Chris represents clients in regulatory, civil, and criminal investigations and litigation. In his practice, Chris regularly employs his prior regulatory experience as an assistant attorney general to benefit clients who are interacting with and being investigated by state attorneys general.
As a member of the firm's State Attorneys General and Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Groups, Chris draws upon his firsthand experience as a West Virginia assistant attorney general when counseling clients. He advises on a wide variety of state and federal regulatory matters, with a particular emphasis on state consumer protection laws related to consumer financial services, data security, advertising and marketing, manufacturing, and digital currency. The review and understanding of emerging regulatory issues and strong relationships with attorneys general nationwide are central to the added value that Chris brings to his clients. His work has caught the eye of leading legal authorities, and he has been honored, among others, by the American Bar Association and Virginia Lawyers Weekly as an "Up and Coming" attorney, as well as "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers.
In each representation, Chris leverages his prior government experience and legal acumen to identify successful resolutions to multifaceted investigations and enforcement actions. He develops strategies and manages significant, complex multistate investigations brought by state attorneys general and other regulatory bodies, and represents companies in significant litigation against those bodies. These complex cases often present novel issues regarding the scope of state statutory authority. He represents clients and the firm at national state attorneys general meetings and conferences, presenting critical issues to attorneys general and their staff, regulators, and other key personnel.
On the local level, Chris actively represents clients in local government litigation and before state commissions, handling disputes with local school divisions and constitutional challenges to proposed administrative rules.
Chris regularly provides ongoing commentary and analysis on developments in the state and federal regulatory landscape through the firm's Regulatory Oversight blog and State Attorneys General Monitor Newsletter.
Prior to joining the firm, Chris served as an assistant attorney general in the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General, where he litigated consumer protection actions involving state and federal laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive business practices related to debt collection, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, landlord-tenant issues, and student loans. His experience handling multistate litigations and settlements, adapting to evolving regulations, and handling complex arguments on the government’s behalf has laid the foundation for Chris' ability to advise clients confidently and effectively.
Previously, Chris served as a federal law clerk for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.
Regulatory Oversight
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Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Monitor — March 15, 2024
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