Greenberg Traurig West Palm Beach Co-Managing Shareholder Mark Fredrick Bideau Passes

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - April 3, 2026 - It is with profound sadness that we recognize the passing of Greenberg Traurig West Palm Beach Co-Managing Shareholder Mark Fredrick Bideau on March 31, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mark was an attorney of exceptional talent, leadership, and heart.

"Mark was a cornerstone of Greenberg Traurig for 35 years and became a defining force in the growth and character of our firm," said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig. "A premier trial lawyer, including his induction into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates, Mark had the respect of the entire legal community and was considered a dean of the local bar. Yet his influence stretched far beyond the courtroom. He was a warm, collaborative, and deeply kind mentor who treated everyone with genuine care. Mark didn't just practice law; he built lasting relationships and fostered a culture of camaraderie that will be his greatest legacy."

Greenberg Traurig Senior Chairman Brad Kaufman, who worked side-by-side with Mark for many years, notes: "Throughout his career, Mark took great pride in mentoring countless attorneys both within Greenberg Traurig and across the broader legal community, generously investing his time and knowledge to shape the next generation of lawyers who carry his lessons forward. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but the guidance he offered and the lives he touched will serve as his enduring legacy. He was, in every sense of the word, a man others were fortunate to know."

Mark joined Greenberg Traurig's West Palm Beach office in 1991. Since 2012, he led the office of more than 85 attorneys and business staff with Co-Managing Shareholder Tracy Gerber. "Mark was so much more than a brilliant lawyer and leader - he was an inspiring person who made everyone around him feel valued, seen, and cared for," Gerber said. "He devoted his life not only to the practice of law but to the people around him. Colleagues, clients, and community members alike sought his wisdom, knowing they would always receive honest counsel delivered with patience and genuine care. He led not by title, but by example - with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right."

A highly sought after litigator who has successfully tried complex commercial, product liability, and real estate cases in state and federal courts for decades, Mark was admired by many for his legal excellence and vigorous advocacy for clients. "Mark was a lawyer's lawyer, one of the best I ever worked with, and an even better person and partner," said Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of Greenberg Traurig. "This hurts and will for a long time."

David Ashburn, Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig's Tallahassee office, who has known Mark for 40 years, agrees.

"Mark could have won most of his cases relying only on his intellect, but he was always the hardest working lawyer on every case," he said. "Still, as hard as he worked, he never failed to make time for a friend. He was always there to listen and offer wise guidance or just be a sounding board - and he had the discernment to know which would be most appropriate in the moment. It was truly an honor and privilege to have Mark as a friend."

Shareholder Robert "Bobby" Kane, who worked closely with Mark on various litigation cases over the years, credits Mark with being one of his key mentors on all things life and career. "Mark took me under his wing and helped shape me into the litigator I am today. His guidance, wisdom, and unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to tackle the most challenging cases and grow both professionally and personally. I would not be where I am today without him. He leaves behind a legacy not just in the cases we won together, but in the careers and lives he touched along the way. I am forever grateful to have called him my mentor, my colleague, and my friend."

Highly committed to access to justice in Palm Beach County and beyond, Mark supported Greenberg Traurig's decades-long pro bono work and sponsorship of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. The firm was recognized with the organization's "And Justice for All Award" for going above and beyond to ensure justice for underserved members of the community, including developing the Greenberg Traurig Independent Living Review Project with the Palm Beach Legal Aid Society. The program helps children aging out of foster care with legal, financial, and other issues they confront as they try to make their way as adults. Greenberg Traurig attorneys are also long-time members of the Juvenile Advocacy Project through Legal Aid, representing children through age 18 in Juvenile Court in dependency and delinquency matters, adoption, and foster care.

A strong advocate for the welfare of children in Palm Beach County, Mark was a long-serving Board Member and former Board Chair (2009-2011) of Take Stock in Children. He supported the organization's mission, which is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education and driving community efforts to provide scholarships, mentors, and hope to at-risk youth.

Mark also provided pro bono assistance to HomeSafe in Palm Beach County, which provides comprehensive programs protecting victims of child abuse and domestic violence, and preparing children, young adults, and families for safer, more productive lives. Mark and other Greenberg Traurig attorneys worked for years to help the organization expand and open a new facility. For that work and the firm's 30-year partnership, the organization recognized Greenberg Traurig in 2020 with the HomeSafe Hero Award.

A long time Palm Beach County resident who raised his family in Palm Beach Gardens, Mark was dedicated to the economic growth of the area and active with the Palm Beach County Business Development Board. His support of various nonprofits such as Boy Scouts of America as well as the Palm Beach County Bar Association, were extensions of this commitment.

Mark, 68, is survived by his wife Lynda, married for 45 years, their children Jacki Bostel (Kevin) and Matt (Sarah), along with grandchildren Tyler, Madison, and Connor Bostel and Avery and Brooks Bideau.

The family will have a celebration of life service on Monday, April 6 at 11 am at the North Palm Beach Country Club, 951 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.

Donations in Mark's memory may be made to the National MS Society, Take Stock in Children or HomeSafe.