Mark S. Stewart

Mark S. Stewart is Chair of the firm. Before assuming his full-time leadership position, Mr. Stewart successfully litigated complex commercial matters, including securities, antitrust, contract disputes, and product liability, on behalf of major pharmaceutical and other corporate clients. He also chaired the firm's Higher Education Practice Group and represented university clients across the country in commercial disputes and other civil litigation. Under Mr. Stewart's leadership, the firm expanded to New York in 2013, opening an office in Manhattan as part of Ballard Spahr's combination with the highly regarded litigation boutique Stillman & Friedman, P.C. Mr. Stewart is a member of the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Council and is recognized as a leader in the effort to bring greater diversity to the legal profession. From 2004 to 2011, Mr. Stewart led Ballard Spahr's strategic initiatives as the firm’s Strategic Planning Partner. During his tenure, he oversaw the opening of offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix and the recruitment of lateral partners in all cities in which the firm has offices. As Strategic Planning Partner, Mr. Stewart was instrumental in Ballard Spahr's addition of Needle & Rosenberg, the prominent intellectual property firm in Atlanta. Mr. Stewart also previously chaired the firm's Hiring Committee and co-chaired the Diversity Committee. Pro Bono Experience Mr. Stewart is a member of the team instrumental in overturning a death penalty for a father convicted in the arson death of his two children. Judicial Clerkships Hon. Justice Sidney M. Schreiber, Supreme Court of New Jersey - PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Recognition & Accomplishments University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award, 2016 Associated Black Charities Change Agent for More in the Middle Award, 2016 AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Recipient, Albert S. Dandridge, III Business Law Section Diversity Award – Philadelphia Bar Association, 2015 Recipient, Profiles in Diversity Journal's 2015 Diversity Leader Award Recipient of Profiles in Diversity Journal's "CEO Leadership in Action" 2012 Award Publications "Progress Toward True Diversity," Profiles in Diversity Journal, March/April 2012 Community Activities For 18 years, Mr. Stewart served as director of the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run, a world-class half-marathon that is run each September in Philadelphia. Mr. Stewart is Chairman of the Board of Students Run Philly Style, an organization dedicated to promoting good health and successful life prospects for Philadelphia students through distance running. The program's adult mentor-coaches work closely with students ages 12 to 18 as they prepare to compete in road races. Board Memberships Member of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Corporate Council Students Run Philly Style, Board Chair Dream Camp Foundation Entoto Foundation Police Athletic League - EDUCATION University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D. 1982) University of Delaware (B.A. 1978, with distinction and highest honors) Recipient, Alexander J. Taylor Award (for outstanding male graduate) London School of Economics (G.C. 1977) - ADMISSIONS New Jersey Pennsylvania