Behrens Mark A

For individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, navigating the complexities of civil justice and litigation requires experienced and insightful legal guidance. When it comes to shaping the legal landscape and defending against challenging claims, attorney Mark A. Behrens stands out as a distinguished figure. Located right here in the heart of the District, Mark A. Behrens, as co-chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.'s Washington, D.C.-based Public Policy Practice Group, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of civil justice issues to his work. His practice extends beyond traditional litigation, focusing significantly on improving the civil litigation environment through various strategic initiatives.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Mark A. Behrens's contributions to the legal field and why his expertise is a valuable asset for those in Washington, DC, seeking to understand or engage with the broader civil justice system, particularly concerning complex tort and liability matters.

The office where Mark A. Behrens practices, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., is conveniently situated in a prime location in downtown Washington, DC. You can find their offices at 1155 F St NW #200, Washington, DC 20004, USA. This address places the firm in a central and highly accessible part of the city, making it easy for clients and collaborators to reach.

The location on F Street NW is well-served by Washington's comprehensive public transportation network. It is within a short walking distance of several Metro stations, including Metro Center (serving the Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines) and McPherson Square (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines). This excellent connectivity means that whether you are coming from different quadrants of DC or the surrounding metropolitan area, reaching the office is straightforward and efficient. The firm's presence in such a prominent and accessible part of the city underscores its commitment to being a key player in the DC legal and policy landscape.

Mark A. Behrens’s practice is primarily focused on civil justice issues and defense litigation, with a significant emphasis on shaping public policy and improving the civil litigation environment. While he is not a lawyer typically engaged by individuals for personal legal matters like family law or simple wills, his work has a profound impact on the legal and business environment, which ultimately benefits residents and businesses in Washington, DC, by contributing to a fairer and more predictable legal system. His specific areas of expertise and services offered include:

• Civil Justice Reform: Actively working to improve the civil litigation environment through various avenues, including state and federal legislation. This involves advocating for changes to laws that impact liability and litigation processes.
• Amicus Curiae Briefs: Authoring or co-authoring numerous "friend of the court" briefs for business, civil justice, and defense lawyer organizations in cases before the United States Supreme Court, federal appellate courts, and state appellate courts. These briefs provide expert legal analysis to influence judicial outcomes.
• Products Liability Defense: A leading national litigator in products liability, defending companies against claims alleging defective design, manufacturing, or warnings, including complex matters involving various industries.
• Mass Torts: Involvement in complex litigation cases that involve a large number of plaintiffs alleging similar injuries from a product or event, particularly in areas like asbestos and other toxic tort claims.
• Appellate Litigation: Handling appeals in both federal and state courts, focusing on issues of tort liability and civil justice.
• Legal Scholarship and Judicial Education: Publishing over 50 scholarly articles in leading national journals and law reviews, and participating in judicial education to promote a deeper understanding of civil justice issues among legal professionals.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Serving as an expert witness in trials and arbitrations, providing authoritative opinions on civil justice and tort liability matters.
• Legislative Testimony: Testifying before the U.S. Congress and numerous state legislatures on behalf of business and civil justice organizations, contributing to policy discussions and the development of new laws.
• Public Policy Advocacy: Co-chairing a Public Policy Practice Group and actively engaging in efforts to shape public opinion on civil justice issues.

Mark A. Behrens is recognized for several distinguished features and highlights in his legal career, making him a prominent figure in civil justice advocacy:

• National Recognition and Influence: He is a leading national litigator on civil justice issues and has been listed as one of Washington, D.C.'s "top lawyers" by Washingtonian magazine. He is also recognized as a leading product liability defense attorney by Who's Who Legal: The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers.
• Extensive Experience: With over thirty years of experience in civil justice issues and defense litigation, he brings a depth of knowledge and strategic insight to his work.
• Award-Winning Contributions: Mark Behrens has received several prestigious awards, including the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform's Individual Achievement Award (2015), the International Association of Defense Counsel's (IADC) Joan Fullam Irick Award (2016) for exceptional leadership, a Burton Award for Legal Achievement, and an Outstanding Contributor Award from Lawyers for Civil Justice (2024).
• Prolific Author and Scholar: He has authored or co-authored over 150 amicus briefs and more than 50 scholarly articles in highly respected legal journals, demonstrating his deep intellectual engagement with civil justice topics. One of his articles was recognized as one of the top five most-cited articles in the 25-year history of the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy.
• Leadership Roles in Key Organizations: Mark Behrens co-chairs the Public Policy Practice Group at Shook, Hardy & Bacon, chairs the IADC's Civil Justice Response Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors of Lawyers for Civil Justice. He is also a member of The American Law Institute (ALI) and serves on various legal advisory boards, including those for the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center and the Washington Legal Foundation.
• Advocacy for Legal Reform: His work is heavily geared towards improving the civil litigation environment, often through legislative efforts and by advocating for transparency, such as in the area of third-party litigation funding.

Given Mark A. Behrens's role as a leading national litigator and public policy advocate within a large firm, his services are typically engaged by corporate clients, organizations, or other legal entities rather than individual consumers. Therefore, "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense, like those you might find for a local consumer-facing business, are not applicable here. His value proposition lies in his extensive expertise, influence, and proven track record in high-stakes civil justice and defense litigation, which is a specialized area of law.

However, interested parties or organizations looking to understand his work or explore potential collaborations related to civil justice reform, public policy, or complex defense litigation are encouraged to reach out to his firm for discussions on how his expertise can align with their needs. Such discussions would typically be part of a professional engagement process rather than a promotional offer.

To connect with Mark A. Behrens or the Public Policy Practice Group at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1155 F St NW #200, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Phone: (202) 783-8400

Mobile Phone: +1 202-783-8400

These contact points provide direct access to a prominent legal professional and his team in the heart of Washington, DC, facilitating inquiries and collaborations related to civil justice issues, public policy, and complex litigation defense.

While Mark A. Behrens may not be the lawyer you'd call for a personal injury claim or a simple divorce, his work at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. has a significant and positive impact on the legal environment that affects everyone in the District of Columbia. For local businesses, organizations, or even individuals interested in the broader framework of civil justice, his expertise is invaluable. His dedicated efforts in civil justice reform mean he is actively working to create a more predictable, fair, and efficient legal system in which all local entities operate. His extensive experience in products liability defense and mass torts provides crucial representation for companies navigating complex legal challenges, indirectly supporting local economies and industries.

Residents of Washington, DC, benefit from his commitment to improving the civil litigation landscape through legislation, legal scholarship, and advocacy. His central location in downtown DC, coupled with his national recognition and leadership roles in influential legal organizations, makes him a pivotal resource for understanding and engaging with the highest levels of civil justice policy. For those who seek a legal professional with a profound impact on the very structure of legal fairness and efficiency, Mark A. Behrens and his work at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. represent a highly suitable and significant presence within the Washington, DC, legal community.