About Mark

Mark G. Alexander became licensed as a lawyer in the state of Florida in 1984. Mark has practiced law continuously in private practice for more than 25 years, specializing in the representation of employers in labor relations and litigation arising out of employment disputes and employee defections.

Areas of Expertise

Trial Practice

Broad experience trying both jury and non-jury civil cases in the state and federal courts representing business interests

Civil Rights Litigation

Representing employers in discrimination claims on race, sex, sexual harassment, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, religion and other areas of employment discrimination law

Non-Competition, Trade Secrets and Defecting Employees

Prosecution and defense of non-competition agreements and other restrictive covenants; litigation over the misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential information; and prosecution and defense of other claims arising out of the defection of one or more employees, such as breach of fiduciary duty, breach of employee’s duty of loyalty, tortious interference and civil conspiracy

Disabilities, Medical Leaves and Workplace Injuries

Claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the relationship of these statutory requirements with worker compensation claims

Wage and Hour Litigation

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), including collective actions and claims for wages under state law

Employment Contracts

Litigation over the enforcement of contractual provisions such as wage claims, bonus payments, executive compensation claims, restrictive covenants and allegations of wrongful termination

Reductions in Force (RIF)

Voluntary plans, involuntary plans, severance agreements and notice requirements

Faculty, Students and Higher Education

Significant experience representing educational institutions in employment matters, governance issues, student claims, disability claims, faculty grievance issues, tenure disputes, academic freedom disputes, and other employment disputes and student claims unique to a college or university

Transportation, Trucking, Maritime and Intermodal

Issues involving characterization of a worker as an independent contractor versus an employee; issues involving restrictive covenants and defecting employees; wage and hour issues unique to motor carriers; whistleblower claims relating to surface transportation providers; labor disputes and labor arbitrations; and other employment issues and disputes unique to transportation companies

Previous Experience

Prior to co-founding Alexander DeGance Barnett, Mark worked for the law firm of Holland & Knight for 21 years, first as an associate and then as partner. While at Holland & Knight, he served as the firm’s National Practice Group Leader for the National Labor, Employment and Benefits practice, a post he held for more than three years in which he led approximately 45 lawyers and paralegals located in 12 offices throughout the United States.

Honors & Distinctions

• The Best Lawyers in America guide, Labor and Employment Law, 2010 and 2011
• Federal Bar Association 2009 Spirit of Giving Award
• Recognized by the Stetson University Board of Trustees as a “Strategic Community Partner, Colleague and Friend" in the role of legal counsel to Stetson University, 2008
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
• Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2001
• Gaither Award, University of Florida Moot Court Team, 1984
• University of Florida Moot Court Team, 1984
• President, Student Government Association, 1981

Memberships

• American Bar Association
• The Florida Bar, Labor and Employment Section
• The Florida Bar, Trial Practice Section
• First Coast Manufacturers Association
• National Association of College and University Attorneys
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Grievance Committee (Appointed)

Admissions

• The Florida Bar
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
• U.S. Circuit Court, Eleventh Circuit

Education

• University of Florida College of Law, J.D.
• Catawba College, B.A., magna cum laude

Community Involvement

• Catawba College Board of Visitors
• Leadership Jacksonville
• American Cancer Society "Relay for Life"
• Riverside Avenue Christian Church - Board Chair, Pastor Search Committee, and Elder & Middle School Teacher

Outside of the Office

Outside of the office, Mark spends time with his wife, Beverly, and their three children. He enjoys attending his children’s sporting events and vocal performances at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Mark is also learning how to play the guitar and will be taking requests in no time.