Markenzy Lapointe

Mark also brings a wealth of private practice experience in trial, arbitration, and mediation across both state and federal courts. Known for his strategic approach, he works closely with clients to resolve their most critical challenges. He has successfully defended corporations and individuals in complex commercial disputes, including class actions, business divorces and high-stakes product liability cases, as well as professional malpractice claims.

With extensive courtroom experience—having tried more than 25 jury trials—Mark is called upon to try cases last minute or present and evaluate case strategies before mock juries to assess viability at trial. He has also represented clients in criminal and quasi-criminal investigations and led confidential internal investigations, including fact-finding efforts for corporate clients prior to his tenure as U.S. Attorney.

• Government Experience
  • Led the investigation, indictment and initial prosecution of Ryan Wesley Routh for allegedly attempting to assassinate then-candidate Donald J. Trump at Trump International Golf Club. Coordinated a crisis response team, collaborated with federal and state agencies for the collection and presentation of evidence at key hearings, and managed DOJ NSD coordination and press communications, including leading the federal government side of the joint press conference.
  • Oversaw the investigation and prosecution of Victor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. Department of State principal who once served on the National Security Council and as U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, for acting as a foreign agent against the United States. He pleaded guilty to secretly acting for decades as an agent of the government of the Republic of Cuba and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and $500,000 fine. This involved coordination with DOJ’s NSD and press management, including leading the press conference.
  • In an unprecedented cybercrimes case with worldwide impact, oversaw part of the prosecution team that disrupted Blackcat, the sophisticated ransomware group whose remote kidnappings of sprawling computer networks, including ones supporting critical American infrastructure, caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to victims around the world. As a result of our work, victims were able to proceed with their data and network operations.
  • Oversaw the investigation and prosecution of one of the largest FCC federal program frauds against Q Link LLC and its principal, Issa Asad. The defendants pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States in connection to a years-long scheme to steal over $100 million from the Lifeline program, which provided discounted basic telecommunications services to low-income individuals through participating telecommunications services. This required coordination with the FCC and DOJ Civil Division, which had parallel claims against the defendants.
  • Led the creation and introduction of SDFL’s whistleblower program to facilitate early and voluntary self-disclosure of criminal conduct. Consistent with DOJ’s corporate compliance scheme of encouraging disclosure and mitigation, this was a highly touted initiative, requiring coordination with the Deputy Attorney General’s Office.
• Private Practice Experience
  • Represented a CEO of one of the largest public health care organizations on parallel criminal charges and civil litigation. Successfully argued for dismissal of charges before trial and resolved civil case without liability to the CEO.
  • Represented the Florida Bar on state and federal antitrust claims by entity seeking to represent individuals in connection to traffic violations in Florida.
  • Defended a class action on behalf of a municipality where the class sought millions of dollars from the city. After vigorously defending the case through discovery and full evidentiary class certification hearing, Mark reached class settlement within statutory limit.
  • Successfully represented beneficiaries of a trust in a litigation against defendant trustee who was a one-time family friend, with possible damages under consideration. At the end of the three-day bench trial, the court granted an expansive interim order, finding for our clients, the descendants of a family that founded a major agricultural and energy conglomerate, and holding that the defendant breached his fiduciary duties. The judge ordered his immediate removal and appointed an interim trustee.
  • Defended claims in business divorce where client faced potential loss of business upon partner’s multimillion-dollar claims for partnership breach and defamation. Mark’s vigorous defense led to a complete dismissal from the business partner.
  • Mark’s pro bono practice includes co-chairing the first and only transgender trial in the country where a North Florida school board refused to allow a transgender student the use of facilities consistent with his gender identity. After an expedited discovery schedule and a trial in Jacksonville federal court, the court ruled in student’s favor. He also first-chaired one of the longest pro bono Federal Torts Claims Act trials in South Florida.