Christopher P. Nease concentrates his practice on the defense of multinational companies and individuals in high-stakes litigation, with extensive experience defending Fortune 500 corporations in diverse types of litigation across the United States. Advising and appearing on behalf of some of the world’s largest manufacturers as trial and appellate counsel, Chris has played an active role in discovery, motions practice, and arbitration for complex cases. He has handled all stages of litigation ranging from fact investigation, deposition, and expert witness preparation through pretrial, trial, and post-trial motions.
Experience
Over the course of his career, Chris has been involved in more than 20 jury and bench trials. He has tried cases on behalf of such clients as Philip Morris USA*, Walmart Inc.*, and Lorillard Tobacco Company*. These trials have taken place in state and federal courts throughout the country, and have involved product liability, premises liability, tort liability, and trademark infringement issues.
Chris also has had the unique experience serving as international coordinating counsel to international clients during his time in the Geneva, Switzerland office of his former firm. While in this role, he worked with lawyers from multiple countries to formulate and execute trial and appellate strategy. Chris also advised clients on litigation prevention strategies and legislative projects to help minimize their civil liability risk, including counsel related to proposed legislation on class actions and product liability laws in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Chris devotes a portion of his practice to working for the interest of children and parents in pro bono cases. His pro bono work has taken him to the Missouri Supreme Court, where he argued for a mother who was having her parental rights terminated by the state.
*Reflects experience at previous employer.
Perspectives
Credentials
Education
- J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston, 1997
- B.A., University of Missouri, 1994
Admissions
- Florida
- Missouri
- Texas
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Activities
- Defense Research Institute