About
Mark Sledge started his career with Barnett Montgomery McClintock & Cunningham while in law school. After passing the bar examination, he continued with the firm, primarily working with Governor Ross Barnett. After three more years with Governor Barnett’s firm, Mark decided to start his own general practice.
After several successful years in his own practice, Mark ran for the Circuit Judge position in the Seventh Circuit Court District of Mississippi. He was elected to serve in this district, which included Hinds and Yazoo Counties. After he was sworn in, Mark was officially the youngest judge serving in the State of Mississippi.
After serving as a judge, Mark decided to create a practice with a specific focus: personal injury. His interest came not only from extensive case experience while serving on the bench as Circuit Court Judge, but also from his desire to make a positive difference for people.
For over 15 years, Mark has been actively involved in representing plaintiffs in numerous mass torts. These include breast implant and phen-phen litigation. He was lead counsel for the firm for several drug litigation cases, including Parlodel, Duract, and Stadol. Each of these cases ended successfully with satisfactory recoveries for the parties represented. Mark has also been actively involved in the Bayer Rice Litigation, as well as other types of agricultural litigation.
Mark was a member of the trial team representing the plaintiff that tried the case of Robert Bailey vs. Janssen Pharmaceutical. In the Bailey case, the 10 plaintiffs received a $100 million jury verdict. Due to the $100 million verdict in Bailey vs. Janssen, Mark Sledge's law firm was named one of the top 10 winningest law firms in the United States in 2001.
Areas of Expertise
Licensed to practice in Mississippi and Texas, Mark brings decades of trial experience, judicial insight, and a proven record of results to every case he handles. From catastrophic personal injury and offshore accidents to complex mass torts and agricultural litigation, Mark has spent his career standing up for individuals and families when the stakes are at their highest. His courtroom experience allows him to anticipate defense tactics, build strong cases, and fight for the full compensation his clients deserve—whether in Mississippi courtrooms or across the country.
Offshore Injury & Jones Act Cases
Mark has been representing injured offshore workers for more than four decades. Offshore work presents unique dangers, and when injuries happen on oil rigs, drilling platforms, or vessels, these cases require legal counsel with real experience. Mark has handled Jones Act and maritime claims for workers injured in offshore operations throughout the world. In one recent case, J.P. Upton vs. Diamond Offshore Drilling, Mark secured a $4.9 million jury verdict in Texas state court for a client injured while working off the coast of Brazil. He understands the complexities of offshore litigation, the unique challenges maritime workers face, and how to hold companies accountable when safety failures lead to life-changing injuries.
Agricultural Litigation
Mark has successfully represented farmers and producers in major agricultural litigation, including the high-profile Bayer Rice Litigation. In that case, genetically modified rice contaminated U.S. rice supplies, causing European markets to reject American shipments and triggering severe financial losses for farmers nationwide. Mark fought for rice producers harmed by this cross-contamination and recovered substantial awards on their behalf. His work in agricultural litigation reflects his ability to take on complex, large-scale cases where powerful corporations are held responsible for the harm they cause to hardworking individuals and entire industries.