Biography
Actively serving 22 years in the U.S. Air Force taught Mark Jeffries tactics that he uses every day in his labor and employment practice. While in the Air Force, Mark flew 85 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan where he effectively developed strategies, operated under pressure, met vital timelines, and never lost sight of the goal. The battles that Mark fights for clients aren’t in the cockpit of an airplane, but the same tactics still apply.
Mark works with his clients to make sure that their labor and employment strategy supports their business objectives and that the goal is always in sight. Mark believes in being efficient and takes pride in being responsive and meeting self-imposed and client-imposed deadlines. Mark believes strongly in studying the situation from all angles, particularly from the perspective of the opponent, allowing you to see the strengths and weaknesses of your case and where the approach might need adjusted.
Mark focuses his practice in the area of labor and employment law. He has represented employers in wrongful discharge and discrimination cases in state and federal court, as well as before the West Virginia Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission. He advises employers on compliance with employment laws and in negotiating with unions. In addition, Mark has defended corrections and law enforcement officials in civil rights claims, and he has represented numerous newspapers in defamation claims.
As a decorated veteran, Mark received five Air Medals, an Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Medal.
Representative Experience
- Won an award of nearly $250,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs arising from the successful defense of three State Troopers from claims of federal civil rights violations and state common law claims
- Defended employers from unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board
- Assisted manufacturing employer in collective bargaining negotiations with the union
- Drafted successful appeal to state supreme court of the circuit court decision that deferred ruling on qualified immunity until completion of discovery, resulting in vicarious liability and negligent hiring and training claims against law enforcement client being dismissed before the commencement of discovery
- Represented employers in wrongful discharge cases brought under state and federal anti-discrimination laws
- Advised non-profit client on employee travel and quarantine policy issues related to COVID-19
- Represented employers in claims before the West Virginia Human Rights Commission
- Assisted employers in successfully resisting union organizing campaigns
- Defended newspapers in defamation claims
- Represented international corporation in multi-district litigation over trademark rights
- Represented oil and gas drilling company in personal injury action related to injuries workers received on a gas drilling platform
Education
- J.D. West Virginia University College of Law
Memberships
- Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia
- Defense Research Institute
- Board of Directors, Bi-County Nutrition Program
- Advisor, Angels of America’s Fallen
- Member, West Virginia Municipal League
- Harrison County Bar Association
- Order of the Barristers
- Associate Chief Justice, Moot Court Board
- Member, National Moot Court Team
Achievements
- Runner-up, Baker Cup Moot Court Competition 2010
- CALI Awards for Excellence: Appellate Advocacy and Criminal Procedure