Mark Carlson

Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Carlson immediately began his career in representing real estate professionals. He handled a full caseload of lawsuits against real estate agents, escrow officers and mortgage brokers while at his first job at a small firm in Encino, California. Within his first year of practice, Mr. Carlson handled a Superior Court jury trial and a lengthy 10-day binding arbitration.

In 1995, Mr. Carlson associated with a large firm of nearly eighty attorneys, bringing his real estate practice with him. Mr. Carlson was instrumental in developing a real estate department where none had existed previously. Mr. Carlson also represented major developers, appraisers, loan brokers, escrow companies, contractors and other real estate professionals. Mr. Carlson also expanded his practice by obtaining substantial experience in handling products liability matters, including medical and industrial devices. In addition, Mr. Carlson represented major landowners in premises liability cases involving issues ranging from personal injuries to false arrest. Mr. Carlson has represented nationally known companies in complex multi-jurisdictional Federal Court litigation and has significant trial experience in both State and Federal Courts. Toward the end of his tenure there, Mr. Carlson began representing real estate brokers and other professionals almost exclusively, developing an in depth knowledge of the law and the industry of purchasing and leasing commercial and residential real estate.

In 1999, Mr. Carlson founded a law firm where he continued his focus on handling professional liability matters within the real estate industry. In 2000, Mr. Carlson joined Eric Ginder and Robert Sunderland to form the law firm of Ginder, Sunderland & Carlson, LLP. Mr. Carlson headed that firm’s Los Angeles office and was responsible for expanding that firm’s practice into Northern California. He was also responsible for overseeing a staff of associates and paralegals handling cases throughout the State.

In January 2005, Mr. Carlson formed Carlson Law Group, Inc. He currently represents scores of real estate professionals in a wide range of matters. Mr. Carlson also represents individuals in the purchase, sale and lease of residential, commercial and industrial properties. Mr. Carlson has also assisted several clients in building permit, zoning and other land use matters.

Mr. Carlson’s practice focuses mainly on litigated matters. Mr. Carlson has handled almost twenty jury trials to verdict as well as several court trials. His trial experience includes four trials that each lasted over five weeks and one that spanned over three and a half months.

Throughout his career, Mr. Carlson has strived to provide superior legal services while at the same time containing costs for his clients. One of his larger insurance clients found that in comparison to all other panel counsel throughout the State, the average bill per case on cases assigned to him was nearly 40% lower than his competitors’ average bill. The strategy in saving costs is simple – Mr. Carlson does only what is necessary. He does not send two lawyers to hearings or depositions. He and his attorneys do not attend hearings that have no direct impact upon their client’s interest in a case. Discovery is completed as early in a case as possible to provide clients with the information they need to decide how best to resolve the case. Mr. Carlson negotiates reduced rates with vendors such as court reporters, copy services and litigation support companies. Expert witnesses are provided clear instructions to assure that they are working as efficiently as possible.

As Mr. Carlson has been representing real estate professionals for nearly twenty five years, he has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge pertaining to the businesses of his clients. Mr. Carlson’s experience in representing real estate professionals is matched by only a few lawyers throughout California and Montana. His substantial experience in the businesses of his clients also adds value to his services. Mr. Carlson can understand how a particular legal issue relates not only to a litigated matter, but also how it may impact a client’s general business interests. This allows him to provide advice that goes beyond a specific case or legal problem.