute, the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council and Lohrman Education Services.

MiBiz, "GR Bar Association aims to attract more diversity to ranks of local law firms"

MLIVE CHAT: "Why more companies are being accused of retaliation"

MLIVE CHAT:  "Grand Rapids attorneys chat live on what businesses should know before serving drinks at the holiday party."

"After decades of trying with little success, law firms unveil new plan to recruit minorities and females, " Mlive

"Law firms agree to collaborate on diversity," Grand Rapids Business Journal

Legal Alert: Whistleblower Claims

Legal Alert:  Employers face new challenges with recent decisions from Kent County Business Court

"Love what you do,"  The Grand Rapids Lawyer

"Education-It's a matter of justice," The Grand Rapids Lawyer

"Diversity-It's what makes the heartbeat," The Grand Rapids Lawyer

"Now, It's Personal," The Grand Rapids Lawyer

"Reading, Writing & ... Civics?," The Grand Rapids Lawyer

Smith Transitions Smoothly into GR Bar Presidency

Professional Activities

• Grand Rapids Bar Association, President
• Grand Rapids Bar Association,  Vice President (2009-2010)
• Grand Rapids Bar Association, Secretary (2007-2009)
• Grand Rapids Bar Association, Trustee (1997-2000)
• State Bar of Michigan
• American Bar Association

Community Activities

• Chair of the Grand Rapids Cable Advisory Forum
• The Grand Rapids Community Media Center (Trustee 2000-2003, President 2004-2006
• West Michigan Blues Society (Trustee 1993-1997, President 1998-1999)
• Leadership Grand Rapids