Overview
Mark Short is recognized as one of the leading eminent domain attorneys in Virginia. As a seasoned litigator in all aspects of eminent domain and condemnation law, he has represented a variety of businesses and property owners against federal, state and local authorities. Mark represents owners and tenants of commercial and residential properties. Cases have included small to large tracts of vacant land, primary, secondary and rental homes, commercial office buildings, big box retailers, shopping centers, hotels, farms, mining lands, banks, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, churches, funeral homes, and community association properties. He also has substantial experience representing clients on relocation issues that arise from these proceedings.
Mark’s active property rights practice complements his eminent domain practice. He represents property owners in property disputes, title claims, and land-use matters, including adverse possession, easement disputes, riparian rights, partition actions, receiverships, foreclosures, title reformation claims, re-zonings, and land-use permits. Mark’s practice also includes real estate transactions and finance. Mark is a frequent speaker on real property matters throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and for national trade and legal associations. Mark has served as the president of the Newport News Bar Association and is highly regarded among his peers.
Representative Matters
Represented numerous shopping centers, retailers, and restaurants in eminent domain cases filed by VDOT, the federal government, localities, and utility providers
Represented the owners of hotel properties, medical complexes, vacant parcels, storage facilities, and many other types of investment properties in eminent domain cases
Represented numerous residential property owners in eminent domain cases filed by VDOT, localities, and utility providers
Defended against a multimillion-dollar breach of contract and fraud claim
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America, 2021-2026
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ, 2015, 2017-2025
Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2019-2020, 2022-2025
Featured Presenter, Eminent Domain Conference in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020
CIVIC Leadership Institute Class of 2014
AV® Preeminent; Martindale-Hubbell
AVVO Top Rated 10
Press & Publications
News
Community & Professional
Associations
Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula; Secretary, Executive Committee; Board of Directors
Peninsula German Club; Board of Directors
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors; Executive Committee, Chairman of Membership
Newport News Bar Association; Board of Directors; Past-President
Virginia Bar Association; Real Property Subcommittee, Eminent Domain Subcommittee
American Bar Association
Hampton Roads Association of Commercial Real Estate
Associated General Contractors of Virginia
American Heart Association Peninsula Heart Ball; Corporate Sponsor Chair, 2010
Virginia Living Museum; Board of Trustees
Salvation Army for the Virginia Peninsula; Board of Advisors
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Graduate of the Leadership Institute
Hampton Roads Academy; Alumni Board
Denbigh Rotary Club; Board of Advisors
Oyster Point Rotary Club
Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors, Risk Management Committee
Credentials
Education
College of William & Mary; B.A., 1987
William & Mary Law School; J.D., 1994
