Skip to main content

Lauren Michelle Marks

also known as Lauren Applegate Marks
  Save
Avvo Rating9.9
  • Reading, PA
  • Licensed for 12 years
See more Reading Divorce & Separation lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Lauren

Lauren Marks is originally a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She attended Pennsylvania State University at University Park where she graduated with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Film/Video and Political Science.  Following college, she returned to Pittsburgh where she attended Duquesne University School of Law.  While in law school, Attorney Marks was an active member of the Trial Advocacy team, competing nationally.  Attorney Marks was awarded the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award for distinguished achievement in trial advocacy at Duquesne University.  She also was admitted to the Order of the Barristers for excellence in advocacy and services.

 

Eventually, Attorney Marks relocated to Berks County to specialize in criminal defense where she worked for the Public Defenders’ Office.  Upon leaving the Berks County Public Defenders’ Office, Lauren Marks entered the private law field where she specializes in family and criminal law.  Attorney Marks also is frequently appointed by the courts as a Guardian ad Litem for children in highly contested custody cases.  Attorney Marks is a member of the Berks County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.

 

Attorney Marks resides in Berks County with her husband and four children.

Practice areas

OtherDUI and DWICriminal defenseChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 20%

  2. Child custody: 20%

  3. Criminal defense: 20%

    DUI/DWI, Drug Cases, Weapons, Assaults, Gun Charges, Robbery

  4. DUI and DWI: 20%

  1. Family: 20%

    Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Property Division, Protection from Abuse, Children and Youth Services investigations

Languages spoken

English

Contact

720 Centre Avenue
address map

Palange, Endres & Marks, P.C.

720 Centre Avenue
Reading, PA, 19601

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
PAActive200801/02/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers21
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Distinguished Achievement in the Art of AdvocacyThe International Academy of Trial Lawyers2008
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerPalange, Endres & Marks, P.C.2017 - Present
OwnerLauren Marks, Attorney at Law2014 - Present
AssociateEmkey Law Firm2010 - 2014
Assistant Public DefenderBerks County Public Defender's Office2009 - 2011
ClerkHonorable Moschetta Bell2008 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Berks County Bar Association, Family Law SectionChair2019 - Present
Berks County Bar AssociationN/A2009 - Present
Order of BarristersN/A2008 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationN/A2008 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Family Law SectionVice Chair2017 - 2019
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Women to Women MagazineGrandparents as Parents: The New Grandparent Custody Laws in PA2019
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Duquesne University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2008
Pennsylvania State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2003
Pennsylvania State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2003
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Legends of the BarWomen of the Bar2014
Custody Alternatives Under the New Custody ActCustody2014
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Commonwealth v. PatrickNot guilty of felony

Reviews

(11)
5 Star
73%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
18%
Review Lauren Marks

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Lauren hit the ground running when I hired her in February, 2016. She immediately got my kinship license with Children and Youth- which I had been trying to obtain for 2 years. She filed enough motions to get the attention of the judge, who then vacated the adoption of my grandchildren to strangers. She is excellent in the courtroom and as a result I was granted the adoption of my grandchildren in June 2016. I would recommend her to anyone needing family/ custody legal help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Divorce & custody attorney

Posted by

Attorney Marks is on the rise as an excellent attorney. She is well respected among the court staff and Judges as she is very knowledgeable about the law and can handle herself professionally with poise and dignity while standing up for her client. I, myself, am a court employee and I get to see this first hand. Lauren has helped me in my divorce and custody matters. Although I was lucky to have an agreement and didn't need to go to court, Lauren was always available for any and all questions I had, which were many, since I had never been on this side of the court cases. I would highly recommend Lauren Marks to anyone.

Thank you!

Posted by

I have a young daughter whose father has been in and out of her life since she was born. He had not seen her for two years and then filed a custody case. He was demanding 50/50 custody. First the court gave him a temporary schedule to start to see her once a week over night. I was very worried about where she was staying and his mental health. I hired Attorney Marks for the case because she was recommended by a friend. She always answered my questions and really fought hard for my case. We ended up going to a trial because of how unreasonable the father was being. She suggested a custody evaluation. That made a huge difference since the court could see the father had mental health issues. We won at trial and he only sees my daughter every other week now. This case took a long time to complete, but Attorney Marks stuck with me the whole time. I cannot say thank you to her enough.

Attorney Lauren Michelle Marks

Posted by

I have retained Attorney Marks for contract work, and have found her to be professional, accurate, timely, and excellent in the work that she delivered. Attorney Marks is a highly dependable and competent lawyer. She is pleasant to work with, dependable in the work product she delivers, and trustworthy. I would highly recommend Attorney Marks to anyone in need of an efficient, brilliant, and responsive lawyer.

Excellent Lawyer

Posted by

Lauren Marks was extremely dedicated and professional. She always had our best interest in mind and was readily available. Her commitment and hard work did not go unnoticed. I would highly recommend Lauren Marks to anyone who is in need of a lawyer.

Great lawyer!!

Posted by

Lauren Marks is dedicated to helping her clients. She is a trustworthy attorney who puts her client first. I highly recommend Lauren!

Charges dismissed

Posted by

I tried to handle my case by myself, but realized that I needed an attorney. After hiring Attorney Marks, my charges were dismissed. She believed me that I didn't commit any crime and fought hard for my case. She was very straight forward with me and made me feel more comfortable while it was all going on.

Great Attorney

Posted by

Lauren was wonderful! She really made me feel at ease. My ex-husband decided that he didn't want to pay child support anymore, so he filed for full custody of our daughter even though I have been raising her for her whole life. It was a terrible situation. Lauren always answered my calls and explained everything to me very thoroughly.

Lauren Marks worked wonders on my behalf.....

Posted by

Lauren was a great part of my favorable outcome in a criminal case that I was fighting for the past 3 years. She was very attentive to detail, and always giving great advice when I needed it. If I ever need a great defense team again, I will be going to see Lauren and Dan without hesitation. Lauren Marks worked wonders on my behalf with Dan Emkey at Emkey Law Firm.

Terrible Divorce Attorney

Posted by

Anyone who is young, who has no knowledge of how the legal system works for getting divorced, do not consult this attorney. She did not provide me guidance of the divorce process, she did not advise me what to do next. I felt like she completely forgot about my case and I wasn't important at all. I wasted my money and because of her my divorce drug out for years, which a was completely unnecessary if she would have been active in my case. I do not recommend her for Divorce cases.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(6)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Julie Marburger, Family Attorney on Mar 26, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have worked with Lauren on many cases and she has always been an excellent advocate for her clients and has worked diligently to get a good resolution for each case. I have such a high level respect for her that I have referred clients to her when I have a conflict.

Osmer Deming, Family Attorney on Feb 25, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I've found her to be a worthy opponent, being very knowledgeable and competent in family law. She advocates for her clients while maintaining professional courtesy.

Melissa Krishock, Family Attorney on Dec 2, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Attorney Marks & I have worked together on many cases, sometimes as opponents, others as co-counsel. She is always professional, knowledgeable and a strong voice for her clients.

Anna Ferguson, Child custody Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Moyer, Litigation Attorney on Jan 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Daniel Emkey, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.