Michael Best announced today the addition of Mark Havens to the firm’s Austin office as a partner in the Regulatory Practice Group and as a principal of Michael Best Strategies LLC (Strategies). The former Chief Clerk & Deputy Land Commissioner at the Texas General Land Office (GLO) brings decades of comprehensive regulatory compliance expertise, state government service, and strategic leadership to shape his litigation and consulting practices.
“Mark’s extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance and project development considerations in energy, environmental, and land resources will serve as a strong asset to Michael Best clients,” said Leah Hurtgen Ziemba, the firm’s Regulatory Practice Group Co-Chair. “With expertise spanning across industry sectors, Mark will be a key enhancement to our practice, and serve as trustworthy and effective counsel to our clients as they navigate complex state and federal regulatory issues.”
As the 30th Chief Clerk of the Texas GLO, Havens successfully guided the more than 750-employee state agency through historic disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey. His role involved close collaboration with local, state, and federal officials. Additionally, Havens worked with the oil and gas industry to generate record-breaking revenues in oil and gas development on state-owned lands. Prior to this role, Havens served as the Texas GLO’s General Counsel and lead attorney on all legislative matters, frequently testifying at both the state and federal legislative committees regarding regulatory impacts on the energy sector. His background also includes extensive experience with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to ensure responsible development along the Texas coast. At the federal level, his background also includes extensive experience with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, US Housing & Urban Development, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency among others.
“As a skilled attorney and dedicated leader, Mark is an excellent addition to Michael Best and our Austin office,” said Commissioner George P. Bush, Managing Partner of the firm’s Austin office. “His breadth of expertise and thorough understanding of regulatory processes will provide incredible value to the firm and our clients as the Austin office continues to compound its service to clients in a wide range of industries.”
Bush and Havens will serve as the primary contacts for Michael Best’s new Disaster Recovery practice, a task force dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex state and federal regulatory frameworks associated with catastrophic events.
Havens earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and his Master of Public Policy & Administration and Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University.