In William Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, when Dick the Butcher proclaimed “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers”, most interpreted his statement as representative of the disdain many have for the legal profession. In reality, Dick the Butcher sought to overturn the existing society, and he knew the quickest way to do that was to eliminate the lawyers, who were the vanguards of justice and law and order. The true meaning of Dick the Butcher’s statement is consistent with Mark’s view of the legal profession — that a legal practice, when done properly, facilitates the continued existence of justice, law and order in a democratic society. That belief is a driving force in Mark’s law practice.

 

Mark’s legal instincts and years of experience have garnered him more than a few accolades. He has been recognized by his peers by being named in various publications, including Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers of the Mid-South and rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell. Mark was also recognized by being named in Chambers USA–America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Mark considers himself fortunate to have had the honor of serving as law partner to the Firm’s founder, John L. Maxey, II, for 30 years. Now Senior and Managing Partner of the Firm himself, Mark strives to continue the tradition of excellence and ethics installed in the Firm by Mr. Maxey.

 

A native of Jackson, he graduated magna cum laude from Millsaps College before receiving his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he served as Special Projects Editor on the MS Law Journal. Mark’s practice has focused on many different areas over the course of his career, but always with an emphasis on litigation in state and federal court. Even though Mark’s practice continues to encompass a wide array of matters, one of the primary focuses includes all legal aspects related to health care.  

 

Mark’s health care practice includes medical malpractice defense, including, but not limited to, long-term care; transactional issues related to ownership changes of health care facilities; representation of health plans, including regulatory compliance, plan structure and benefits; and general representation related to the business operations of health care facilities. Mark also offers private arbitration and mediation services, drawing on his broad litigation experience of over 34 years.

 

Mark sees the practice of law as a continuing education, as any new case may require development of knowledge and expertise on a matter he never anticipated. He believes a varied practice of law serves as an education in how the world works on levels both large and small. Mark’s philosophy of the practice of law has always centered on treating the interests of his clients as the highest priority and representing them with the same tenacity and dedication he would expect were he the client.