Mark S. Stewart is Chair of the firm. Before assuming his full-time leadership position, Mr. Stewart successfully litigated complex commercial matters, including securities, antitrust, contract disputes, and product liability, on behalf of major pharmaceutical and other corporate clients. He also chaired the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group and represented university clients across the country in commercial disputes and other civil litigation. From 2004 to 2011, Mr. Stewart led Ballard Spahr’s strategic initiatives as the firm’s Strategic Planning Partner. During his tenure, he oversaw the opening of six offices—in Atlanta, Bethesda, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Diego—and the recruitment of lateral partners in all 13 cities in which the firm has offices. He also was instrumental in Ballard Spahr’s addition of Needle & Rosenberg, the prominent intellectual property firm in Atlanta, and La Bella & McNamara, a litigation boutique in San Diego.
Mr. Stewart also previously chaired the firm's Hiring Committee and co-chaired the Diversity Committee.
Pro Bono Experience
Mr. Stewart is a member of the team seeking to overturn the death penalty in a pro bono matter arising out of a father's conviction for the arson death of his two children.
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. Justice Sidney M. Schreiber, Supreme Court of New Jersey