
Christopher R. Pettit
Shareholder
Christopher R. Pettit
Shareholder
BIOGRAPHY
Chris Pettit helps small and mid-sized businesses succeed through sound corporate planning and strategic advocacy. Over the past 18 years, I have negotiated and closed asset purchase transactions, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, employment and other professional service contracts. There are times, however, when even the most carefully worded contracts cannot prevent litigation. I have represented business owners and professionals in court or in arbitration in a variety of industries, including architecture and engineering, health care, insurance, securities and financial planning. Whether it is in the boardroom or the courtroom, I have the experience and knowledge to help your business succeed.
PRACTICE AREAS
Business & Litigation
Insurance Defense
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, J.D., 1998
Ohio University, M.A., 1992
Ohio University, B.S.E.D., cum laude, 1989
ADMISSIONS
State of Ohio (1998)
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio (1999)
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio (2007)
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio (2009)
United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio (2009)
United States Court of Claims (1999)
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (2006)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Board of Trial Advocates
Ohio State Bar Association
Tri-Creek District, Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America
District Committee Chair, 2012-2014
District Award of Merit, 2014
Beta Chapter Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity House Corporation
President, 2014 – Present
Star Award, 2014
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
“S.B. 106: Immunizing Political Subdivisions,” Trial, Spring 2004
National Business Institute, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
“Expert Witnesses, Using Ohio Court Rules,” April 2016
“Trial Preparation for Business Litigation,” December 2015
Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio
“Hot Topics in Business Litigation, FHA/ADA Enforcement and Impact on Commercial Real Estate,” June 2010
“Litigating ERISA Benefit Claims,” October 2009
Half Moon, LLC, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
“Legal Issues for Professional Engineers,” Business Law, June 2011
“Legal Issues for Ohio Landscape Architects,” August 2011
“Minimizing Engineering Liability,” November 2007
HONORS & AWARDS
Ohio Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2013, 2015)
Ohio Super Laywers, Top 50 Lalwyers in Columbus (2014, 2016-2021)
Columbus CEO Magazine, Top 50 Lawyers in Columbus (2015)
Ohio Super Lawyers, Commercial Litigation (2012)
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Obtained a preliminary injunction in favor of a central Ohio insurance agency and against an insurance agent who was violating non-competition and confidentiality agreements.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of an industrial gas company in Columbus, Ohio against a terminated employee who claimed that he was subject to worker’s compensation discrimination and retaliatory discharge.
Defended a physician on claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract stemming from the opening of a medical clinic in Ironton, Ohio.
Successfully defended an architecture firm against FHA claims for inaccessible design and construction of a multi-family housing development in Warren County, Ohio.
Arbitrated fraud claims through FINRA against a securities firm for multiple thefts committed by one of its registered representatives.
Obtained a verdict at trial on behalf of a licensee for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation claims against a furniture distributor and wholesaler.
Successfully defended a civil engineering firm against ADA/FHA claims for inaccessible design and construction of common areas at a condominium development in Fairfield County, Ohio.
Obtained a verdict at trial on behalf of a medical services and billing company that was being accused of fraud and conversion.
Act as collection counsel for several architecture and design firms.
Negotiated a franchise agreement on behalf of a franchisee who purchased a graphics and printing company in Dublin, Ohio.
Assisted a client in negotiating a settlement in a dispute among the shareholders of a closely held software development corporation relating to the buy-out of shares of two minority owners.
Litigated a breach of contract case on behalf of a press and equipment manufacturer against the purchaser of a tire-shredder in Livingston, New Jersey.
Litigated breach of fiduciary duty claims under ERISA on behalf of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of a large concrete casting and construction company in Southwest Ohio.
Defended an attorney in Dallas, Texas against claims of fraud, negligence and unjust enrichment relating to the attorney’s representation in a tax resolution and debt consolidation matter.
Assisted numerous clients in the formation of Limited Liability Companies and Subchapter S Corporations in the software development, property development, rental and property management industries.
Litigated a products liability case against a press manufacturer in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Where Keeping Your Trust Matters
P: (614) 221-7663 | F: (866) 345-4948
Grandview Corporate Center, 1160 Dublin Road, Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43215
P: (614) 221-7663
F: (866) 345-4948
Grandview Corporate Center
1160 Dublin Road, Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215