Overview
For more than a decade, Chris has litigated commercial disputes including cases involving breach of contract, implied contract claims, shareholder oppression, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and other business torts.
In addition to regularly appearing in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and Illinois, Chris is also regularly trusted by national law firms to serve as local and co-counsel in business disputes in Michigan. His experience extends to several subject areas, including insurance coverage, real estate, probate, employment, construction, municipal law, zoning and land use, and financial services.
Chris has served as a faculty member for the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program, an annual program sponsored by the Federal Bar Association of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Chris is a Shareholder practicing in Butzel’s Grand Rapids office. He graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, cum laude, where he was a member of the college’s nationally ranked trial advocacy team and was a national semi-finalist for the American Bar Association’s annual trial competition.
Outside of the office, Chris spends time with his family, plays music, and continues to root for Chicago sports teams.
Primary Practice Areas
All Related Practice Areas
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Appellate Specialty Team
- Automotive Industry Team
- Business & Commercial Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Construction Specialty Team
- Employment Litigation
- Labor and Employment
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Non-Compete & Trade Secret
- Real Estate Litigation
- Trade Secret & Non-Compete Specialty Team
Credentials
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., cum laude
University of Wisconsin–Madison, B.A., Journalism & Mass Communication and Political Science
Admissions
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Supreme Court of the United States
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan – Litigation Section, Governing Council Member
- Hillman Trial Advocacy Program – Faculty Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Western District of Michigan Federal Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Awards & Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America® - Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2024, 2026, 2027; Appellate Practice, 2026, 2027
Michigan Super Lawyers - Rising Stars - Business Litigation, 2020-2023
Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyer, Litigation-Commercial, 2023, 2024, 2025
Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Stars - Business Litigation, 2014-2018
