Mark C. Surprenant is the Senior Partner in Charge of the New Orleans office, and is the Agricultural Chemicals Practice Team Leader. He is a member of the Louisiana, Texas and American Bar Associations. Mr. Surprenant was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in 1973, and earned his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Loyola University School of Law in 1977. He was a member and comment editor of the Loyola Law Review and graduated fourth in his class.

Since the beginning of his career, Mr. Surprenant has been dedicated to community service. In 1988, he created HUGS, the firm's corporate philanthropy program, and in 2000, he created CA&RE, the firm's official pro bono program. He is also the co-founder of SOLACE, Inc. (Support of Lawyers/ Legal Personnel--All Concern Encouraged). For his dedication to volunteerism and his many contributions to the community, Mr. Surprenant has received several awards over the years. His most recent honors include receiving the Camille F. Gavel, Jr. Pro Bono Award from the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (2008); the Leah Hipple McKay Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism from the Louisiana State Bar Association (2008); being named a "Role Model of the Year" by the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans; "Great Gentleman for 2007" by the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary; and "Outstanding Volunteer" by the New Orleans Pro Bono Project. In 1996, he received the Louisiana Bar Association President's Award for Professionalism.

Mr. Surprenant's distinguished professional, civic and charitable positions include his current service as Chair of the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Pro Bono Project; as well as service on Loyola University's President's Council 1991-1995; Loyola Law School Visiting Committee from 1994-present; Chairman of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Community Action Committee from 1996-1999; President of the New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel (1988-1989); President, Greater New Orleans Athletic League; President, Loyola University Law Alumni, 1984; member of the Louisiana State Task Force on Public School Finance, 1980-1982; and Chairman, Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans and River Region, Education Committee, 1979.