Chris is a partner with the firm’s Environmental and Employment practice groups. With extensive experience in environmental litigation and compliance and employment law, Chris is an empathetic and pragmatic counselor who represents clients with zealous advocacy.
Environmental Law
Chris provides environmental compliance counseling and represents clients in cost recovery litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in CERCLA, RCRA, nuisance and trespass litigation and defense of Clean Water Act lawsuits (a.k.a. citizen’s suit stormwater complaints), as well as disputes involving, real estate purchases/sales, industrial and drycleaner contamination claims, and claims related to service stations and underground storage tanks. She advises and represents clients before various government regulatory agencies, including the U.S. EPA, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Chris prosecutes and defends cost recovery claims for owners and operators of contaminated property. For clients selling, acquiring or developing contaminated real property, Chris provides counsel and legal services on a range of matters, including due diligence audits, site investigations, remedial action plans, remediation standards, and indemnity provisions. She also represents parties in obtaining defense and insurance coverage for environmental claims.
Employment Law
Chris represents employers defending wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and employment discrimination cases in all areas, including claims of sex, age, race, disability discrimination, sexual harassment. She has represented employers in administration hearings before the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Department of Industrial Relations, and Cal OSHA. Chris has presented employment law seminars for employer groups including the City of Oakland, Northern California Human Resources Council, Oakland Board of Realtors, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and private employers. She has also advised businesses regarding personnel practices and the preparation of employment manuals.
Mediation Experience
Chris is experienced in alternative dispute resolutions and serves as a mediator for the United States District Court, Northern District of California. She has completed the United States District Court, Northern District of California Alternative Dispute Resolution and Early Neutral Evaluation training programs. Additionally, she received the Bar Association of San Francisco Certificates of Completion for training in mediation and arbitration.
