Title: Founder
Company: Law Offices of Mark E. Foster
Location: Walnut Creek, California, United States
Mark E. Foster, Founder at the Law Offices of Mark E. Foster, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements and leadership in business law with Outsourced Legal Support.
Mr. Foster, a leader in global trade policy both domestically and abroad, is lauded for his distinguished career in domestic and international commercial law and business, marked by a series of influential roles and significant contributions to the field. As the founder of the Law Offices of Mark E. Foster in Silicon Valley, California, since 1988, he manages client relationships, oversees legal matters, collaborates with outside lawyers on tax and litigation matters, and focuses on a select number of clients at various stages of startup development.
Among other responsibilities, Mr. Foster ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations and facilitates communication between clients and external legal partners. He also focuses on developing strategies for business growth, staying up to date on industry trends and promoting services through the firm’s website.
In addition to his contributions to his firm, Mr. Foster served as the vice president and general counsel at Natus Medical Inc. from 2002 to 2005. In this capacity, he oversaw all legal affairs for the company during a period of significant growth and innovation in medical technology.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Foster was a Japan counsel for the United States Electronic Industries Association in Tokyo from 1986 to 1988. As the first-ever full-time American business lobbyist in Japan, he advised on trade policy and regulatory matters affecting American electronics companies operating in Japan.
Between 1984 and 1988, Mr. Foster was special counsel at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. This period stands out as a highlight of his professional journey. He worked closely with Ambassador Mike Mansfield, an appointee of President Carter who was reappointed by President Reagan, on complex trade negotiations between the United States and Japan. His nearly four years working alongside Ambassador Mansfield provided Mr. Foster with unique insights into international diplomacy and trade policy.
From 1982 to 1984, Mr. Foster practiced as an attorney at Braun Moriya Hoashi in Tokyo, gaining experience in cross-border legal matters. He began his legal career as an attorney at Hetland & Hansen in Berkeley in 1981 after serving as a law clerk at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, California, from 1980 to 1981.
In addition to his primary professional roles, Mr. Foster has contributed as a lecturer and consultant on international law and technology standards for organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization in Geneva, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the University of Southern California and the World Trade Institute. He was also a member of the technology standards committee for optoelectronics under the Japanese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications early in his career, and he participated in the technology standards committee for intelligent office systems with the Japanese Patent Office and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry during the same period.
Mr. Foster’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in classics and religion from Alma College in Alma, Michigan, earned in 1970, a Master of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, awarded in 1972, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of California, San Francisco, completed in 1981. Subsequently, he completed postgraduate coursework at the Stanford Center in Tokyo in 1983. Beyond his formal education, Mr. Foster’s education was further enhanced by obtaining Japanese language certification in 1982. He has been admitted to practice by the Oregon and California Bar Associations, the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the U.S. District Court for Oregon and the U.S. Court of International Trade.
Active in his professional community, Mr. Foster is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Society of Quality Control, the International Bar Association, the California Bar Association and the Oregon Bar Association. He is also active in the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the World Affairs Council, chairs the Silicon Valley Association of General Counsel, and serves as a contributor and committee member of the American Law Institute.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Foster has demonstrated civic commitment as a trustee of Hastings Law School at the University of California and through his involvement with the 1066 Foundation. He is also dedicated to leaving a legacy through the Mark Foster Family Foundation, a reflection of his commitment to philanthropy and community impact.
Mr. Foster is recognized as an expert in business law with outsourced legal support, a testament to his deep knowledge and practical experience in guiding businesses through complex legal landscapes. An accomplished author, he has written several books on international law and technology. He has also contributed articles to professional journals on these subjects.
In recognition of his hard work, Mr. Foster has been awarded several honors, including designation as a senior fellow by the Conference of World Regions and a fellowship from the Ford Foundation. He attributes his success to hard work and acknowledges that not everyone can follow his path due to its demanding nature.
Looking ahead, Mr. Foster intends to complete important goals related to his work, including selling or taking on public companies, while supporting their growth alongside management teams and investors. He remains committed to developing his skills as a lawyer, teaching seminars, exploring academic leadership opportunities, engaging with government roles, and making meaningful contributions across multiple sectors through effective use of his expertise.
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