Attorneys

Biography

ATTORNEY MARK SCHLEBEN: I was born on December 4, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and grew up in Bay City, Michigan. I received my undergraduate degree from Albion College (Michigan) in 1977, majoring in political science and psychology. Inspired by Spring Break experiences, I chose to earn my law degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville, receiving my Juris Doctorate Degree in 1980. I worked as an Associate attorney for a law firm in my hometown of Bay City until 1983, where I did a wide variety of general practice work, including labor relations, personal injury, wrongful death, criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, Wills and Probate, and was assistant to the City Attorney representing the city of Essexville, Michigan. In 1983, after having my fill of Michigan winters, I moved to Clearwater, Florida and established my solo practice. I have been here in Clearwater ever since, in my current location since 1992. Over the years, the practice has developed a focus on family law and bankruptcy law, and we also handle Wills, Trusts, some commercial litigation and mediations.

Besides being a member of the Florida Bar, I have been admitted to the Michigan Bar, as well as two Federal Courts, and have been a member of the American Bar Association, the Clearwater Bar Association, and other professional groups. I have worked as a Mediator for the Pinellas County Citizens Dispute Settlement Program and for several years as an Arbitrator with the Pinellas County Circuit Court Arbitration Program. I was a certified Family Law Mediator through the Supreme Court of Florida, and although I did not renew that certification, I am available to do private Mediations.

Currently, I prefer being a sole practitioner as opposed to working with a large law firm because after all is said and done, I simply like being my own boss too much to do things any other way!
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