Yet, as he observed numerous hearings and trials in that courtroom during the summer of 1993, Josh fell in love with the practice of law. He found the proceedings exciting, and admired the skill of those lawyers who thought so quickly on their feet. Always playing the role of mentor, the judge that Josh worked for encouraged him to pursue the challenge of law school, advising him that regardless of his chosen profession a law degree opened many doors. After surprising his family and friends with his inspired decision to pursue a career in law, Josh applied, and was ultimately accepted, into the 1994 class of first-year law students at the Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. Josh thrived at law school, and his academic accomplishments were recognized by way of an invitation to become a member of The Law Symposium, the school's law review journal. After graduating Cum Laude in 1997, Josh accepted an associate's position with a small Cherry Hill, New Jersey litigation and transactional firm focused on criminal defense, personal injury and real estate law. |
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During his two-year employment, Josh gained invaluable courtroom experience litigating a variety of cases and was involved in the negotiation of a wide-range of transactions including real estate acquisitions, business acquisitions and music, publishing and other entertainment-related deals. Most importantly, Josh received priceless mentoring by the firm's partners who imparted lessons of professionalism, ethics, and relationship building with clients.
Recognizing his own entrepreneurial desires to build a law firm, Josh opened The Law Offices of Joshua M. Marks on January 3, 2000, concentrating in criminal defense, real estate and business law. After almost five years of operating successfully as a sole practitioner, Josh became a founding member of Marks & Rosenzweig, LLC on April 1, 2004. Although the center-city, Philadelphia-based Marks & Rosenzweig, LLC provided excellent growth opportunities for Josh's business, he aspired to create a firm that catered to entrepreneurs, small business owners and real estate investors needing focused legal guidance in the areas of real estate and business-commercial law On April 15, 2009, Josh realized his goal in founding JM LAW GROUP, LLC - a firm specifically created to work with entrepreneurs, small to medium-sized business owners, start-ups and entities or individuals with commercial/residential real estate holdings. Josh is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is an active member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
It's easy for Josh to stay motivated and empowered by his chosen career. He knows clients put their faith in him, and he finds it inspiring that he has the chance to make a difference in their lives. Navigating the challenges of each deal that Josh works on keeps his skills sharp and clients truly appreciate his ability to anticipate problems, bring parties together and create resolutions that allow deals to close rather than fall apart. Josh's approach and representation style is unique among attorneys, as he believes that most disputes can be resolved or negotiations conducted through preparation and open dialogue, rather than confrontation.
Josh's love of sports, particularly football, began long before he attended a Big Ten university. As a kid in Lower Merion, he played sports and attended summer day camp religiously when he wasn't "down the shore." Realizing that his own size and skills wouldn't carry him much past the local playground courts, Josh turned his attention to what he deemed the next best thing to being a professional athlete-- representing professional athletes in their career on and off the field. Wanting to combine his love of sports with his experience negotiating a variety of contracts, Josh became a Certified Contract Advisor licensed by the National Football League Players Association in 2000. Since that time, he has represented NFL players in their player-contracts, marketing and endorsement deals, as well as off-field business and real estate holdings.
Josh is most proud of his role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Adam J. Taliaferro Foundation. The Foundation is named after Adam J. Taliaferro, a former student-athlete at Penn State University who miraculously recovered from a serious spinal cord injury suffered on the football field. Josh plays an integral role in the Foundation's efforts to plan and hold fund-raising events, which provide necessary funding to deserving high school and collegiate athletes who suffer spinal cord injuries on the field.
Outside of the office, Josh still plays sports including golf, racquetball and basketball. He also enjoys travel, hiking in Arizona, and spending time at the beach. He currently lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania with his wife, Christine, and their dog, Chloe.
You are invited to call Josh at 215.832.3600 or send an email to josh@lawmr.com |
