Chris brings a methodical approach to assisting clients with their real estate and construction transaction and litigation matters.

Overview

Chris negotiates and drafts construction contracts and real estate conveyance agreements for all types and sizes of projects. Clients look to Chris with respect to drafting commercial purchase, lease, guaranty agreements; the preparation, filing, and prosecution of mechanic's liens; defense of contractors before state commissions; interpretation of zoning ordinances and covenants, conditions, and restrictions; and other construction- and real estate-related matters.

Chris brings more than 15 years of experience litigating commercial, real estate, and construction disputes. His commercial litigation experience also includes representation of lending institutions in creditor's rights matters, contract disputes, commercial landlord-tenant disputes and evictions, construction defect actions, insurance coverage disputes, and contractor/creditor representation in bankruptcy adversarial proceedings.

Prior to joining Stinson, Chris was general counsel of a global consortium of real estate investment and service entities as well as the director of complex litigation at a Phoenix-based real estate law firm.

Experience

Real Estate and Construction Contracts and Projects

Representation of large regional commercial/industrial contractor in negotiation and drafting agreements with public and private entities, including for the construction of multiple barracks located on a Missouri military complex, complete renovation of large downtown Kansas City commercial project, and construction and installation of new mechanical system on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Assisted Fortune 100 telecommunications company in the negotiations of private easements for placement of fiber optic cable, fiber optic cable relocation agreements, license agreements with municipalities for placement and maintenance of fiber optic cables in public right-of-way, and preparation of right-of-way permits.

Representation of regional real estate developer with the disposition of hundreds of lots in lieu of lender's enforcement of guaranty.

Representation of regional sand mining company in negotiations with city and county zoning boards to procure permits to commence mining efforts on local waterways.

Representation of industrial manufacturing company in negotiating and drafting commercial lease workout agreements which permitted client to prematurely terminate lengthy lease obligation.

Real Estate and Construction Litigation

Successful representation of general contractor in breach of contract claim brought by municipality with respect to excusable delays in the construction of a large water purification plant.

Representation of general contractor in breach of contract claim seeking delay damages brought by subcontractor with respect to delays in large boring project caused by unforeseen ground and surface water impediments.

Represented developer/lessor of large commercial space against claims that client had permitted a non-conforming use to expire thereby rendering the lease a nullity.

Represented architect and commercial HVAC company in state and related federal bankruptcy actions in successfully enforcing mechanic's liens.

Successful representation of abstract and title company through appeal against negligence claim brought by a developer alleging failure to include restriction on warranty deed as required by newly passed Kansas anti-transfer fee covenant.

Commercial Litigation

Secured defense verdict on behalf of lending institution in lender liability lawsuit predicated on putative borrower's claim that lender refused to consummate significant construction loan.

Secured summary judgment on behalf of insurance carrier on its claims against its underwriter for breach of underwriting guidelines which had resulted in the issuance of three consecutive CGL policies.

Obtained favorable settlement for institutional client on its breach of contract claim against a foreign reinsurer predicated on a 1978 retrocession treaty for failure to reimburse for long-tail losses.

Successful prosecution of breach of contract claim brought against a provider of managed care services under a joint marketing agreement seeking return of improperly paid plan premiums.

News & Insights

Speaking Engagements

Recognitions

Recognitions

Selected to the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America©

Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2014-2016

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

Earl E. O’Connor Inn of Court, Barrister

Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy, Graduate

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Arizona
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Education

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, J.D., 2007

  • Dean's List
  • Business and Entrepreneurial Law Emphasis
  • Entrepreneurial Law and Practice Clinic

University of Kansas, B.G.S., Economics, 2004

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