Mark Ritchie

Mark is a senior attorney at Porter Law Firm, where he focuses on construction and commercial disputes in litigation, arbitration, and appellate matters. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1997.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Mark graduated with honors from South Texas College of Law Houston. While in law school, he received the Professor Barber Award in recognition of his distinguished service as a member of the South Texas Law Review.

Mark is also a published author, with articles appearing in the Texas Bar Journal and the Houston Bar Association’s Appellate Lawyer on topics including appellate advocacy, arbitration, and judicial practice.

When not at work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Alma. He is also an avid epee fencer and gardener.

Bar Admission

• Texas
• New York
• Washington, D.C.
• England and Wales (solicitor)
• Southern District of Texas
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• Supreme Court of the United States

Education

• South Texas College of Law Houston
  • Houston, TX
    • J.D.
• Texas A&M University
  • College Station, TX
    • B.A.
• American University/Washington College of Law
  • Washington, D.C.
    • Certificate in International Commercial Arbitration

Published Works

• “U.S. Supreme Court Treats Circuit Split by Recommending Less Vitamin C,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (July 2018).
• “Arbitration’s Appeal,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (March 2018).
• “Natural Language Legal Research and the Importance of Algorithmic Accountability,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (October 2017).
• “’Sympathetic Summary’ as a Tool for Better Appellate Arguments,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (March 2017).
• “Cordial Conversations: Conferring with Opposing Counsel for Better Motion Practice,” Texas Bar Journal (March 2017).
• “Frivolous Arguments on Appeal: Time for a New Approach,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (December 2016).
• “Appellate Mediation: Embracing a Pragmatic Approach,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (September 2016).
• “Abor is Dead, Long Live Prudential: The Texas Supreme Court Resolves the Split of Authority on Mandamus and Dominant Jurisdiction,” HBA Appellate Lawyer (July 2016).