About Mark
Mark Schneider: Leading White-Collar Defense Attorney in Chicago
Mark Schneider is a recognized leader in complex litigation and government investigations, providing expert legal counsel to businesses, boards, and executives facing critical challenges. With a distinguished career spanning the Department of Justice and private practice, Mark offers unparalleled experience in navigating highly regulated industries and international legal landscapes. He’s consistently recognized by Chambers for his expertise and strategic approach, often representing Fortune 500 companies in matters involving significant financial and reputational risk.
Mark’s deep understanding of regulatory compliance, coupled with his extensive trial and appellate experience, makes him a formidable advocate. He specializes in defending clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including financial services, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, and private equity, providing proactive strategies to mitigate risks and achieve favorable outcomes. His ability to dissect complex legal issues and develop tailored defense strategies has earned him a reputation for achieving exceptional results.
Prior to his successful career as a partner, Mark dedicated a decade to the U.S. Department of Justice, holding senior leadership roles within the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. During this time, he spearheaded numerous high-stakes investigations, serving as Chief of Appeals, Deputy Chief of Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions, Head of the Medicare Fraud Task Force, Criminal Health Care Fraud Coordinator, Food and Drug Administration Coordinator, and Child Exploitation Crimes Coordinator. He demonstrated his courtroom prowess by trying numerous complex fraud and other cases before juries, and meticulously briefed or edited over 100 appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. This experience provides him with a unique perspective on both prosecution and defense strategies.
Mark’s international and national security experience is equally impressive. He deployed to Baghdad for a year, contributing to civilian Rule of Law efforts throughout Iraq, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to global legal challenges. Notably, he prosecuted a former CIA officer for willfully disclosing the identity of a covert officer in violation of the Intelligence Identities Protection Act – the second such case in U.S. history – earning the praise of the then-CIA Director for a “critical victory” for the Agency and the country. This demonstrates his ability to handle sensitive and high-profile investigations with discretion and expertise.
Furthermore, Mark's commitment to legal excellence extends beyond his courtroom experience. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago Law School for five years, further refining his analytical skills and deepening his understanding of legal principles. His academic background includes a magna cum laude degree from Harvard Law School, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review, alongside a Marshall Scholarship at Oxford University and a Wells Scholar designation at Indiana University.
Key Practice Areas:
Criminal Defense: Mark specializes in white-collar criminal defense, representing clients in complex investigations involving securities and commodities regulation, the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FDA cGMP regulations, sanctions and export controls, antitrust, trade secret theft, and other regulatory violations. He provides comprehensive defense strategies for a wide range of allegations, including fraud, corruption, and violations of government regulations.
Commercial Litigation: Mark’s extensive trial and appellate experience positions him to effectively represent businesses in commercial litigation matters, navigating complex legal disputes and seeking favorable resolutions.
Compliance Risk Mitigation: Mark advises clients on evaluating and mitigating compliance risks, including in international markets, helping them to avoid regulatory scrutiny and ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
Government Enforcement Proceedings: Mark provides expert legal representation in government enforcement proceedings, defending clients against investigations and litigation by federal and state agencies.
Education & Credentials:
- Harvard Law School, Magna Cum Laude
- Marshall Scholar, Oxford University
- Wells Scholar, Indiana University
- Editor, Harvard Law Review
- U.S. Department of Justice – Decade of Service
- Adjunct Faculty, University of Chicago Law School (5 years)
Awards & Recognition:
Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021
Affiliations: Chicago Bar Association, American Bar Association
Contact Information:
Mark Schneider is a trusted legal partner based in Chicago, Illinois, serving clients nationwide. He is committed to providing strategic legal counsel and achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.
