Overview Experience Case Studies Insights Events News Outside the Office Community Leadership

K. Chris Collins

Senior Counsel

Chattanooga
phone: 423.755.2649
fax: 423.266.5499

email: [email protected]

Overview Experience Case Studies

Insights Events News

Outside the Office Community Leadership

Download Bio Download vCard

Overview

Knowing that litigation can be a substantial and costly distraction to a company and its stakeholders, Chris endeavors to serve clients not only as an attorney but also as a trusted advisor.

Chris guides clients throughout the litigation process and works with them to help prevent future litigation. His experience has made him comfortable with the high stakes of commercial litigation, and he is never more passionate than when he is fighting to protect clients’ interests.

Chris has proved himself adept at all stages of litigation. He has successfully defended and pursued clients’ interests across a wide array of cases, including multimillion-dollar class actions, complex construction cases and cases involving highly specialized trade secrets.

Chris was first drawn to a legal career when, as part of a high school class project, he successfully defended Brutus and Cassius in a mock trial based on Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Chris is a natural storyteller and is well-regarded for his ability to craft arguments that resonate with judges and juries alike.

Industry

Real Estate, Development & Construction

Services

Commercial Litigation

Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Recognition

Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2016-2023

Education

J.D., University of Tennessee College of Law
- Order of the Barristers
- Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition, Oral Argument, National Runner-Up
- Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law
B.S., University of Tennessee
- Finance
- cum laude

Admissions

Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
Georgia
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee

Professional Memberships and Certifications

American Bar Association
Chattanooga Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
American Inns of Court, Executive Committee, 2015-present

Experience

Secured unanimous multimillion-dollar verdict for local company in claims against former supplier-turned-competitor and two former employees alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract and unfair competition. Jury's findings included willful and malicious conduct under "clear and convincing" burden of proof standard, opening door for exemplary damages under Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act (TUTSA).
Obtained full defense verdict and award of attorneys' fees on behalf of real estate developer in claims alleging breach of contract, fraud and violations of Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). TCPA claims were resolved in favor of client at summary judgment and by directed verdict, and jury returned unanimous verdict denying plaintiff's claims of fraud and breach of contract, and finding breach of contract by plaintiff.
Successfully defended pharmaceutical manufacturer in bench trial against claims brought by clinical research company for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Breach of contract claims were decided in favor of client at summary judgment, and after bench trial, judge returned order in favor of client and denying plaintiff's claim of unjust enrichment.
Secured summary judgment dismissal of all claims against telemarketing client in $250 million class action in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada involving alleged violations of Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Successfully defended leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial and appliance motors and controls against claims for both manufacturing defect and design defect. All claims were dismissed prior to summary judgment.
Obtained more than $1 million in funds in favor of large commercial landlord to repair construction defects identified across multiple locations.
Obtained dismissal on behalf of client in $100 million lawsuit alleging breach of fiduciary duty, conflict of interest, assisting a fiduciary on committing a breach of duty and civil conspiracy.
Represented international provider of shipping and fulfillment services against claims of public and private nuisance relative to development and construction of regional fulfillment center. Claims were resolved prior to trial.
Represented owner of large retail shopping mall against claims of breach of contract, misrepresentation and professional negligence. Claims were resolved at mediation.
Represented regional paving contractor against allegations claiming professional negligence, negligent construction and intentional negligent misrepresentation. Claims were resolved prior to trial.
Represented local residential contractor against claims of public and private nuisance. Claims were resolved prior to trial.
Assisted in obtaining summary judgment on behalf of hospital chief medical officer in lawsuit alleging federal and state constitutional deprivations, antitrust violations, breach of contract, procurement of breach of contract, interference with existing and prospective business relationships, and civil conspiracy.
Advised international floor-plan lender on numerous insolvency and litigation disputes.

Webinar | December 2020

Planning, Building and Operating Senior Living Facilities in the Wake of COVID-19

News Releases | November 29, 2022

Five Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Thomson Reuters' 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars

News Releases | November 30, 2021

Six Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Thomson Reuters' 2021 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

News Releases | November 30, 2020

Nine Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Thomson Reuters' 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

News Releases | November 06, 2019

Eight Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Thomson Reuters' 2019 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Outside the Office

Chris enjoys spending time with his family. He is also an avid golfer and can be found most early Saturday mornings on the golf course.

Chris (right) and his friend enjoy a day at the golf course.

Chris and his wife.

Chris and his wife at dinner.

Chris and his colleagues pose for a group photo at a black tie event.

Community Leadership

Since 2014, Chris has served on the board of directors of On Point, a nonprofit that partners with schools and communities to cultivate the strengths in youth and provide them the knowledge and ongoing support they need to thrive and avoid risky behaviors.

TBA Young Lawyers Mock Trial Competition, District Chair, 2012-2017
Signal Mountain Youth Lacrosse, Head Coach, 2013 and 2017