Chris Ford

Partner

T 202.973.4276 Washington, D.C.
Even after advising hundreds of clients on their transactions, I still get a thrill out of negotiating the deal.
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For over 25 years Chris Ford has represented some of the largest U.S. companies in their financial services and technology commercial transactions. He is known for his ability to obtain a great result for his clients by providing practical business-oriented advice, market knowledge, and strategic thinking, while also fostering a relationship between the parties that leads to long-term and healthy commercial relationships.

Chris advises clients on large-scale commercial transactions, particularly those involving financial services, payments, fintech, technology, and outsourcing. He understands the commercial issues they face and can assist them in integrating new technologies into their business environments. He provides strategic counsel to financial institutions and other credit facilities in their card processing, network-related, and incentive deals, and to merchants and financial institutions in their merchant-acquiring, co-brand, private-label card, and other related payment transactions.

Chris is also known as one of the leading outsourcing lawyers in the U.S., representing clients in information technology, business process, and applications deals. Having led numerous billion-dollar sourcing transactions, Chris is known for his ability to manage and complete large-scale, complex deals.

Practice Highlights

Core financial services transactions

Represents financial institutions in various types of transactions including processing, merchant servicing, sponsorship, network incentive, technology integration, and similar transactions. Represents merchants and marketplaces in connection with their payment platforms, merchant acquiring, and co-brand/PLCC transactions.

Technology transactions and outsourcing

Represents buyers of technology and business process services in large complex outsourcing transactions.

Fintech

Supports fintechs as they enter and penetrate the marketplace through their partnerships with traditional financial companies and other market participants.
*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine

Admitted to Practice

  • District of Columbia, 2001

Education

  • J.D., Emory University School of Law, 1993
  • B.S., Systems Engineering, University of Virginia, 1987

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Fellow, Leadership Council on Diversity, 2013

Professional Recognition

    • Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Technology & Outsourcing (Washington, D.C.), 2018-2019, 2021-2022; Outsourcing (Nationwide), 2018-2019, 2021-2022; Received "Band 1" ranking in Technology & Outsourcing (Washington, D.C.), 2018-2019, 2021-2022
    • Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" in Outsourcing (USA) by Chambers Global, 2018, 2021
    • Selected as Washington, D.C.'s "Lawyer of The Year" in Information Technology Law by Best Lawyers, 2023
    • Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Information Technology Law by Best Lawyers, 2009-present; named in Technology Law, 2017-present
    • Named as a "Leading Lawyer" in Outsourcing by The Legal 500 US, 2019; named in Finance, 2019
    • Named "Most Influential Lawyer" by Savoy Magazine, 2018
Top Ranked Chambers USA 2021

Background

    • Partner, Ballard Spahr, Washington, D.C., 2018-2020
    • Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP, Washington, D.C., 2009-2018
    • Partner, Alston & Bird LLP, Washington, D.C., 1993-2009
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