MEET:  Mark A. Stafford

Mark Stafford is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Winston-Salem, specializing in commercial litigation. He is  serving on NCADA's Board of Directors and previously chairing the Commercial Litigation Practice Group.   Mark a proud graduate of  UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law. 

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? I was drawn to law because of the variety in the work—With each matter, I get to be a voyeur on how many interesting ways people earn their living. I specifically chose litigation because it poses the ultimate challenge in resolving client problems.

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life? The networking and contacts (including interaction with judges) has proved invaluable.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer? Write fiction.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? How the complications of litigation (e-discovery, frequent personnel turnover at clients, etc.) have grown and the resulting expense for clients in obtaining their day in court.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV show and why? The Paper Chase from 1973—it illustrates so accurately the arduous path one’s mind must take to make it through law school.

Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I play mandolin—very poorly

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why? Ernest Hemingway—his life story is so varied. Oh, and it would be over a cup of absinthe, not coffee.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done? I once killed and barbecued a squirrel.

What excites you the most right now? Evenings with my wife now that my kids have left home.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self? Throughout your career, never focus too much on the money.

Thanks, Mark, for sharing!