Mark L. Kowalsky

Overview Experience News & Events Professional & Civic Summary Mark is a partner in Tafts Commercial Litigation practice, working closely with the firms Financial Services Litigation and Privacy and Data Security practices. He is a business attorney who partners with his clients to understand their needs and execute a strategy leading to the right solution. Marks clients turn to him for sound counsel and assistance in a wide range of complex matters in highly regulated areas, including: Securities broker-dealer and investment adviser issues, including disputes relating to securities investments, employment transition, non-competition agreements, SEC enforcement, and regulatory actions and investigations; and Commercial litigation involving contracts, non-competition agreements, trade secrets, unfair competition, employment and business and partnership disputes. Mark is called upon to provide advice and representation to regional and national securities firms, public and privately held corporations, and individuals. He has extensive experience in federal and state courts, arbitration, mediation, and in securities law regulatory matters that often involve requests for immediate injunctive relief and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration and mediation. Mark is a past lecturer on compliance and regulatory issues for a national securities firm and has co-authored several publications. He is a regular speaker at the Midwest Securities Law Institutes. Read More Awards Honoree, Best Lawyers in America (2018, 2020 - present) Honoree, Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers®, Litigation - Securities, Detroit (2019, 2022, 2025) Honoree, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers (2017 - present) Honoree, Michigan Super Lawyers, Securities Litigation (2006 - present) Honoree, DBusiness Top Lawyers (2012 - 2021, 2024 - 2025) Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) AV Peer Review Rated, Lexis Nexis/Martindale-Hubbell All Service Areas All Practices Commercial Litigation Financial Services Litigation and Enforcement All Industries Financial Services Franchise and Distribution Financial Services Regulatory and Compliance Education University of Michigan Law School University of Michigan High Distinction and Highest Honors Admissions State - Michigan Federal - Eastern District of Michigan Federal - Western District of Michigan Federal - 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Federal - 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Federal - 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Notable Matters Mark has represented: A national securities firm in obtaining a $20 million arbitration award against a competitor for raiding the firm of its employees. Numerous individuals and/or groups of individuals in successfully transitioning from their current employer to a new position while navigating their contractual and other obligations to their prior firm. Securities professionals in resolving state and federal regulatory inquiries. A private equity firm in resolving regulatory claims relating to the sale of collateralized loan obligations. An individual in obtaining a million-dollar settlement against his former firm involving claims of inaccurately reporting the circumstances of his departure Members of a CPA firm to resolve a Securities and Exchange Commission action. Speeches and Publications Publications How to Sell Your Advising Practice in 2021, U. S. World and News Report, March 12, 2021. Voices: How financial advisors can avoid legal trouble when switching firms, Financial Planning, February 21, 2021. Brokerage Firm Departures - Reasons to Expect 2016 to be a Record Year. Preventing Security Breaches: Best Practices Under Michigans New Notification Law, Michigan Computer Lawyer, Vol. 24, No. 2 (2007). Preventing Security Breaches: Best Practices Under Michigans New Notification Law, LACHES, a publication of the Oakland County Bar Association (2007). The Need for Local Counsel in the Federal Court, LACHES, a publication of the Oakland County Bar Association (2000). Federal Courts on the Information Superhighway, LACHES, a publication of the Oakland County Bar Association (1996). Speeches Securities, Fraud and RICO Litigation Seminar, Federal or State Court v. Arbitration, Detroit Bar Association. Invited Speaker, 2009-2019 Midwest Securities Law Institute. AMS Continuing Legal Education Advanced Litigation Skills for Paralegals. News 11/19/2024 News Sixteen Taft Attorneys Recognized in DBusiness Top Lawyers 2025 09/12/2024 News Kowalsky and Harris to Speak at 2024 Midwest Securities Law Institute Financial Services Litigation and Enforcement Financial Services Regulatory and Compliance Financial Services 08/15/2024 News Twenty-Eight Taft Attorneys Named Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year 2025 08/15/2024 News Three Hundred Sixty-Three Taft Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2025 Show More Past Events 9/20/2024 2024 Midwest Securities Law Institute Financial Services Litigation and Enforcement Financial Services Financial Services Regulatory and Compliance 09/22/2023 2023 Midwest Securities Law Institute Financial Services Litigation and Enforcement Financial Services Financial Services Regulatory and Compliance Professional Affiliations State Bar of Michigan Member American Bar Association Member Oakland County Bar Association Member Member, Business Court and Counsel Committee Vice-Chair, Circuit Court Committee Former Chair, Chair of the Federal Courts Committee Compliance and Legal Division of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Member Greater West Bloomfield Cable Communications Commission Member Former Chair Community Involvement Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Member, Board of Governors Jewish Home and Aging Services/Jewish Senior Life President, Board of Directors The Jewish Fund Member, Board of Directors Experience