Jason Domark has built a prominent career in complex commercial litigation, focusing on business, fiduciary, international, and real estate disputes. He has secured significant victories, including a $20 million judgment in an international partnership dispute and dismissal of a $193 million lawsuit against a charitable foundation. Domark is the youngest attorney to be named managing partner of Cozen O'Connor’s Miami office.
Committed to community service, Domark has an active pro bono practice, including serving on the Boards of the Everglades Law Center and Habitat for Humanity. At the law school, he participated in the University of Miami Law Review.
What aspects or opportunities at the law school had the most significant influence on your legal education and career trajectory?
As to my legal education, there are three classes that come to mind. Elements—by professor Gaubatz—taught me to read a series of cases and understand how and why a legal doctrine evolves and is applied to different facts. Legal writing taught me critical writing skills I use every day. Litigation skills taught me how to effectively present legal arguments.
As to my career, the most significant influence is the connections I made with students and alumni. I was hired out of school by an alumnus—Charles Kline—who was my partner and mentor for years. Today, many law school connections are close friends, colleagues, and clients.
What is one lesson you learned in law school that you still apply today?
It’s common to hear people say law school taught them to “think like a lawyer.” That expression is grounded in truth, and it is the lesson I still apply today. With every new case, my team and I learn a new fact pattern, a new business, or a new area of law. Indeed, one of the best parts of the legal practice is that no two days are the same. But we approach each case or each new task with the same critical thinking, issue spotting, creativity, and curiosity we learned in law school. We also apply the same work ethic, diligence, and determination that we learned in law school. Without those lessons on how to “think like a lawyer,” I don’t believe we would have obtained as many victories for our clients.
What draws you to stay connected to the law school?
My wife and I are both double alumni, and we bleed orange and green—whether returning to campus, attending sporting events, sending our kids to Canes camps, or otherwise lending our support. I’m particularly drawn to the law school because of the opportunities it has afforded me in my own career. Having gained so much, I feel compelled to provide those same opportunities to younger alumni whenever possible. As a result, I participate in our firm’s recruiting efforts, served as director of our Miami office summer associate program, and have frequently judged student oral arguments. I really enjoy being around law students and young lawyers who are filled with excitement, potential, and fresh and creative ideas.
