Mark J.
Shaw

Bio

Mark is an attorney at MacDonald Illig whose practice focuses on environmental litigation, municipal law, and complex commercial litigation. He represents municipalities, businesses, and organizations in a wide range of regulatory, environmental, and litigation matters. Mark works closely with clients to understand their needs and provide responsive legal guidance aimed at addressing issues proactively and avoiding unnecessary legal complications.

Mark Helps Clients With:

• Environmental litigation and regulatory matters
• Municipal law and local government representation
• Environmental compliance and investigations
• Clean Air Act matters
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) matters
• Superfund and environmental remediation issues
• Complex commercial litigation
• Breach of contract disputes
• Water rate challenges and regulatory litigation
• Agricultural and environmental damage claims
• Mediation and dispute resolution services

Mark regularly represents clients in environmental regulatory matters, municipal governance issues, and commercial litigation proceedings in both state and federal courts.

Approach to Client Service

Mark prioritizes responsive and attentive client service, working closely with clients to understand their objectives and provide clear legal guidance. Known for his dedication and accessibility, he focuses on delivering practical solutions and timely communication throughout the legal process.

Experience and Professional Background

Mark serves as Chair of MacDonald Illig’s Government Services Group and maintains an extensive municipal law practice. He currently serves as solicitor for one of Pennsylvania’s largest second-class townships. In that role, he has assisted with initiatives including the formation of a Fire Commission designed to address funding and staffing challenges for volunteer fire departments and guidance related to the municipality’s transition of its sewer authority operations.

He previously served as Chair of the firm’s Environmental Group and has represented clients in environmental investigations led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) involving the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Mark has also served as head of a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) group at a Superfund site, which was ultimately redeveloped into a municipal golf course. His environmental work has also included overseeing the demolition of a century-old foundry that was redeveloped into an athletic complex for a local private high school.

In addition to his environmental and municipal practice, Mark handles complex commercial litigation matters in both state and federal courts.

Professional Recognition

Mark has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation since 2010.

Mediation Services

Mark has completed a 40-hour mediation training program and is expanding his practice to include mediation services for dispute resolution.

Community Involvement

Mark is actively involved in the Erie community and supports a variety of organizations, including:

• United Way of Erie County
• Asbury Woods Partnership
• Millcreek Township School District
• Our Lady of Peace Church

He values contributing his time and expertise to organizations that support the Erie region.