Abstract Essay, in its sixth season, features Mark Astor as my guest — an attorney dedicated to helping families navigate the complex intersection of legal challenges, mental health struggles, and addiction recovery. Through compassionate advocacy and rea

Mark Astor

Attorney Saving Families at the Intersection of Law, Mental Health & Addiction

I didn’t set out to build a law firm. I set out to save families.

Early in my career, I was a prosecutor inside the criminal justice system. I saw firsthand what happens when addiction and untreated mental illness collide with law enforcement: people don’t get better — they get processed, warehoused, and traumatized. Families are left powerless, confused, and grieving someone who is still alive.

Years later, after leaving government service, I found myself sitting across from p...