08/03/2026
For eight years Mark Sparks has worked as an Ownership Partner at The Ferguson Law Firm. Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, after graduation from law school he worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Thad Heartfield for two years here in Beaumont. Clerking for Judge Heartfield was the best job--and one of the best friends--he ever had. Mark has been licensed to practice law in Texas for more than 26 years, and later got licensed to practice in California and Pennsylvania. Aside from being licensed in three states, Mark is also board certified in personal injury trial law, and enjoys trying cases and tackling complex litigation matters. Over twenty years ago, Mark tackled his first mass tort involving over 10,000 Central Americans exposed to a pesticide that causes sterility and cancer. Later, Mark worked on many complex cases and mass torts, including over-radiation events, aviation cases, defective medical product cases, and defective medication cases. Additionally, for over a decade, Mark continued his specialization in international cases.
Mark routinely works with the Jefferson County Bar Association, where he has served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director. The JCBA is a wonderful organization, spearheaded by Bonnie Dean and Melissa Kirchmer, who work hard to bring so much good into the legal profession and the Southeast Texas community. Mark also devotes countless hours to pro bono work, regularly representing individuals in divorce and child custody matters who cannot afford lawyers. Mark makes it a point to always have at least two active pro bono cases at any given time. In 2013, he earned the Mickey F. Mehaffy Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award for his work with the JCBA.
One of the most impactful cases of Mark's career arose in his hometown following the TPC explosion that affected so many families across Southeast Texas. Working with the partners at the Ferguson Law Firm, he drafted and filed one of the original lawsuits on behalf of those impacted and represented over a thousand victims throughout every stage of the litigation. TPC did not have enough insurance, and filed for bankruptcy. While TPC thought that would be the end of it, it wasn't. The U.S. Attorney's office brought federal criminal charges against TPC, and criminal cases entitle victims to restitution for certain damages. Unfortunately, TPC and the government entered into a secret plea deal providing $0 for thousands of uncompensated victims but $18 million in fines to the government. Mark--along with other lawyers from the Ferguson Law Firm--appeared in the criminal case and vehemently objected to such an unfair plea bargain. Working alongside Ownership Partner Jane Leger, the Ferguson Law Firm presented evidence over four days to Judge Michael Truncale who issued a $292 million criminal restitution award, one of the largest awards of its kind.
Mark has worked on many mass tort cases over the years, but this one was personal. This time, it happened right here at his home--here in Jefferson County. As a Southeast Texas native, Mark is proud to be part of a firm that shares his commitment to this community. He believes in investing in the place he has always called home, and helping not only the people who live here, but anyone who is being treated unfairly. Sure, Mark has many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that make for good Facebook posts and billboards--but every case matters to Mark, large or small. Mark doesn't just take on cases, he takes on causes.
