Chris focuses his practice on commercial litigation and construction law.  He has handled numerous trials and appeals in federal and state court, in matters involving partnership and shareholder disputes, breach of contract, insurance coverage, and real property disputes, among others.  He leverages his litigation experience to advise clients regarding responses to subpoenas and government investigations, as well as other litigation-related matters.  

Chris also maintains an active higher education law practice.  His experience as a former Deputy Title IX Coordinator gives him a unique perspective on institutional governance and crisis response.  Chris applies this perspective to advise colleges and universities on compliance with Title IX, VAWA, the Clery Act, and other state and federal regulations.  He regularly serves as a hearing chair for review panels adjudicating Title IX violations, and as an independent appeal officer for the post-hearing review of Title IX investigations. 

Prior to joining Flora Pettit, Chris worked at a litigation boutique and general practice firm in Charlottesville, and as Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the University of Virginia.  Before moving to Charlottesville, Chris served as Senior Counsel to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ethics.  He also previously worked as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of a large international law firm, where he focused on environmental litigation and white collar criminal defense.  

In 2015, Chris received the Light of Justice Award from the Texas Defender Service, for his service on the capital habeas team representing Alfred Dewayne Brown, who was exonerated after serving ten years on death row.  

Chris is an active member and current Secretary of the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court, and has served as the Treasurer of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association since 2020.  He has also served on the Board of Directors of a number of local nonprofit organizations.