Christopher L. Slaughter

Chief Executive Officer

Labor & Employment

J.D. University of Kentucky

B.B.A. Marshall University

Licensure:

Kentucky

Licensure:

West Virginia

Office:

Huntington, WV

(304) 526-8140

chris.slaughter@steptoe-johnson.com

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Biography

Chris Slaughter is the CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. He was elected to the position in 2020, the culmination of a career with the firm spanning more than twenty years. His legal practice is focused on counseling and litigation. He advises clients on labor negotiations, contract administration, and structural changes that impact employment. He represents employers when they are faced with litigation before the National Labor Relations Board, arbitrators, state and federal courts, and agencies. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized businesses in the construction, energy, health care, hospitality, and manufacturing industries.

Throughout his career, Chris has honed his proactive, consensus-based leadership style while holding a number of leadership positions. He is a past managing member of the firm’s Huntington, West Virginia office and was elected to multiple terms on the firm’s executive committee. He serves his community through leadership positions in his church and with organizations dedicated to the arts and economic development.

Chris is named among The Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He is also a fellow of both the West Virginia Bar Foundation and the American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.

Memberships & Awards

Professional

Fellow, American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2020
Fellow, West Virginia Bar Foundation, 2019
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Labor & Employment (2006 – Present)
Best Lawyers® 2021 Charleston, WV, Labor Law – Management, Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers® 2019 Charleston, WV, Employment Law – Management, Lawyer of the Year
The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law - Management (2011-Present), Labor Law - Management (2011-Present), Litigation - Labor & Employment (2011-Present)
Recognized in Law & Politics Magazine's Virginia/West Virginia Super Lawyers®
Kentucky and West Virginia Bar Associations
Past President, Tri-State Society for Human Resource Management

Industry/Civic

Member, U. S. Chamber of Commerce Labor Policy Committee
Member, American Foundation for the Blind Advisory Council
Member (Former Director and Chair, Associate Committee), Contractors' Association of West Virginia
Member, Commerce Lexington (Kentucky)
Former Chair, Advantage Valley, Inc. Board of Directors
Member (Former Chair), Board of Directors, Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce
Member, Kentucky Coal Association
Member (Former Secretary/Treasurer), Board of Trustees, Huntington Museum of Art

Key Experience

Successfully prosecuted civil fraud action against former corporate officer, obtaining a judgment and an award of attorneys’ fees and costs on behalf of a corporate client

Negotiated labor agreements with a number of different unions

Helped employers control strike-related mass picketing, violence, and property damage through agency and court litigation