Mark Vander Laan is a litigator companies want on their side when the stakes are high. With 38 years experience trying cases and settling business disputes, his clients see him as fair-minded but aggressive in bet-the-company cases — always prepared to go to trial, but with an ability to quickly discern the best course of action for their business. Mark’s first step with any new matter is to sit down with his client and get a thorough understanding of their needs and tolerances. Only then can they develop a proper legal strategy — whether tackling complex corporate/shareholder disputes or high-profile client disputes or a white collar defense. Because business disputes often take unexpected twists and turns, Mark’s style is to err on the side of more communication, making an effort to explain situations and legal options in clear, concise business terms.
Mark’s legal experience is comprehensive, including business and fiduciary litigation, white collar crime and investigations, representing municipalities as well as appealing and advocating for business and individuals at the state and federal levels. His clients have included Procter & Gamble, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a variety of large privately-held and public companies, and individuals and institutions serving in fiduciary capabilities.
As Litigation Department Chair, Mark pays close attention to the development of the firm’s next generation of litigators. He believes that Dinsmore attorneys need to be “hands-on” early in their careers — gaining trial and appellate experience whenever possible — increasing the firm’s ability to provide a deep and experienced bench well into the future. He also serves on the firm’s Board of Directors and as Dinsmore’s General Counsel.
Mark teaches legal ethics as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He is also a champion for the less-fortunate, serving as Trustee and President for Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor, as a Board Member of Ohio Justice and Policy Center, and as Chairman of the Board for The Center for Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati.