Biography
Mark R. Schmidt is widely regarded as one of Pennsylvania’s leading workers’ compensation attorneys, known for his command of the law and his aggressive advocacy on behalf of injured workers. A Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist under the rules of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Mark has devoted more than 30 years of his legal career to this highly specialized area of practice.
Mark handles the full range of workers’ compensation matters for injured workers, from new injury claims and denied benefits to wage loss disputes, medical treatment issues, utilization review, independent medical examinations, penalties, and settlements. He regularly litigates complex cases from their earliest stages through trial, appeal, and final resolution. In addition to his trial work, Mark frequently argues workers’ compensation cases before the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In 2025, he secured a landmark Supreme Court victory that further shaped how workers’ compensation law is interpreted and applied statewide.
Because of his depth of experience and proven results, Mark is regularly consulted by attorneys throughout Pennsylvania for his opinions on complex workers’ compensation issues, litigation strategy, and precedent sensitive cases. He is respected for his thorough preparation, strategic insight, and uncompromising approach to protecting the rights of injured workers.
Before representing injured workers, Mark began his legal career at PMA Insurance Company, where he served as a law clerk and later as staff counsel defending employers against work injury claims. That experience gave him a rare insider understanding of insurance carrier strategy, claim evaluation, and litigation tactics. In 1994, he transitioned into private practice and has represented injured workers against insurance companies ever since.
In 1997, Mark co founded the firm Schmidt and Kirifides, which later became Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio. Throughout his career, he has been consistently recognized by his peers and clients for legal excellence. He has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since 2007, earned the Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, received the Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award, and in 2026 was selected among the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.
Mark is frequently invited to teach and speak on workers’ compensation law to other attorneys, judges, labor organizations, and legal institutions. He has presented Continuing Legal Education programs for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Philadelphia and Delaware County Bar Associations. He has also spoken at labor union programs and institutional forums on advanced workers’ compensation topics and litigation strategy.
In addition to his teaching role, Mark has authored published legal commentary and has served in leadership positions within the Delaware County Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Committee, including as Co Chair. His experience and judgment are often relied upon in difficult and high impact cases.
Mark brings a unique personal perspective to his work. After suffering serious work related back injuries himself in 2008 and again in 2017, he understands firsthand the physical pain, financial stress, and systemic frustration injured workers face. That experience reinforces his commitment to protecting his clients’ medical care, wage loss benefits, and long term security.
Representative Clients
- Philadelphia Eagles Player
- Philadelphia Police Officers FOP Lodge 5
- Union Leaders and Laborers
Past Positions
- Mark R. Schmidt Esq Sole Practitioner 1994 to 1997
- PMA Insurance Company Staff Counsel 1990 to 1994
Certified Legal Specialties
- Workers’ Compensation Law Certified Specialist authorized by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and administered by the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Current Employment Position
- Founding and Managing Legal Partner SKRR
AV BV AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc used in accordance with Martindale Hubbell certification procedures standards and policies. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and judiciary.
