Chris is often described by colleagues and law firm clients as a “lawyer’s lawyer.” His priority as counsel in the General Counsel’s office is to guide Barnes & Thornburg attorneys through ethical and business conflicts and related issues that may arise in the course of their practices.  

Chris has a pragmatic understanding of the intersection of law and business. Because of his deep experience advising law firm and business practitioners and leaders on their strategic goals and operations across virtually all practice and industry groups, he is able to give practical and uniquely tailored advice to address the complex challenges faced in the practice of law.

Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Chris was general counsel for a national engineering and architecture firm headquartered in Central Illinois. He also spent several years in private practice and as general counsel and ethics partner for a firm in Minneapolis before its merger with an AmLaw 100 firm, and then as loss prevention counsel to the combined firm post-merger. In those roles, Chris advised firm management and colleagues on a variety of complex initiatives and matters and handled internal investigations, while also developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the applicable statutes and rules of professional conduct.

Rounding out his extensive knowledge and skills, Chris also served as vice chair of the Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, the body charged with oversight of the lawyer disciplinary system in the state.