Written by: Jared Park
Mark O’Brien’s path to becoming Chief Deputy Clerk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit was not one he ever envisioned. Yet looking back, he would not have done it any other way. A Syracuse College of Law graduate from the Class of 2014, Mark’s career trajectory is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and taking advantage of every opportunity.
Before entering the world of law, Mark’s professional life centered around broadcasting. While earning his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Virginia, with initial aspirations of becoming a doctor, Mark’s passion for media led him to a local radio station. The experience was transformative, so much so that he went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. From there, Mark embarked on a seven-year career in broadcasting, taking him to Charlottesville, VA, Albany, NY, and Charlotte, NC.
Although Mark had a deep passion for broadcasting, a health scare in 2010 forced him to take a break and left him uncertain about his future. He did not initially think he wanted to go to law school, but many trusted friends and colleagues encouraged him to consider it. His turning point came during a drive from Richmond to Charlotte, when he saw a billboard that read, “Need to make a change? Go to law school.” Mark decided then that he would apply to law school.
What attracted Mark to Syracuse University College of Law was the vast network of alumni who shared their love for the school. Everywhere he worked, he encountered Syracuse Law graduates who raved about their time there. At admitted students’ day, he felt an instant connection with the school. He believed that Syracuse offered the best resources and connections for his future—a belief he still holds to this day.
Determined to make the most of his three years at Syracuse, Mark took advantage of every opportunity available to him. He interned with a judge in the Second Circuit as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia. During his 2L year, he externed with Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks in the Northern District of New York. He was a law school ambassador, served as the law school’s Pro Bono Fellow, and was an active member of the Moot Court Honor Society, the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, the Korean Law Students Association, and the Pro Bono Advisory Board. Mark was also the Editor-in-Chief of Volume 64 of the Syracuse Law Review, gaining essential management experience and skills that he believes few law students have the opportunity to develop.
While Mark had many influential mentors during his time in law school, he notes that Professor Aliza Milner profoundly impacted his career. As one of his Legal Communication and Research (LCR) professors, she played a crucial role in guiding him toward his first internship in the appellate court system. Professor Milner offered invaluable advice as he considered his career options in government and the courts, and she was a tremendous help in refining his writing style and preparing it for the courts.
Mark’s professional legal journey began right out of law school at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where he served as a staff attorney for two and a half years. He went on to serve as a staff attorney at the Supreme Court of Virginia before returning to the Fourth Circuit in 2023 as Chief Deputy Clerk of Court. Reflecting on his career, Mark admits that appellate work wasn’t always his plan. He says that ten years ago, he never would have predicted working for the judiciary, but he’s glad things have turned out the way they have.
As Chief Deputy Clerk, Mark is responsible for managing the procedural aspects of the court, ensuring smooth operations for judges, attorneys, and litigants. His duties range from overseeing case management to exercising the clerk’s office’s delegated authority to decide procedural motions, contributing significantly to the court’s efficiency. Mark approaches this role with the same dedication he demonstrated in his earlier broadcasting career, recognizing its vital importance in the administration of justice.
For current law students and aspiring attorneys, Mark has two pieces of advice: take advantage of every opportunity and live without regrets. His philosophy, shaped by both his legal and broadcasting careers, is that even when things don’t go as planned, they often lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
He explains that some experiences can clarify what you don’t want to do, and that’s still time well spent. His own career has been full of twists and turns, from biology to broadcasting to law, but at every stage, he embraced the uncertainty and gained valuable experiences that shaped his path.
Mark’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Whether he’s managing the complexities of a federal appellate court or ensuring that cases move smoothly through the system, Mark approaches each challenge with the same resilience and dedication that first led him to pursue a career in law. And ten years after walking through the doors of Syracuse College of Law, he remains grateful for the decision to take that leap of faith.