A native Texan, Mark was born on May 14, 1963, in Pampa, Texas. Both his father and stepfather were career U.S. servicemen (Army & Navy), and Mark was raised throughout the United States. Living from coast to coast gave him a deep respect for the diversity, resilience, and character of the American people.

Mark returned to Texas and graduated from Allen High School in Allen, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, cum laude, from the University of North Texas. Pursuing a lifelong ambition, Mark then attended Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, where he served as a member and editor of the Baylor Law Review and graduated with honors.

A trial lawyer for more than 38 years, Mark began his legal career in Dallas with the trial firm Strasburger & Price. Mark was a partner in S&P’s Dallas office, focusing on products liability litigation and representing major domestic and international corporations. In 1997, Mark moved to the S&P’s Austin office, where his practice included products liability, commercial litigation, and general litigation.

In 2001, Blake and Mark joined forces and formed Erskine & Blackburn. After years of defending major corporations, Mark transitioned his practice to helping individuals and families seek justice for wrongful acts and harms. His big-firm trial experience now benefits clients in cases involving catastrophic workplace injuries, wrongful death, dangerous and defective products, commercial motor vehicle crashes, premises liability, automobile and pedestrian crashes, sexual assault, rideshare and delivery crashes, and select commercial and business disputes.

Mark is blessed with three beautiful daughters, Laura Lee, Lindsy, and Lily, two of whom have also chosen to pursue legal careers. He is a devout follower of Jesus Christ and enjoys serving through his local church, in the community, and on international and local mission trips.

Mark is an avid fly fisherman - both fresh and saltwater. He also enjoys mountain climbing/hiking, Colorado fourteeners, snow skiing, outdoor travel, and reading. His black Labrador retriever, Cash, is typically at his side.