Christopher J. Banks
Overview
When your case needs to be tried, Chris Banks delivers. He is a seasoned trial lawyer and passionate advocate who specializes in simplifying complex matters for presentation to a jury or judge. Chris has spent a substantial portion of his career in court, cross examining witnesses, giving winning opening statements and closing arguments, and arguing nuanced legal issues. He also works hand-in-hand with companies and founders, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, to help them solve or avoid legal disputes before litigation arises.
Career & Education
- University of Nebraska, B.A., cum laude, 1994
- The George Washington University, M.A., with distinction, 1997
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 2001
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Christopher's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 02.14.24
California Supreme Court Prohibits Trial Courts From Striking PAGA Claims Due to Unmanageability
On January 18, 2024 in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills, Inc. (Cal., Jan. 18, 2024, No. S274340) 2024 WL 188863, the California Supreme Court resolved a split in authority among the California Courts of Appeal regarding whether or not trial courts have the inherent authority to dismiss Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) claims due to unmanageability. The Supreme Court held that trial courts do not have this authority, and instead must address manageability concerns by using the variety of “tools” at their disposal, such as placing limitations on testimony and types of evidence and using representative testimony and surveys.
Client Alert | 1 min read | 12.28.23
Governor Hochul Vetoes Bill Banning Non-Competes in New York
Client Alert | 3 min read | 12.05.23
Expanded Paid Sick Leave Requirements to Take Effect in California
Client Alert | 2 min read | 11.03.23
Amendments to California’s Retaliation Law Lighten the Burden for Employees
Representative Matters
- Secured $415 million judgment for Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp. after three-month jury trial that was upheld on appeal, generating a $523 million recovery for the client in 2014.
- Successfully defended aerospace company as lead trial lawyer against claims of unlawful termination and retaliation in the Western District of Washington in 2018.
- Successfully defended hospital network against claims for wrongful termination, disability discrimination, and retaliation as lead trial lawyer at arbitration hearing in 2018.
- Successfully defended software company in arbitration as lead trial lawyer on claims for breach of contract in 2019.
- Successfully obtained defense verdict and judgment for information network company as lead trial lawyer in jury trial alleging race discrimination in the District Court of Nevada in 2019.
- Successfully defended a billion-dollar reasonable royalty claim for online brokerage in trade secret misappropriation bench trial in California state court in 2016.
- Represented companies in the technology, healthcare, medical products, pet food, and fire protection industries in wage and hour class action and PAGA lawsuits.
- Obtained summary judgment for a multinational company in the Northern District of California against ERISA claims for prohibited transactions after class certification.
- Represented numerous companies and founders in pre-litigation separations in the technology, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
Christopher's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 02.14.24
California Supreme Court Prohibits Trial Courts From Striking PAGA Claims Due to Unmanageability
On January 18, 2024 in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills, Inc. (Cal., Jan. 18, 2024, No. S274340) 2024 WL 188863, the California Supreme Court resolved a split in authority among the California Courts of Appeal regarding whether or not trial courts have the inherent authority to dismiss Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) claims due to unmanageability. The Supreme Court held that trial courts do not have this authority, and instead must address manageability concerns by using the variety of “tools” at their disposal, such as placing limitations on testimony and types of evidence and using representative testimony and surveys.
Client Alert | 1 min read | 12.28.23
Governor Hochul Vetoes Bill Banning Non-Competes in New York
Client Alert | 3 min read | 12.05.23
Expanded Paid Sick Leave Requirements to Take Effect in California
Client Alert | 2 min read | 11.03.23
Amendments to California’s Retaliation Law Lighten the Burden for Employees
Christopher's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 02.14.24
California Supreme Court Prohibits Trial Courts From Striking PAGA Claims Due to Unmanageability
On January 18, 2024 in Estrada v. Royalty Carpet Mills, Inc. (Cal., Jan. 18, 2024, No. S274340) 2024 WL 188863, the California Supreme Court resolved a split in authority among the California Courts of Appeal regarding whether or not trial courts have the inherent authority to dismiss Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) claims due to unmanageability. The Supreme Court held that trial courts do not have this authority, and instead must address manageability concerns by using the variety of “tools” at their disposal, such as placing limitations on testimony and types of evidence and using representative testimony and surveys.
Client Alert | 1 min read | 12.28.23
Governor Hochul Vetoes Bill Banning Non-Competes in New York
Client Alert | 3 min read | 12.05.23
Expanded Paid Sick Leave Requirements to Take Effect in California
Client Alert | 2 min read | 11.03.23
Amendments to California’s Retaliation Law Lighten the Burden for Employees