Mark Edward Harrington, JD, LLM
Harrington Law Firm
Mark obtained his LL.M. degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and his J.D. degree, with honors, from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. He received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College. Mark practices immigration law in Houston specializing in employment-based immigration for PhD researchers and high-end engineers.
Please share some memorable moments from your career.
One of the top three highlights of my years as a member of the Texas State Bar was in May 2009, when I was appointed to serve as Chairman of the State Bar of Texas Committee on Laws Relating to Immigration & Naturalization. I was a member of the LRIN Committee for six years, and the hearings and meetings we held were fascinating. The LRIN Committee is made up of immigration lawyers from all over the state who handle every type of immigration case you can imagine. Serving on the LRIN Committee was a great experience.
The second highlight is actually a collection of events. I handle immigration cases for top researchers and engineers, and for most of them, the case they file through my office is their only shot at the American Dream. Getting approvals on those cases–especially the really hard cases, is a great feeling. The sound of my clients’ voices when I tell them that their case has been approved is wonderful.
The last highlight I’ll share is from September of 2021, when I was appointed to serve as a member of the Texas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR.gov). My uncle and mentor, Federal District Court Judge, the Honorable Edward F. Harrington (retired), served under Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy during the Civil Rights era back in the 1960s, so I’m just so proud to be able to serve with the USCCR.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, taking road trips, sailing, grilling, checking out new restaurants.
Do you have any special interests or fun facts you would like to share?
My wife says I’m a better sailor than driver (and she thinks I’m a pretty good driver).
Why did you join the College?
Although I listen to podcasts all the time, I always had trouble finishing my regular annual CLE requirements. Like many members of the Bar, I would wait until the last month and then take a bunch of classes. It drove me crazy. So instead of complaining about it, I told myself that I would do the exact opposite and become a CLE aficionado. It has been a great decision. Now, rather than listening to random podcasts, I listen to CLEs on immigration law, law office management, and lawyer well-being issues. ♦
Would you like to be featured in our next Member Bulletin? Please submit this form to the Communications Committee for consideration.
Read More
A Life Watched: Tom Vick’s and Yours
We don’t have as many opportunities to show by our conduct the proper course for the lawyers watching us. So, we must make every opportunity count.
A Debtor, Creditor, and Trustee Walk Into a Bar
An overview of bankruptcy practice and procedure
Member Spotlight: Cindy V. Tisdale
The resources available to me as a member of the College are invaluable! The one I use the most is the library of CLE articles available for free to members. That is usually the first place I look if I have a question of law I need answered. It is a great jumping-off point for my research.
