Atty. Mark W. Shem

Atty. Mark W. Shem

Mark Shem is a Partner in the San Jose office of Borton Petrini, LLP. He received his undergraduate degree in political science and history from the University of California, Davis in 1987, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1990.

San Jose San Jose 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (408) 535-0870 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Mark W. Shem at a glance

Mark W. Shem is a Partner based in San Jose, California, practicing at Borton Petrini, LLP. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on business, real estate, construction, litigation, and government. Admitted to practice in California (1991), United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1991), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1991), and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California (2002). Educated at Temple University (J.D., 1990) and University of California, Davis (B.A. Political, 1987). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serands clients in San Jose, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mark Shem is a Partner in the San Jose office of Borton Petrini, LLP. He received his undergraduate degree in political science and history from the University of California, Davis in 1987, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1990
  • Mark’s primary area of focus as a San Jose lawyer is civil litigation from landlords, homeowners to contractors ranging from defect claims, breach of contract, habitability, indemnity issues, landlord-tenant, premises liability and employment questions
  • He has represented homeowners associations, homeowners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in both state and federal courts involving a variety of legal issues
  • Mark is a firm believer in effective use of written discovery to narrow the issues and achieve early settlement
  • While the special master process has its benefits, sometimes, even picking up the phone can achieve the best results
  • Before coming to Borton Petrini, LLP, Mark’s legal experience included handling insurance defense cases from personal injury, premises liability, landlord-tenant, habitability, toxic tort to skilled nursing home/elder abuse as well as personal injury actions against governmental entities
  • Mark has tried multiple cases as a San Jose lawyer and prevailed recently in summary judgment on three cases involving employment and construction defect issues
  • Mark is an active participant in the life of his community
  • He is an active member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, serving as the 2010 President
  • In 2011, he was elected to a three-year term on the California State Bar’s Board of Trustees where he focused on access to justice and legal education issues
  • He is an attorney coach for the Lynbrook High School mock trial team, and a member on the Advisory Committee of the Silver Creek High School Legal Academy Program
  • He is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the California State Bar
  • Mark is also admitted to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Northern District of California and Eastern District Federal Courts of California
  • Lectures & Seminars: Persuasive Legal Writing and Effective Oral Advocacy, Santa Clara Bar Association Top Ten Tips Avoid Getting Bounced from Court, Santa Clara Bar Association Pleading as a Weapon in the Litigation Battle Summary Judgment Motions, Mysteries of the Deep & Calm Seas, Santa Clara County Bar Association E-Discovery Update When Judges Cross the Line, Santa Clara County Bar Association Sanctions Denied!
  • E-Discovery is Discovery Elimination of Bias: How Well Do I Know Myself?

Practice Areas Explained

Mark W. Shem's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark W. Shem handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Mark W. Shem is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Mark W. Shem is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Construction Law

Mark W. Shem is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Mark W. Shem is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Government & Administrative Law

Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.

Mark W. Shem is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Jose are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Jose or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Mark W. Shem

Where is Mark W. Shem's law office located?
Mark W. Shem's law practice is located in San Jose, California. The firm is Borton Petrini, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Mark W. Shem handle?
Mark W. Shem focuses on business, real estate, construction, litigation, government. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Mark W. Shem practiced law?
Mark W. Shem has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did Mark W. Shem go to law school?
Mark W. Shem earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (B.A. Political, 1987).
How can I contact Mark W. Shem for a consultation?
You can contact Mark W. Shem directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Mark W. Shem received?
Mark W. Shem's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
Temple University
- 1990
B.A. Political
University of California, Davis
- 1987

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1991
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Admitted: 1991
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Admitted: 1991
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Admitted: 2002

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