Mark’s first trial was not typical. In his early 20s, he found himself in Orange, Texas. This town was once known for its hostility toward Black residents. Mark defended an 18-year-old charged with assaulting a police officer during a house party raid. The charge carried a possible sentence of 99 years. During jury selection, Mark confronted the racial bias directly, asking potential jurors if they had ever used the N-word and requiring them to explain their answers in court. Nearly half the panel was removed.The result was the fastest not-guilty verdict in Orange County history.It was an unusual and defining start to a career in law.