Mark A. Leach

Mark represents employers in workers’ compensation defense matters, with a focus on complex injury and occupational disease claims.

He has defended claims before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and in both state and federal courts.

With more than two decades of litigation experience, Mark has guided employers through all phases of claim defense—from investigation to hearing and appeal. He has successfully obtained dismissals and defense verdicts in high-stakes cases, including those involving allegations of fraud.  In addition to his litigation work, Mark has contributed to the development of workers’ compensation legislation in North Carolina and has presented at various continuing legal education programs.

Honors & Recognition

• North Carolina Super Lawyers^® (2020)
• Martindale-Hubble Distinguished® (2010-2017)

About Me

Mark is married to Heather Leach, and they have two children, Emma and David. His interests include playing piano and guitar.

Representative Matters

• Rawie v. McKenney's, Inc., I.C No. Y09654 (2013). Presented testimony from a forensic document expert to show that the plaintiff tendered a falsified medical record as evidence.  The Commission set aside the defendants' Form 60 acceptance of the claim, denied the claim, and referred the matter to its fraud section.
• Hairston v. Onin Staffing, LLC, I.C. No. 098799 (2010). After dismissing the plaintiff's claim, the Commission entered a "gatekeeper order," requiring the plaintiff to satisfy certain conditions before filing any future claim, motion, or other petition before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.  The conditions include the payment of costs and attorney's fees, and that the grounds for any new filing be certified by a licensed North Carolina attorney.
• Other representative defense verdicts include:
  • Singleton v. Environmental Air Systems, LLC, I.C. Nos. 15-734795 and 15-734799 (2016). Alleged facet syndrome and bilateral avascular necrosis of the hips.
  • Harvey v. Kisco Senior Living, LLC, I.C. No. X39900 (2012). Alleged injuries to the legs, arms, back, and neck.
  • Sweeney v. South Sea Rattan Collection, I.C. No. 436623 (2006). NC Workers’ Comp. LEXIS 11 (NC Indus. Comm’n Jan. 25, 2006) Depression and mental illness.

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law

• J.D., 1996

Binghamton University

• B.A., Rhetoric and Literature, 1993

Civic

• SciWorks, Board of Directors (1999-2007); Board President (2005-2007)

Professional

• North Carolina Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Section
  
  • Section Council, Vice Chair (2020-2021)
  • Section Council, Legislative Committee Co-Chair (2013-2019)
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
  • Board of Directors (2015-2018)
  • Workers’ Compensation Section, Chair (2014-2015)
• Wake Forest School of Law Civil and Criminal Externship Clinic (various semesters, 2006 forward)
• Forsyth County Bar Association