Schaffer Mark L

In the dynamic and often contentious world of business and real estate, legal disputes can significantly impact operations and financial stability. For companies, developers, contractors, and property owners in Washington, D.C., securing legal representation from an attorney with extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of complex commercial matters is crucial. Mark L. Schaffer stands as a highly accomplished first chair trial attorney in Washington, D.C., known for his significant courtroom experience across state and federal courts in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as throughout the United States. His practice is dedicated to providing robust advocacy and strategic counsel to clients navigating intricate disputes in construction, land use, real estate, and general business litigation.

Mark L. Schaffer brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice, representing a diverse clientele that includes commercial landlords, food, beverage, and hospitality companies, as well as owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and project engineers. He is adept at handling a wide range of issues, from design defects and delay claims in construction projects to zoning appeals, easement rights, and restrictive covenant disputes in land use matters. Furthermore, his experience extends to government contract litigation and broader corporate and business litigation, covering matters such as fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and shareholder rights. For D.C. businesses and property stakeholders, Mark L. Schaffer offers a formidable blend of courtroom prowess and practical legal advice to protect their interests and achieve favorable outcomes.

Mark L. Schaffer's office is strategically located in the heart of Washington, D.C., ensuring convenient access for clients across the metropolitan area. His office is situated at:

2000 L St NW #400, Washington, DC 20036, USA

This prime location in Northwest D.C. places the office within a vibrant business district, surrounded by numerous professional services, corporate headquarters, and governmental entities. The accessibility of the firm is significantly enhanced by its proximity to several Metro stations, making it highly convenient for clients utilizing public transportation. The office is a short walk from the Farragut North Metro station (Red Line) and the Farragut West Metro station (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines). This robust public transport connectivity ensures that clients from various parts of the District, as well as those commuting from neighboring Maryland and Virginia, can easily reach the office for consultations and meetings, minimizing travel time and hassle.

For clients who prefer to drive, numerous commercial parking garages are available within a close radius of the 2000 L Street NW address. While downtown D.C. can be busy, the abundance of parking options in this area provides practical solutions. However, it is always advisable for visitors to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially during peak business hours. The strategic and well-connected location underscores Mark L. Schaffer's commitment to being an accessible and integral legal resource for the D.C. business and real estate community.

Mark L. Schaffer focuses his practice on complex litigation and provides a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the needs of businesses, property owners, and other commercial entities. His areas of concentration include:

• Business Litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving fraud, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and derivative actions. He also assists shareholders in enforcing their rights to inspect corporate books and records, obtain accountings of investments, and hold corporate officers and directors accountable.
• Commercial Litigation: Handling a wide array of commercial disputes, including contract breaches, business torts, and other disagreements that arise in the course of commercial operations.
• Construction Law: Representing owners, contractors, developers, design professionals, and project engineers in disputes related to design defects, differing site conditions, change orders, and delay claims. He also advises on construction contracts and related legal issues.
• Land Use and Eminent Domain: Assisting clients with zoning appeals, development agreements, easement rights, restrictive covenant disputes, and matters involving eminent domain, where the government acquires private property for public use.
• Real Estate Law and Transactions: Providing litigation support for leasing disputes, property boundary disputes, and other real estate-related conflicts. He also advises on various legal issues pertaining to real estate transactions.
• Government Contracting Litigation: Counseling clients on issues such as contract termination claims, teaming agreement disputes, disputes between prime and subcontractors, and non-compete agreement disputes within the government contracting sector.
• Legal Strategy and Settlement Negotiations: In addition to courtroom litigation, Mark advises clients on legal issues, helps them devise effective legal strategies, and actively participates in settlement negotiations to achieve favorable resolutions outside of court when possible.

Mark L. Schaffer's practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make him a highly effective and sought-after litigation attorney in Washington, D.C.

• First Chair Trial Attorney: A significant highlight is his role as a first chair trial attorney, indicating extensive experience and leadership in actual courtroom settings. This hands-on litigation experience is crucial for clients facing complex and high-stakes disputes.
• Broad Jurisdictional Experience: He litigates matters in state and federal courts across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and throughout the United States, demonstrating a wide geographical reach and familiarity with diverse legal systems.
• Versatile Client Representation: Mark serves a broad range of clients, including commercial landlords, food, beverage, and hospitality companies, as well as various stakeholders in the construction and real estate industries, showcasing his adaptability and deep understanding of different business sectors.
• Expertise in Complex Commercial Disputes: He has a proven track record of handling intricate cases involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other sophisticated corporate and business litigation matters.
• Comprehensive Construction Law Knowledge: His deep involvement in construction disputes, from design defects to delay claims, positions him as a valuable resource for developers, contractors, and property owners.
• Strategic Approach to Land Use: Mark's work in land use and eminent domain demonstrates a nuanced understanding of property rights and regulatory challenges, vital for real estate development in a complex urban environment like D.C.
• Government Contracts Acumen: Given Washington, D.C.'s status as a hub for government contracting, his experience in this specialized area provides critical support for businesses engaged with federal agencies.
• Problem-Solving Beyond the Courtroom: While a skilled litigator, he also advises clients on devising legal strategies and participates in settlement negotiations, aiming for efficient and favorable resolutions.
• Recognition: Mark L. Schaffer has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Litigation - Real Estate (2025) and recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as a "Rising Star" in Washington, D.C. (2017) and Virginia Super Lawyers (2017).

As is typical with highly experienced and reputable litigation attorneys, Mark L. Schaffer's practice does not publicly advertise promotions or special offers in the manner of retail businesses. The value provided by a legal professional of his caliber stems from his extensive courtroom experience, specialized expertise in complex commercial and real estate disputes, and strategic approach to achieving client objectives, rather than discounted services.

For businesses and property stakeholders in Washington, D.C., facing intricate legal challenges, the primary "offer" is access to a seasoned trial attorney with a proven track record. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact his office directly to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, individuals can discuss the specifics of their case, understand how Mr. Schaffer's expertise aligns with their legal needs, and receive clear information regarding the firm's fee structure. This direct engagement allows for a personalized assessment and a transparent discussion of the investment required for high-level legal representation in complex litigation matters.

For businesses, commercial landlords, developers, and other entities in Washington, D.C., seeking experienced legal counsel in litigation, real estate, construction, or government contracts, Mark L. Schaffer's office is readily accessible.

Address: 2000 L St NW #400, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 783-6400

Mobile Phone: +1 202-783-6400

Prospective clients are encouraged to reach out via phone to schedule an initial consultation. This direct line of communication allows for a preliminary discussion of your legal inquiry and helps in determining how Mr. Schaffer’s specialized expertise can best serve your specific needs. When contacting the office, providing a brief overview of your business, real estate, or construction-related dispute can help streamline the process and ensure you are connected with the appropriate support. The firm's central D.C. location makes it convenient for in-person meetings once an appointment has been arranged.

For businesses, property owners, and entities within Washington, D.C., navigating the complexities of commercial disputes, real estate challenges, or construction litigation, Mark L. Schaffer offers an exceptionally suitable and highly effective legal solution. His strategic office location at 2000 L St NW #400 provides ideal accessibility, situated in a central D.C. business district and just a short walk from major Metro stations like Farragut North and Farragut West. This ensures that local clients can easily reach his office for consultations, fostering efficient communication vital for managing ongoing legal matters.

What truly distinguishes Mark L. Schaffer and makes him particularly suitable for the D.C. market is his extensive experience as a first chair trial attorney. In a city with a robust real estate market, constant development, and a significant commercial sector, the ability to effectively litigate and resolve disputes is paramount. His deep expertise in construction law, land use litigation, and general business litigation directly addresses common pain points for D.C. enterprises. Furthermore, his experience in government contract litigation is a distinct advantage in a city that is a hub for federal contracting. For local commercial landlords dealing with leasing disputes, developers facing zoning challenges, or businesses involved in complex corporate litigation, Mark L. Schaffer provides the proven courtroom skill, strategic counsel, and local understanding necessary to protect their interests and achieve favorable outcomes. His consistent recognition in legal publications further solidifies his standing as a trusted legal professional for the D.C. community.