Arbitrator & Mediator
About Mark Shank
Mark A. Shank is well-known and respected in Texas and across the nation as a trial lawyer, strategist, arbitrator, mediator and negotiator. He has significant experience in a multitude of industries as an advocate in commercial litigation, employment disputes and arbitration matters.
After four decades of litigation practice in courtrooms all over Texas and throughout the country, I have handled every difficult commercial and employment issue imaginable. I bring a career full of diverse experiences and a practical approach to solving problems, as a fair and balanced neutral for litigants, guiding parties to resolution of complex business and workplace disputes.
Areas of Focus
Expert arbitration of high-stakes commercial disputes. Fellow, College of Commercial Arbitrators. AAA/ICDR Panel Member.
Binding arbitration of labor and employment claims before a nationally recognized neutral with 40+ years of expertise.
Efficient resolution of complex business disputes — contract, shareholder, trade secrets, technology, and franchise matters.
Confidential, cost-effective resolution of workplace disputes — discrimination, harassment, wage claims, wrongful termination, and more.
Recognition & Honors
Arbitration & Commercial Litigation (1995–Present)
Top 100 Texas & DFW (2003–Present)
Inducted 2018 — World's Most Prestigious Commercial Arbitration Body
Inducted 2008
2001
15+ Years of Recognition
Inducted 2019
2025 — American Arbitration Association
Highest Peer Review Rating
"Senior Statespeople" — Labor & Employment, Texas
Most Powerful Business Leaders in DFW (2016)
Texas Bar Foundation (2018)
Dallas Bar Foundation (2016)
Panel Memberships & Affiliations
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about mediation, arbitration, and working with Mark Shank as your neutral.
Mark mediates the full range of employment disputes, including discrimination and harassment claims (race, sex, age, disability, national origin), wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, FMLA and ADA claims, non-compete and trade secret matters, and executive compensation disputes. He has extensive experience in both single-plaintiff and class/collective action matters.
In mediation, Mark facilitates negotiation but does not decide the outcome — the parties reach their own agreement. In arbitration, Mark acts as a private judge and issues a binding decision (award) after hearing evidence and argument. Arbitration is typically faster and less expensive than litigation, with a final, enforceable award.
Yes. Mediation is confidential under Texas law (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §154.073) and federal law. Nothing said in mediation can be used in subsequent litigation. This confidentiality encourages frank discussion and creative problem-solving.
Mark is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He has practiced employment and commercial law for over 40 years and has served on the AAA's Employment and Commercial Panels for over two decades.
Absolutely. Mark regularly conducts mediations and arbitrations via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video platforms. Virtual ADR has proven highly effective and allows parties from across the country to participate without travel costs.
Mark handles a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract disputes, business partnership and shareholder disputes, trade secrets and non-compete matters, franchise disputes, real estate and construction disputes, technology and intellectual property disputes, insurance coverage disputes, and complex multi-party commercial litigation.
Most employment and commercial mediations are completed in a single day (6–8 hours), though complex class actions or multi-party matters may require multiple sessions. Mark is available for half-day sessions, full-day sessions, and multi-day engagements depending on the complexity of the dispute.
Fees are based on the complexity of the matter and the time required. Please contact Mark's office directly at (214) 641-9916 or mark@markshank.com to discuss scheduling and fees.
Ready to Resolve?
Available in-person in Dallas and via video conferencing nationwide. Reach Mark directly by phone or email to discuss your dispute.
