Mark Palombi’s late father Augusto was a significant influence in his life and played a vital role in shaping his professional career.
Augusto Palombi established the Palombi Law Office in Sault Ste. Marie in 1980 and practiced general law in the city for more than 36 years. For as long as he can remember Mark’s ambition was to be a lawyer like his father. He said, “Sometimes I feel like maybe I was being trained to do this my whole life.”
There was one day that he spent with his father that stands out for Mark. He was 11 years old, and Augusto brought Mark with him to sit in on a mediation session involving a motor vehicle accident. Mark said, “On the drive there my father was discussing his opening arguments with me and how he would summarize the case. And he discussed that with me when I was 11 years old.”
Mark was called to the bar in September 2015. His intention was to practice law alongside his father. But Augusto passed away suddenly four months later at the age of 66. Mark had articled with his father but to immediately assume responsibility for the entire firm was daunting. Retired senior lawyers in the community offered their support and guidance to Mark, and they still do today.
Mark drew on his father’s sage advice to help him through the most challenging times. Augusto immigrated from Italy, and he appreciated what Canadian citizenship offered him. He raised his family on Borden Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie and knew the value of hard work. Mark said, “Sault Ste. Marie has always been a hard-working, blue-collar city, and that’s the approach he took to the practice of law as well.”
Augusto graduated from the University of Toronto, one of the top law schools in Canada. Mark said, “He would always tell me, it doesn’t matter where you practice, or what school you went to, you have to work hard.” Working hard was one of the most important lessons Mark learned from his father. He said, “I try to ensure I put in the time and effort to give each client the time and effort that their file requires.”
Mark is an experienced litigator with a focus on family and criminal law. He also does some work on civil litigation and estate law. The precedent cases left by his father have been invaluable to him.
Mark makes himself available to his clients, most of whom are in desperate situations. They’re embroiled in lawsuits, charged with a criminal offence, or dealing with a marriage breakdown and they don’t know where to turn next. Mark said, “I try to ensure people get that personal time. It can go a long way in helping them figure out what to do next. That is a valuable lesson I learned from my father. My father left a legacy that I’m trying to honour.”
To contact Mark Palombi call (705) 942-3030 or visit www.palombilawoffice.ca