Elected by fellow partners as the first-ever Managing Partner and to the inaugural Management Committee at Frantz Ward, Chris is involved in establishing the firm’s strategic direction and its day-to-day operations for the growing needs of the firm and the expanding needs of the firm’s clients. He is named to Cleveland Magazine’s Cleveland 500, a list of the most powerful and influential leaders in our community.
In addition to his Managing Partner and Management Committee responsibilities, Chris’ legal practice focuses on civil litigation matters, including general business disputes, product liability claims, transportation law, employment litigation, and corporate investigations. He has extensive experience in successfully defending businesses through trial and arbitration throughout the U.S., with over seventy-five bench and jury trials to date. This includes representing closely held and publicly traded companies and their insurers in routine and catastrophic litigation.
Chris practices law because as early as the sixth grade he knew he wanted to be in the courtroom and help people. He realized his dream early in his career as a Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor which brings a valuable government perspective to his practice. In his role as prosecutor, he was a first-chair trial attorney in adult felony cases, including white collar crime, drug trafficking and capital murders. He also led corporate investigations and investigations into criminal enterprises. Chris is passionate about helping clients solve their problems and building long-term client relationships, whether this involves helping them avoid lawsuits or successfully advocating on their behalf in trial.
Chris is named to The Best Lawyers in America and to the Ohio Super Lawyers list. He is consistently rated AV Preeminent, the highest ranking, for attorney professional and ethical excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
