Biography
Clients see Chris as a trusted adviser because he is known for his broad legal knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset. With experience in private practice as well as in-house counsel positions for both privately held and publicly traded companies, he frequently serves as outside general counsel, advising on domestic and select international matters. He provides strategic counsel to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including corporate executives, legal teams, board members, private equity professionals, and private investors.
Equally adept in the boardroom and the courtroom, Chris counsels clients on corporate governance, transactions, shareholder litigation, real estate development and disputes, and related legal issues. His practice also includes advising on complex credit facilities and regulatory compliance under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), including the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards. Clients rely on Chris for strategic guidance relative to opportunities and crises alike. His approach is pragmatic and solution-oriented—focused on mitigating risk, resolving issues efficiently, and protecting both business and personal interests.
Chris is actively involved in industry organizations such as the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Supplement Safety Compliance Initiative (SSCI), and the Natural Products Association and serves on the Board of Directors of St. Clair Hospital.
Court Admissions
- U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
- U. S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Representative Experience
- Successfully represented minority shareholder in the resolution of litigation involving an attempted forced dilution and buyout of the minority owner resulting in the forced conveyance of the majority owners’ equity to the minority owner
- Successfully represented large multi-national franchisor in the defense of an international franchise claim seeking damages of $120,000,000, winning a defense verdict against the franchisee and winning a counterclaim award on behalf of client
- Represented client in the sale of multiple senior living facilities with transaction value exceeding $100,000,000
- Participated in the successful resolution of a dispute between oil and gas producers relating to use and expense associated with midstream transportation of product
- Represented company in transaction involving the sale of 100% of entity stock to a foreign enterprise in a transaction valued at over $55,000,000
- Represented minority shareholder in the enforcement of purchase option contained in shareholder agreement resulting in the issuance of a preliminary injunction stopping the sale of the company to alternative purchasers and restoring the right of the minority shareholder to purchase the majority interest
- Represented minority owners of limited liability company in seeking an injunction appointing a custodian to preserve the existing value of an enterprise and thereafter coordinating the sale of the primary company asset for a value in excess of $58,000,000
- Represented large multi-national client in litigation involving criminal acts of third parties in both the civil matters as well as the collateral department of justice investigations
- Represented a multi-national manufacturing company in connection with international supply agreements, intellectual property matters and foreign jurisdiction employment issues
- Successfully represented defendants in federal class action filed against food manufacturers and retailers alleging food labeling violations under California statutes and the National Labeling and Education Act
- Successfully defended claim against a national title insurance underwriter using novel and creative litigation strategies which addressed standing of sub-prime lender claimant
Education
- J.D. Duquesne University Kline School of Law
Memberships
- Board of Directors, Heart Institute Auxiliary Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation
- Board of Directors, St. Clair Hospital
- American Bar Association
- Allegheny County Bar Association
Achievements
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law (2022-Present)
Press Release