Mark Givens is a Florida native born in Daytona Beach and raised in Miami.  He has built an extensive legal career spanning over three decades.  Mark’s academic journey began at the University of Florida, where he followed a family tradition shared by his parents, siblings, and numerous relatives.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance in 1989 and continued at the University of Florida College of Law, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 1991.  During law school, Mark earned recognition on the Dean’s List, the American Jurisprudence Award in Estates & Trusts, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Merit Scholarship.

Mark began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Ocala, Florida, where he represented over 1,000 clients in various criminal cases, including robbery, manslaughter, and securities violations.  After relocating to Los Angeles, Mark practiced civil litigation and appellate law for over a decade, handling complex cases involving business disputes, intellectual property theft, fraud, employment issues, and appeals for indigent defendants, including those on California’s Death Row.

In 2000, Mark shifted his focus to corporate law, where he has excelled for over 23 years.  His practice centers on representing start-ups and established businesses across diverse industries, including technology, education, e-commerce, manufacturing, and entertainment. Mark provides comprehensive legal services, from forming companies and drafting operational documents to advising on liability issues, venture capital, and handling corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.  His clients often begin their journeys as start-ups and continue to rely on his counsel as their businesses grow, with many maintaining a professional relationship with him for over a decade.

In addition to his corporate work, Mark served as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Leo University from 2014 to 2016, teaching courses in business law, criminal justice, and legal systems. He is admitted to the state bars of Florida (1992), California (1996), and the State of Washington (2021).

Mark’s dedication to the legal profession is underpinned by his dual background in business and law, which allows him to offer clients strategic guidance tailored to their needs. His commitment to excellence, breadth of expertise, and long-standing client relationships underscore his reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate in the legal community.