Mark E. Smith

Partner

Houston
T +1.713.646.1385
F +1.713.751.1717

Overview

Mark Smith focuses his practice on digital risk advisory and cybersecurity, working with clients to prepare for and respond to a wide range of data security incidents. He objectively evaluates clients’ situations and provides an honest and comprehensive response to their concerns.

In the event of a data security incident, Mark provides clients with the necessary tools to respond, including coordinating data forensics experts and insurance professionals, preparing consumer and regulatory notification communications, ensuring fulfillment of statutory obligations and responding to enforcement actions. With a background in law enforcement, Mark has extensive experience working with individuals in high-stress situations incapable of being solved without guidance and assistance, which he draws upon during similar difficult situations facing clients involved in both data security and litigation.

Select Experience

  • Represented an oilfield services client in three separate matters against the same counterparty. Obtained dismissal of a claim filed in the Southern District of Texas for breach of several contracts, including nondisclosure agreements, tortious interference and conspiracy to commit tortious interference. Also successfully arbitrated claims brought by the client to recover significant sums owed under a licensing agreement. Later obtained complete dismissal via summary judgment of additional claims brought in another Southern District of Texas action alleging a separate breach of contract and seeking a declaration that plaintiff had rights to significant intellectual property assets owned by the client.
  • Represented vehicle manufacturer in dispute with one of its dealers regarding renovation and relocation of the dealership facility. The representation concluded with a favorable settlement for the client.
  • Represented an automobile manufacturer in a protest filed by dealers to block establishment of a new dealership in Texas. After initial discovery and depositions, the protest was voluntarily dismissed and client was able to establish new dealership.
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Experience

  • Represented an oilfield services client in three separate matters against the same counterparty. Obtained dismissal of a claim filed in the Southern District of Texas for breach of several contracts, including nondisclosure agreements, tortious interference and conspiracy to commit tortious interference. Also successfully arbitrated claims brought by the client to recover significant sums owed under a licensing agreement. Later obtained complete dismissal via summary judgment of additional claims brought in another Southern District of Texas action alleging a separate breach of contract and seeking a declaration that plaintiff had rights to significant intellectual property assets owned by the client.
  • Represented vehicle manufacturer in dispute with one of its dealers regarding renovation and relocation of the dealership facility. The representation concluded with a favorable settlement for the client.
  • Represented an automobile manufacturer in a protest filed by dealers to block establishment of a new dealership in Texas. After initial discovery and depositions, the protest was voluntarily dismissed and client was able to establish new dealership.
  • Represented automobile manufacturer in enforcement action brought by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles – Enforcement Division alleging manufacturer was acting in the capacity of a dealer without a license. The representation concluded with the action being voluntarily dismissed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle – Enforcement Division and no findings against the client.
  • Represented a major oil and gas tubular goods supplier in litigation related to failed pipe. Handled the day-to-day case management, drafted the mediation statement and assisted in presenting the case during mediation. The mediation resulted in a settlement in favor of the client.
  • Serving as co-counsel for a former financial services executive, interviewed key witnesses and prepared the brief that ultimately resulted in charges against the client being dismissed after the original conviction against the client was overturned.
  • Argued and won summary judgment on contract and quasi-contract claims brought against a lender by a construction contractor. Re-created the alleged chain of events, proving during summary judgment that the events proposed by the contractor were impossible based on the alleged timing.
  • Represented a residential developer and property management company in litigation brought by a lender related to residential apartment developments concerning the characterization of guarantees made by the client as being recourse or nonrecourse. After providing a strong and compelling argument as to why the guarantees were nonrecourse in nature, the case was settled for less than 10 percent of the damages sought by the plaintiff.
  • Argued and won summary judgment for an individual client in a dispute related to the purchase of commercial property. The case plaintiff claimed that they were fraudulently induced to execute a correction deed by the client. Proved that the client never made such representations to the seller.
  • Represented a major bank in multiple litigation matters related to construction defects in a foreclosed property, running the day-to-day case management. Reviewed volumes of construction documents to identify the specific defects and parties responsible, as well as deposed certain involved contractors and obtained admissions that they performed the defective work in question. Also obtained admissions that the defective work was never approved or authorized by either the involved architect or engineer.
  • Represented several general contractors in litigation related to construction defects and breaches of contract, working with the head of the firm’s construction litigation team. In each case, the issue was related to payment withheld because of defective or incomplete work by subcontractors. Responsible for the day-to-day case management, in which evidence was identified to support the clients’ withholding of funds. Each case was settled in favor of the client.
  • Represented a major automobile manufacturer in litigation involving the transfer of two dealerships. The representation concluded with a favorable post-trial settlement.
  • Represented a major automobile manufacturer in litigation involving disputed chargebacks and secured summary judgment dismissing all claims against the client.

Recognitions and Memberships

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Texas Young Lawyers Association
  • Houston Young Lawyers Association
  • Woodlands Bar Association

Pro Bono

  • Represented an individual before the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings in an appeal of denial of disability benefits.

Prior Positions

  • Houston Police Department
    • patrol officer
    • narcotics investigator
    • undercover operative
    • drug dog handler
    • patrol sergeant

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • Texas

Education

  • J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2009, magna cum laude; Senior Notes and Comments Editor, Houston Law Review; Order of the Coif; Order of the Barons
  • Midwestern State University, 2005, summa cum laude