Mark Wood

Partner

Mark Wood is a partner in O'Melveny's Los Angeles office and was Chair of the Litigation Department from 1998-2006, during which time O'Melveny was named American Lawyer's 2004 "Litigation Department of the Year."  Mark is recognized by Chambers USA as one of the leading insurance lawyers in the nation. In recognizing Mark among the top products liability lawyers for aviation and aerospace in its 2008 rankings of the nation's leading lawyers, The Legal 500 United States described him as being “highly valued by clients.” Mark's practice is currently focused on aviation issues, air disasters, insurance coverage disputes and regulation, and international dispute resolution.

Mark is lead counsel for Logan Airport in connection with claims arising out of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Mark is counsel for underwriters in several arbitrations involving satellite losses. Mark tried a major aircraft accident case and obtained a jury defense verdict for a major airplane manufacturer. Mark also represented a large hotel chain in a variety of matters relating to its hotel management activities.

Mark supervises the firm's regulatory insurance practice and handled administrative hearings and litigation over California's Proposition 103. Mark was lead trial counsel in hearings before State Insurance Commissioners in connection with the attempted hostile takeover of a major insurance company.

Mark supervises insurance litigation, including claims for coverage of environmental pollution and hazardous waste cleanup costs and has been lead counsel for underwriters in several major coverage actions. Mark has also handled reinsurance disputes and bad faith litigation and arbitrations.

Mark was counsel for the owners of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System in major investigations conducted by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the General Accounting Office and the Alaska Pipeline Commission. Mark was lead counsel in charge of handling the audit of TAPS construction costs conducted by the staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Mark was co-counsel in the TAPS Tariff litigation, and was primarily responsible for handling issues concerning the adequacy of cost and project control systems; the design and construction of the pump stations; oil storage tanks, ballast water treatment facility and power and vapor recovery plants at the Valdez Terminal; field management of craft labor; and materials management, inventory and logistical systems.

Mark has criminal jury trial experience, and has conducted major investigations related to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters.

Mark has been lead counsel in an arbitration proceeding involving an acquisition of a major food distributor in California, and has represented major lenders in suits alleging various theories of lender liability and antitrust claims.

Professional Activities

Military Judge, U.S. Marine Corps
Judge Advocate, U.S. Marine Corps
Awards, Chambers USA (2006, 2007 and 2008 editions)