For more than 25 years, Mark Manela has advised individuals and businesses, large and small, in important litigation in federal and state courts. Whether in bet-the-company disputes or lower-profile ones, he has strived to deliver extraordinary service for clients. Every case matters.
Clients have relied on Mark in a variety of contract and tort actions, securities class actions, professional liability claims, governmental claims, construction claims, and general business disputes.
His clients have included U.S. and foreign investment and commercial banks, bankers and investment bankers, engineering and construction firms, energy companies, international and regional accounting firms, individual CPAs, public and private businesses, special committees, directors, officers, and employees.
Complex litigation led and managed by Mark includes disputes involving securities, RICO, bankruptcy, and professional malpractice. He has represented issuers, special committees of public companies, underwriters, commercial banks, investment bankers, energy producers, airlines, and professionals, including public accounting firms and their audit partners.
Mark’s notable cases have included the Enron securities litigation, the Stanford Financial Group securities litigation, the first options backdating securities litigation, and auditor liability litigation. He has acted as lead counsel for clients in some of the largest and most complex securities class action cases.
His trial and case experience arises out of disputes such as suits against accountants and other professional for alleged malpractice; energy industry litigation; securities fraud and other class action lawsuits; shareholder derivative claims; failed business transactions; failed companies and financial institutions; business torts; outsourcing contracts; real estate and construction disputes, including commercial and utility constructions projects; banking litigation; directors' and officers’ liability; and tax issues.
Public and private companies rely on Mark for internal, SEC and DOJ investigations. He also has extensive arbitration and mediation experience.
A native Texan, Mark previously was a partner at a large international law firm and a member/shareholder and name partner in a Houston firm. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, B.B.A., with honors, 1981, and the University of Houston Law Center, J.D., 1984.
What Others Say
- The Best Lawyers in America® has recognized Mark for Commercial Litigation (2019 Edition) and Construction Law (2019 Edition). Best Lawyers in America is published by Woodward White.
- Benchmark Litigation quotes clients describing Mark as “a terrific litigator” among “litigation stars.”
- The Legal 500 said Mark is “extremely smart, tactical, careful, ethical and responsive.”
- Martindale-Hubbell ® ranks Mark as “AV® Preeminent” – 5 out of 5.
Areas of Focus
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Banking and Finance Litigation
- Energy Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Professional Liability
- Securities Litigation and Enforcement
- Internal Investigations
- Special Committee Representations