Biography
Chris's practice is primarily devoted to the litigation of civil rights and employment matters on behalf of public and private employers. He has tried more than 30 (mostly jury) cases, in both federal and state court in multiple jurisdictions, and has argued a dozen times before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In addition to his trial practice, Chris's three years as an assistant federal public defender have given Chris a unique vantage point when advising clients facing governmental investigations. Chris has represented employers in governmental investigations conducted by OSHA, the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Justice, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

Chris, who is certified in Labor and Employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, frequently advises clients with respect to reductions-in-force, affirmative action plans, termination decisions, employment policies, and executive contracts. Because of his familiarity with international employment law, and his fluency in Spanish, clients doing business in Europe and in Latin America have sought Chris's advice when doing business abroad. Chris also counsels clients seeking to hire foreign workers in the United States on immigration issues.

Chris also has experience in school law and white collar criminal defense. He was appointed in 1993 to serve as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Texas, and held that position for three years.