Mark W. Eckard

Mark Eckard's practice has been focused on bankruptcy and commercial litigation for over 20 years. His experience spans a wide spectrum of matters surrounding distressed companies, including Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings, bankruptcy litigation, assignments for the benefit of creditors and general commercial litigation. Mark represents debtors, creditors' committees, secured lenders, directors and officers, landlords, and general unsecured creditors. Mark also brings his experience in commercial litigation and distressed companies to state court and federal District Courts.

Mark's practice is also grounded in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where his practice includes a broader range of real estate and commercial transactional matters and litigation of corporate, commercial, real estate, employment and complex family law disputes. Mark's general business law experience allows him to move between a company's boardroom, transactions and contracts, day-to-day operational issues, and litigation of the disputes that arise in the life of a business. Mark served for four years as the Chairman of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, where he was extensively involved in matters related to the aftermath of the shutdown of the Hovensa Refinery and worked closely with community and government leaders to attract new business to the Virgin Islands.

Clients also rely on Mark as outside general counsel, turning to him for strategic advice to avoid the expensive and time-consuming litigation that predictably arises without proper planning. Mark focuses on the practical, "real world" business ramifications of legal disputes. He is regularly called upon in connection with complex settlement negotiations. Mark began his career at a large multi-national firm and he continues to draw on that experience in handling legal matters.

Before law school, from 1990-2000, Mark worked as a musician, entertaining crowds in beach resorts, ski resorts and the occasional Irish pub.