Mark R. Pickering is an AV Preeminent-rated litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing insurers, energy companies, manufacturers, contractors, and commercial enterprises in complex litigation throughout Texas, Louisiana, and beyond. His practice focuses on subrogation recovery, insurance defense, energy and industrial losses, product liability, and catastrophic property damage claims.
Throughout his career, Mark has handled high-exposure cases involving refinery explosions, industrial accidents, commercial property losses, wrongful death claims, transportation accidents, and insurance disputes. He is known for his practical approach, thorough preparation, and ability to manage complex matters from investigation through mediation, arbitration, or trial.
Services
Cases & Experience
- Trial counsel for oil and gas drilling company against operator in contract dispute regarding liability for millions of dollars in damages. Dispute centered on application and interpretation of indemnities in IADC drilling contract. Advantageous settlement for client reached during the middle of trial.
- Co-trial counsel in a refinery loss case resulting in unanimous jury verdict exceeding $317 million against an equipment manufacturer arising from the catastrophic failure of a refinery heat exchanger, later resolved through a $195 million settlement.
- Representation of a refinery and its insurers in a subrogation action against a maintenance contractor following a crude unit fire, resulting in a confidential eight-figure recovery.
- Representation of industrial facilities and their insurers in claims arising from a gas processing facility explosion and pipeline outage that caused extensive business interruption losses, resulting in a confidential eight-figure settlement.
- Representation of chemical manufacturers, paper product manufacturers, contractors, and insurers in significant industrial loss and construction defect matters.
- Successful defense verdicts for utility and commercial clients in high-exposure personal injury and property damage litigation.
- Extensive experience defending manufacturers, oilfield service companies, contractors, security providers, and industrial service companies in complex litigation involving product failures, workplace fatalities, aviation accidents, and industrial incidents.
- Mark also regularly advises clients regarding contractual indemnity obligations, additional insured provisions, risk transfer strategies, and subrogation opportunities.
Education & Admissions
- Juris Doctor, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University, 1994
- Bachelor of Science in Economics, Texas A&M University, 1990
- State Bar of Texas
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Admitted to practice before all Texas and Louisiana state courts
- Admitted to practice before all federal courts in Texas and Louisiana
Awards & Recognitions
Mark has earned the highest peer-review rating available from Martindale-Hubbell®, the AV Preeminent® rating, recognizing attorneys who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence, legal ability, and ethical standards.
Professional & Civic
Beyond his legal practice, Mark is actively involved in his local church, where he enjoys serving others and contributing to the needs of his community. He believes that professional success carries a responsibility to invest time and resources in helping others and strengthening the communities in which we live and work.
Outside the Office
Outside of his legal practice, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, having visited numerous national parks. He enjoys hunting and other outdoor activities that allow him to appreciate nature and spend time with friends and family.
Mark enjoys following college football, baseball and basketball. Whether in the courtroom, the outdoors, or his church community, he values hard work, integrity, faith, and relationships—principles that have guided both his professional career and personal life.