Mark C. Mazzarella

Veteran litigator Mark Mazzarella leverages over four decades of legal experience, including nearly 100 trials, to assist parties in resolving conflicts through mediation and arbitration. Throughout his career, he has participated in hundreds of mediations and arbitrations, resulting in verdicts and settlements totaling over $330 million and the successful defense of more the $2 billion in claims.Of Counsel in Duckor Metzger & Wynne, APLC’s Litigation Department, Mark is known for his ability to win “unwinnable” cases. His success stems from his creativity, his skill in connecting and communicating with juries and his knack for identifying and simplifying key issues in even the most complex cases. His practice has been nearly equally divided between representing plaintiffs and defendants, providing him with a balanced and unbiased perspective that he brings to every dispute resolution. In addition to general business litigation, Mark also handles probate litigation matters.Before joining DMW, Mark had his own law firm and previously worked at two of the largest law firms in California, serving in leadership roles at each. An active and dedicated member to the San Diego legal community, Mark is a past chair of the State Bar of California’s Litigation Section, a two-term past president of The Association of Business Trial Lawyers San Diego Chapter and was appointed as judge pro tem for the San Diego Superior Court and chair of the ad hoc Committee on Bench/Bar Relations for the San Diego County Superior and Municipal Courts, and the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California.Having transitioned the majority of his litigation practice to mediation, Mark applies the same dedication that brought him success in the courtroom to helping parties navigate and negotiate their way out of costly and exhausting disputes. His unparalleled communication and conflict resolution techniques, along with his creativity, often lead to settlements with non-traditional components that are acceptable to all parties involved. A keen observer of human behavior and a natural deal maker, Mark utilizes these unique skills and his professional experience to significantly enhance his effectiveness facilitating dispute resolution.Mark’s diverse professional background adds to his ability to take a well-rounded view of people and situations. He is the co-author of the best-selling books “Reading People” and “Put Your Best Foot Forward,” and is a licensed real estate broker who has personally been involved in the development of over 900 units in San Diego County. Mark serves as an expert witness in legal malpractice matters and has collaborated with numerous high-profile individuals and Fortune 500 companies on impression formation.