Chris is a defense litigator who represents businesses in products liability, tort, class action, consumer protection, and complex commercial litigation. He has experience handling all phases of litigation, including early case assessment, dispositive motion practice, trial preparation, and appeal.
Before joining Shook, Chris served as a law clerk to the Honorable Charlene E. Honeywell of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the Honorable Marva L. Crenshaw of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. His federal and state appellate clerkship experiences provide valuable insight into judicial decision-making at both the trial and appellate levels and informs his strategic approach to litigation and motion practice.
Outside of work, Chris is involved in the local legal community. He is the parliamentarian of the George Edgecomb Bar Association, a barrister of the J. Clifford Cheatwood Inn of Court, and a member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Chris is also committed to pro bono service. His experience includes securing Temporary Protected Status for multiple Ukrainian nationals, representing a federal inmate in civil rights litigation against the Bureau of Prisons, and advocating for a minor in a disability benefits appeal before the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Representative Matters
Obtained complete exclusion of the plaintiff’s engineering expert and partial summary judgment on design defect and failure-to-warn claims in a products liability action involving a consumer blender in the Middle District of Florida.
Represented a global manufacturer of industrial equipment and components in a complex multi-party action arising from a catastrophic fire-related fatality.
Represented a global manufacturer of industrial equipment and components during the inspection and destructive testing of debris from a catastrophic fire at a motor vehicle dealership, working alongside an expert witness to evaluate causation issues and develop defense strategy. The matter was favorably resolved at the claim stage before litigation.
Obtained summary judgment for a private defendant and related trust in a multi-defendant federal and Florida securities fraud action in the Southern District of Florida.
Obtained summary judgment in a certified class action against an insurance company in California federal court, where policyholders alleged overcharges during COVID-19-related state closures.
Obtained dismissal of an unjust enrichment action against a subcontractor arising from a commercial construction project.
Obtained the release of multiple mechanics’ liens filed across several Florida counties against commercial property on behalf of a general contractor in connection with a contractual dispute.
Represented a leading food and support services company in a portfolio of automobile and premises liability matters.