Mark Stewart

Mark S. Stewart

Partner He / Him / His
Philadelphia

Mark S. Stewart is a litigator who served as Chair of the firm for 12 years.

As Chair, Mark led a number of strategic expansions. He oversaw Ballard Spahr's entry into the New York market through cross-practice lateral acquisition and a combination with the white collar defense firm Stillman & Friedman. In 2018, Mark guided the firm in the establishment of its Midwest presence, overseeing its merger with Lindquist & Vennum, which added offices in Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and bolstered Ballard Spahr's corporate transactional capabilities. Under his direction, the firm developed the nation's premier First Amendment litigation and media law practice, merging with Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz in 2017 and adding a team from Leopold, Petrich & Smith two years later.

Before becoming Chair, Mark served as Ballard Spahr's Strategic Planning Partner. In that role, he oversaw the opening of offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix and the recruitment of lateral partners in every office of the firm. He also was instrumental in the firm’s combination with the Atlanta intellectual property boutique Needle & Rosenberg.

Professional Highlights

Pro Bono Experience

Mark is a member of the team instrumental in overturning a death penalty for a father convicted in the arson death of his two children. Mark represented 2012 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award recipient Hawa Salih in her successful fight for U.S. asylum. Ms. Salih has since obtained U.S. citizenship.

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. Justice Sidney M. Schreiber, Supreme Court of New Jersey

Recognition & Accomplishments

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation (Philadelphia), 2019-2024

Police Athletic League of Philadelphia, Board service award, 2023

City & State PA Magazine, Pennsylvania Impact Award, 2023

Board Memberships & Community Service

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Corporate Council

Entoto Foundation

Police Athletic League

Publications

"Progress Toward True Diversity," Profiles in Diversity Journal, March/April 2012

Credentials 

Education

University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D. 1982)

University of Delaware (B.A. 1978, with distinction and highest honors)
Recipient, Alexander J. Taylor Award (for outstanding male graduate)

London School of Economics (G.C. 1977)

Admissions

New Jersey

Pennsylvania