
Christopher V. Bacon

The Grace Building
1114 Avenue of the Americas
32nd Floor
New York, NY 10036





Chris’ practice is primarily devoted to litigating employment matters on behalf of private employers. He has tried nearly 50 cases in front of judges and juries in both federal and state court in multiple jurisdictions, and has argued more than a dozen times before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Chris often represents clients in governmental investigations and administrative proceedings brought under the National Labor Relations Act, the Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA), and the Mine Safety Health Act (MSHA). Because of his familiarity with international employment law, and his fluency in Spanish and French, clients in Europe and Latin America seek Chris’ advice when doing business abroad. He also counsels clients looking to hire foreign workers in the United States on immigration issues.
Experience Highlights
(E.D. Tex.); (5th Cir.) — Represented a client in a complex race discrimination class action trial involving in excess of 600 employees (co-counsel)
Counseled an international offshore drilling services provider on cross-border employment issues and international assignments
Advised a global oilfield services company on a discrimination claim involving international assignments
Counseled a global chemical company in international labor and employment matters
Advised the Houston Grand Opera in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and labor contracts
Advise energy companies, including a large multinational oil and gas company, in multiple OSHA and MSHA investigations
Advised a metal technology company in MSHA investigations into serious injuries related to an accident
Credentials
- Harvard School of Law, J.D. cum laude, 1990
- University of Houston, B.A. summa cum laude, 1979; M.Ed., Mathematics Education, 1982
- Board Certified in Labor and Employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2001
- Chambers USA, Labor and Employment (Texas), 2006–2020
- Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2003–2020
- The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings, LLC), Employment Law, 2019–2021; Labor Law, 2019–2021
- Adjunct Professor, University of Houston Law Center, “Sexual Orientation and the Law”
- Texas
- New York
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Fifth and District of Columbia Circuits
- U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 14, 2021
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJanuary 5, 2021
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 30, 2020
- Event RecapDecember 17, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 19, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 10, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 29, 2020
- Rankings & AwardsOctober 19, 2020
- Event RecapOctober 15, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseOctober 13, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseOctober 7, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 16, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseSeptember 1, 2020
- Deals & CasesSeptember 1, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 25, 2020
- Rankings & AwardsAugust 20, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseAugust 18, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseAugust 14, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseAugust 7, 2020
- Event RecapAugust 5, 2020
- Deals & CasesJuly 20, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJuly 2, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 25, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 25, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 23, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 18, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 16, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 5, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseJune 5, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMay 29, 2020
- Event RecapMay 21, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseApril 23, 2020
- Rankings & AwardsApril 23, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseApril 22, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseApril 14, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseApril 7, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMarch 31, 2020
- An Updated Look at “What to do with Employees Who Cannot Work at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis”Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMarch 30, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMarch 27, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMarch 25, 2020
- Coronavirus: Preparation & ResponseMarch 19, 2020
- Event RecapMarch 18, 2020
- V&E+March 11, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 10, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 25, 2020
- The V&E ReportFebruary 13, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 12, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 4, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 23, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 16, 2020
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 30, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 18, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 10, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 5, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 27, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 5, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 31, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 24, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 15, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 10, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 3, 2019
- Event RecapOctober 3, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 1, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 26, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 24, 2019
- Deals & CasesSeptember 18, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 13, 2019
- Rankings & AwardsSeptember 11, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 4, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 20, 2019
- Rankings & AwardsAugust 15, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 8, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 1, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJuly 30, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJuly 16, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJuly 2, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 27, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 20, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 13, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 30, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 21, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 9, 2019
- V&E+April 26, 2019
- Rankings & AwardsApril 25, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 23, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 9, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 4, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 26, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 19, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 14, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 12, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 7, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 5, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 8, 2019
- A Friendly Warning for Non-U.S. Citizens Who Rely on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for Business TripsManaging the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 3, 2019
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 20, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 13, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 11, 2018
- InsightFall 2018
First published by American Media & Entertainment Counsel, “Screening Applicants for #MeToo Problems”
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 4, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 27, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 20, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 15, 2018
- V&E+November 14, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 8, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 6, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 1, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 11, 2018
- Event RecapOctober 3, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 2, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 27, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 18, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 14, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 11, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceSeptember 6, 2018
- Rankings & AwardsSeptember 6, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 30, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 16, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 7, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceAugust 2, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJuly 26, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 29, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 21, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 14, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 12, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJune 5, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 24, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 17, 2018
- Rankings & AwardsMay 9, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMay 3, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 27, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 24, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 17, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 12, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 10, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceApril 5, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 29, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceMarch 1, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 22, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceFebruary 13, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 4, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceJanuary 2, 2018
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 28, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 14, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceDecember 12, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceNovember 6, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 19, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 17, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 12, 2017
- Managing the Modern WorkplaceOctober 4, 2017
- “V&E Changemakers: Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality,” V&E Pride Month Panel, June 2020 (panelist)
- “COVID-19 and Cross-Border Furloughs and RIFs,” State Bar of Texas International Law Section Webinar, July 8, 2020 (speaker)
- “Supreme Court Sides With Comcast in Race Discrimination Lawsuit,” Media Law Resource Center, MediaLawLetter, April 2020 (co-author)
- “Ninth Annual Hydraulic Fracturing Symposium,” V&E Houston Office, October 3, 2019 (speaker)
- “Eighth Annual Hydraulic Fracking Symposium,” V&E Houston Office, October 3, 2018 (speaker)
- “Jury Bias in the Trump Era,” 29th Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute, August 25, 2018 (speaker)
- “Legal Challenges for Managing Contractors,” 31st Annual Environmental, Health & Safety Seminar, June 4, 2018 (presenter)
- “Answers to Tough HR Questions,” What’s Working in Human Resources, May 16, 2018 (quoted)
- “Employment Law for Non-profit Managers,” Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership, May 5, 2018
- “#MeToo in the Energy Industry,” Energy Series, V&E Houston Office, April 26, 2018 (speaker)
- “Emerging Legal Protections for LGBT Employees,” Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Section, March 22, 2018
- “Workplace Issues: LGBTQ,” National Academy Of Arbitrator’s Annual Labor-Management Conference, February 16, 2018
- “Labor Law Update & FLSA Trends,” Greater Heights Chamber Breakfast, August 10, 2017
- “V&E and ERM Roundtable: How Best to Deliver Business Outcomes in a Safe and Sustainable Manner,” July 20, 2017 (speaker)
- “Emerging Trends in Enforcement Under PSM,” 30th Annual Environmental, Health & Safety Seminar, June 5-8, 2017 (speaker)
- “Time to Revisit Employer Confidentiality and Release Agreements,” V&E Employment, Labor and OSHA Update E-communication, October 12, 2016 (co-author)
- “Cross Border Issues,” State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Law Section, 26th Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute, September 18-19, 2015 (co-presenter)
- “Sexual Orientation & the Law,” The General Counsel Forum, September 2, 2015 (co-speaker)
- “What General Counsel and Other Corporate Lawyers Need to Know About OSHA and MSHA Compliance in 2014,” Corporate Counsel Section of the State Bar of Texas Newsletter, Winter 2014 (author)
- “How an Employer Is Organized Can Determine How Vulnerable It Is to Union Organizing,” V&E Employment, Labor and OSHA Update E-communication, August 6, 2014 (co-author)
- “Employers: Take Care in Crafting Confidentiality Clauses,” Law360, April 17, 2014 (author)
- “Fifth Circuit Finds Employer Confidentiality Rule Could Chill Employee’s Exercise of Their Section 7 Rights,” V&E Employment, Labor and OSHA Update E-communication, April 1, 2014 (author)
- “Employers Must Post OSHA Form 300A by February 1 or Risk Penalties,” V&E Employment, Labor and OSHA Update E-communication, January 30, 2014 (author)
- “U.S. Supreme Court Winds Down 2013 Term with Two Pro-employer Decisions,” V&E Employment, Labor and OSHA Update E-communication, June 24, 2013 (co-author)
- “Second Quarter 2011 Labor and Employment Law Developments,” V&E Labor and Employment Law E-communication, August 2, 2011 (co-author)
- “New I-129 Form Imposes Export Controls Certification Requirement on U.S. Employers,” V&E Export Controls and Economic Sanctions E-communication, February 17, 2011 (co-author)
- “Wage and Hour Issues for the Experienced Practitioner,” Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference, National Petroleum Refiners Association, May 26, 2010
- “Statistical Proof,” in Employment Discrimination Law (4th Ed.), 2007 (co-author and co-editor)
- “Disparate Treatment,” “The Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1871,” and “EEOC Administrative Process,” (three chapters) Supplement to Employment Discrimination Law (3rd Ed.), 1988 (principal co-author and co-editor)