February 19, 2026 – FBT Gibbons continues to expand its Business & Commercial Litigation practice group with the addition of Mark Ross as a partner in its Newport Beach office. A respected trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in trust and estate litigation, Ross strengthens the firm’s platform for clients facing complex fiduciary disputes throughout Southern California and nationwide.
“Mark is a first-chair trial lawyer in a complex and emotionally charged areas of litigation, and he brings a rare combination of courtroom strength, sound judgment, and client sensitivity,” said Peter Cummins, practice group leader of FBT Gibbons’ Business & Commercial Litigation practice group. “His deep experience in contested trusts, estates, and conservatorships immediately enhances our ability to handle high-stakes fiduciary disputes, and his collaborative approach makes him a natural fit for our team.”
Ross focuses his practice on litigation and trial advocacy involving contested wills and trusts, disputed probate estates, contested conservatorships, trustee and executor removals, financial elder abuse matters, including restraining orders, and contested accounting actions. He has extensive experience handling complex trial and appellate matters, as well as alternative dispute resolution, in courts across California.
“Adding Mark to our Newport Beach office is a strategic move that strengthens the firm’s footprint in one of the nation’s most dynamic markets,” added Ruben Smith, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Newport Beach office. “His established reputation, deep experience, and extensive referral network not only enhance the firm’s business litigation capabilities but also expand our reach in trust, estate, and family office matters. We’re excited about the leadership, experience, and growth potential he brings to our clients and our team.”
Ross also serves on the Orange County Superior Court panel for appointment as Guardian Ad Litem and court appointed counsel for proposed conservatees, minors, and elder abuse victims. In addition, he holds a Real Estate Broker’s license in the state of California.
“I’m excited to join FBT Gibbons, after 20 years heading my own firm, at a time of significant growth and opportunity,” Ross said. “With the firm’s platform and resources, I look forward to expanding my practice, taking on more complex fiduciary matters, and collaborating with colleagues to deliver strategic, high-impact solutions for clients.”
FBT Gibbons’ Business & Commercial Litigation practice offers innovative, timely, and strategic solutions to complex legal issues in pursuit of clients’ business goals. The firm’s attorneys pride themselves on working hard from the inception of the matter and throughout the life of the case. They also routinely intervene long before litigation is initiated, employing risk management and avoidance strategies as a key part of its advisory services. When litigation is unavoidable, however, or presents the best alternative, they are vested in a positive outcome for their clients and work aggressively toward the most effective and expedient resolution.
About FBT Gibbons
FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 800 lawyers across 25 offices, the firm is positioned to support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. FBT Gibbons provides legal counsel enriched with valuable business and market context, particularly in corporate, litigation, and regulatory matters within the energy, finance, life sciences, and manufacturing sectors. The firm is committed to delivering excellent service to its clients, colleagues, and the communities in which it operates.