Title: Construction and Real Estate Mediator and Arbitrator
Company: American Arbitration Association
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
E. David Marks, construction and real estate mediator and arbitrator at American Arbitration Association, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in legal services.
With four decades of experience to his credit, Mr. Marks has established a successful career in legal services, specializing in mediation, transactional work, and active litigation. He currently serves as a construction and real estate mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, a position he has held since 2021, and as a mediator and special master for construction defect work at E. David Marks, Alternative Dispute Resolution since 2020. Additionally, he has served as a mediator with the California Association of Realtors since 2015, and as a partner at GCA Law Partners LLP since 2011. His prior roles include partner at Miller Starr Regalia from 2005 to 2011, shareholder at Thoits, Love, Hershberger & McLean from 1997 to 2006, and partner at Mitchell & Marks from 1995 to 2000.
Laying a solid educational foundation, Mr. Marks earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Stanford University in 1984 and a Juris Doctor from UC Law San Francisco, formerly UC Hastings, in 1988. Additionally, he is a licensed real estate broker and has served as a neutral evaluator with the Santa Clara County Superior Court. He is also an active member of the American Arbitration Association, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the California Association of Realtors Mediation Panel, and the AAA Construction Industry Panels of Arbitrators and Mediators. He has volunteered with organizations such as Trial Advocacy at Stanford Law School and Lasagna Love. In light of his impressive undertakings, he has been recognized with an AV Peer Review Rating and Client Review Award from Martindale-Hubbell and as a Super Lawyer.
Reflecting on his path, he grew up in a politically charged environment, which shaped his early interest in conflict resolution. At just 10 years old, he began meditating and used this skill to mediate family disputes. A significant milestone in his career occurred in 2024 when he successfully defended his clients in a case where the opposition demanded $7 million, ultimately resulting in a judgment of zero payment. Throughout his career, he has learned the importance of accepting the facts of a case, no matter how challenging. He believes legal professionals must confront the realities of their situations and avoid evading difficult truths. Recognizing that one may not always be in a position of strength, he advises lawyers to remain adaptable and responsive to unforeseen developments during a case.
Mr. Marks attributes his success to his passion for problem-solving, his ability to thrive in chaotic environments, and his dedication to helping others navigate difficult situations. He has been inspired by his mentors, who taught him the importance of balancing work and family and put an emphasis on continuous learning as a key factor of professional growth. Looking to the future, he aims to make a significant impact by applying to the federal courts and spearheading a new mediation program, and is committed to contributing in a pro bono capacity. His goal is to work as a full-time mediator, arbitrator, or referee, drawing on his extensive legal experience and background as a discovery referee.
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