J. Christian Nemeth

Chris works closely with the firm’s employee benefits lawyers on all types of ERISA litigation matters, Department of Labor investigations, and similar issues. He maintains an active commercial practice as well, specializing in financial and banking cases, business torts, and breach of contract actions.

Chris represents clients in courts at the state and federal levels across the country and has successfully tried cases involving a wide range of matters. He also arbitrates cases in domestic and international forums.

Chris has extensive appellate experience including successful appeals before the Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth US Circuit Courts and the Illinois Court of Appeals.

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• Currently representing Maersk, a regional healthcare system, Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors, and others in retirement plan class actions across the country
• Representing Gallagher Benefits Advisors, a large health system, and Aon in emergent voluntary benefits litigation, where plaintiffs allege fiduciary breaches and knowing participation in ERISA violations related to health and welfare plans
• Representing Berkshire Partners, Neil Brozen, Ventura Trust and others in high-profile ESOP litigation matters that involve allegations of fiduciary breach and knowing participation in fiduciary breaches under ERISA
• Secured a complete defense verdict on behalf of Celanese Corporation, a leading producer of chemicals and fibers, against breach of contract and fraud allegations seeking approximately $4 billion in damages
• Obtained a successful trial verdict for SMG, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of hot dogs sold under the brand “Nathan’s Famous,” in a case concerning sophisticated financial arrangements and change-of-control provisions, and prevailed on appeal
• Won a federal jury trial and appeal on behalf of Leprino Foods Company, a major food producer, in a $24 million insurance coverage dispute involving an “all risk” policy and a contamination exclusion
• Won significant damages from a three-member arbitration panel for breach of contract and breach of warranty claims relating to a private aircraft
• Represented an individual defendant in a federal jury trial concerning arson and secured a favorable verdict on all arson counts
• Represented current and former executives in a series of high-profile derivative lawsuits in connection to the San Bruno, California pipeline explosion
• Represented clients in confidential ERISA-based Department of Labor investigations involving fiduciary breaches, VEBA registrations, and propriety of investments
• Represented large financial institutions in SEC and FTA matters involving investment selection, share class and payment issues

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