For nearly 20 years, Chris has focused on complex commercial and employment litigation including wage and hour class action defense, contract disputes, construction law and insurance coverage. Chris practices at both the trial court and appellate levels. He has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation. Chris co-chairs the Portland office's construction law group.
Belknap et al. v. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank
Successfully obtained ruling of class action decertification, preventing class action treatment in wage and hour case. Affirmed on appeal.
Lowdermilk v. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank
Successfully defeated class action certification and obtained dismissal of class claims with prejudice.
McElmurry et al. v. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank
Defeated multiple collective action certification motions under the Fair Labor Standards Act seeking certification of claims involving misclassification of certain job functions and time keeping practices. Court twice denied certification for both claims.
Rivera et al. v. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank
Obtained summary judgment dismissing all class action claims in wage and hour class action.
In re Consolidated Hyundai Plant Litigation
Kinetics Systems Inc.
Represented construction contractor, Kinetics Systems Inc. in a $21 million breach of contract arising out of the construction of a computer chip manufacturing facility. Case settled.
Louisiana Pacific Co. v. Aetna Casualty & Surety, et al.
Travelers Insurance Companies
Represented Travelers Insurance Companies against claims seeking insurance coverage for defective LP exterior siding.
Viacom Inc. v. Hollywood Entertainment Corp.
Viacom/Blockbuster
Defended antitrust counterclaims brought against Viacom Inc. and Blockbuster Entertainment. The counterclaims sought damages of $100,000 as well as various forms of injunctive relief including divestiture. The case settled after the filing of summary judgment motions prior to trial.
Premier Technologies v. State of Oregon
Premier Technologies
Represented plaintiff in an $18,000,000 breach of contract and administrative action brought against the State of Oregon. The case settled during appeal after a three-week jury trial.