Mark E. Shaffer

Mark E. Shaffer is a first chair trial attorney with significant courtroom experience. He litigates matters in state and federal courts in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and throughout the United States. He focuses his practice on construction litigation, land use litigation, leasing disputes, and eminent domain. His clients include commercial landlords, food, beverage and hospitality companies. He also represents owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and project engineers. He regularly handles matters related to claims of design defects, differing site conditions, change orders, and delay claims, as well as zoning appeals, development agreements, easement rights, and restrictive covenant disputes. In addition to litigating matters, Mark advises on legal issues, helps clients devise legal strategies, and participates in settlement negotiations.

Mark also maintains a government contract litigation practice, counseling clients on contract termination claims, teaming agreement disputes, disputes between prime and subcontractors, and non-compete agreement disputes.

Mark’s corporate and business litigation experience includes matters involving fraud, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and derivative actions. He regularly assists shareholders with enforcing their rights to inspect corporate books and records, to obtain accountings of their investments and corporate assets, and to hold corporate officers and directors accountable for breaches of their corporate duties.

Mark previously served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, including in Iraq. He continues to serve with the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

Concentrations

•Business litigation
•Commercial litigation
•Construction law
•Government contracting
•Land use and eminent domain
•Real estate law and transactions

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America,
•Litigation - Real Estate, 2025-2026
•Litigation - Construction, 2026
•Commercial Litigation, 2026
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2017
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Virginia Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2017