Christopher Nease is a first chair trial lawyer who has tried numerous jury and bench trials, including multi-week product liability trials over the course of his career. He concentrates his practice on the defense of multinational companies, Fortune 500 corporations, and individuals in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S. 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 all stages of litigation ranging from case preparation through trial and post-trial motions. He has been involved in diverse types of litigation, including product liability, premises liability, tort liability, and trademark infringement.
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 significant portion of his practice to pro bono work. 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.
Experience
- Johnson v. Philip Morris USA, et al., Valencia County, N.M., Defense Verdict (2024)
- Waters v. Philip Morris USA, et. al., Santa Fe County, N.M., Defense Verdict (2023) (Courtroom View Network Top-10 Defense Verdict for 2023)
- Danenberg Jones v. Walmart, Jackson County, M.O., Defense Verdict (2022)*
- Mendez v. Philip Morris USA, et. al., Miami-Dade County, F.L., Low Damages Plaintiff Verdict (2022)*
*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
- Federal Bar Association