Leslie Steven Marks
Leslie Steven Marks
Arbitrator, Mediator, Referee, Special Master, Umpire
Les Marks is a full-time neutral with ARC. After 40 years of diverse litigation practice that included managing the litigation department of his former mid-size and highly respected law firm, Mr. Marks “brings to the table” vast experience, unwavering integrity, and a relentless passion for resolving cases. Mr. Marks has served as participating counsel, arbitrator (single panelist and panel chair), mediator, and insurance umpire, in hundreds of cases involving, among other areas, small to multi-million dollar private and public construction disputes, real estate and business disputes, insurance related litigation, employment disputes and homeowner association (condominium) matters. His broad experience and people skills enable him to resolve even the most complex and contentious matters.
ORGANIZATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- AAA National Roster of Arbitrators since 2002; Construction, Complex Litigation, Commercial and Consumer Panels
- Former arbitrator for the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Former mediator for the Los Angeles County Superior Court ADR Program
- AV Rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell since 2000; named as a Superlawyer in Construction and/or Alternative Dispute Resolution from 2012-2016, 2018-2023
- Published numerous articles on construction and real estate in Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine
PRACTICE AREAS
Construction, Real Estate, Business, Insurance, Employment, Homeowner AssociationCONFLICT RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE
Mr. Marks’ experience includes serving as counsel, arbitrator, mediator and umpire, on the following:- Construction (Public and Private Works): Small to multi-million-dollar construction disputes involving single family homes, multi-unit condominiums, government buildings and utilities, and commercial and industrial properties. Claims include disputes relating to AIA and home improvement contracts, construction defect, mechanics liens, stop notices, prompt payment penalties, delay and disruption (critical path), surety bonds, bidding, change orders, extra work, design errors and false claims.
- Homeowner Association (HOA) Disputes: Homeowner vs. HOA disputes including claims for injunctive relief, mismanagement of association affairs, board negligence/breach of fiduciary duty, board failure to maintain and repair common areas, election disputes, HOA/vendor disputes and construction related disputes.
- Real Estate: Disputes between buyers, sellers and brokers involving the purchase/sale of residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. Claims of breach of rental and purchase agreements (including CAR) and for non-disclosure. Claims involving secured lending, collection, and foreclosure. Boundary/neighbor disputes, easements, and title insurance. Habitability claims and claims brought under the fair housing acts (FHAA and FEHA).
- Business/Commercial/Consumer: Business and commercial disputes (including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, director and officer, dissolution, and governance) involving corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Consumer claims including those brought under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
- Employment: Employment disputes including wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, discrimination and claims brought under the fair employment acts (FHAA and FEHA).
- Insurance/Umpire: Insurance disputes involving property loss, business interruption, first and third-party coverage, allocation of loss between carriers, primary-excess, and trigger issues/exhaustion of policy limits. Policies include construction, homeowner, professional errors and omissions, title, surety, auto and liability insurance.
- Homeowner Association (HOA): Claims between HOA and homeowner including breach of governing documents, board malfeasance, injunctive relief, and elections. HOA vendor and construction disputes.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
J.D. (1980), Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA; Dean's Honor ListB.A. in Political Science (1977), University of California, Los Angeles, CA; Summa Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa
Mr. Marks is available nationwide.
