Mark Shaffer is a first chair trial attorney with significant courtroom experience. He litigates matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States. His practice focuses on real estate leasing and development disputes, land use litigation, and eminent domain. His clients include food, beverage and hospitality companies, and commercial landlords. Mark regularly advises clients on leasing disputes involving a variety of claims, including claims based upon non-payment of rent, breach of continuous operation clauses, violation of exclusivity provisions, breach of quiet enjoyment, oral modifications to the lease, enforcement of liquidated damages and limitation of liability provisions, and conflicts regarding the proper calculation and billing of common area maintenance charges.
He also represents owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and project engineers in a variety of construction disputes. He regularly handles matters related to claims of design defects, differing site conditions, change orders, and delay claims, as well as zoning appeals, development agreements, easement rights, and restrictive covenant disputes. In addition to litigating matters, Mark advises on legal issues, helps clients devise legal strategies, and participates in settlement negotiations.
Mark’s corporate and business litigation experience includes matters involving fraud, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and derivative actions. He regularly assists shareholders with enforcing their rights to inspect corporate books and records, to obtain accountings of their investments and corporate assets, and to hold corporate officers and directors accountable for breaches of their corporate duties.
Mark previously served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, including deployments in Iraq. He retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 2023.
Concentrations
•Business litigation
•Commercial litigation
•Construction law
•Government contracting
•Land use and eminent domain
•Real estate law and transactions
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America,
•Litigation - Real Estate, 2025-2026
•Litigation - Construction, 2026
•Commercial Litigation, 2026
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2017
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Virginia Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2017