Attorney Profile
Chris credits his interest in the practice of law to his father. “Growing up, my dad was in management of a Peoria architectural firm. His days were increasingly consumed by additional regulations and rules imposed on the business. I resolved early on that I’d devote my law practice to help others like my father so that their time, energy and concern could be focused more on building their businesses rather than what new regulation or claim would complicate their efforts.”
Chris started practicing law in Chicago in 1998, handling all types of personal injury cases for injured plaintiffs. He enjoyed his colleagues on that side of the bar, but soon realized he felt more comfortable on the defense. Now, as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, Chris uses the knowledge he gained during his early career regarding how plaintiffs build their cases to his advantage on the defense side.
In 2007, Chris joined Quinn Johnston’s Peoria office and has since devoted 100% of his practice to handling matters in both workers’ compensation and employment defense. He became a partner in the firm in 2014. He routinely tries workers’ compensation cases before the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission, handles appeals to the circuit courts and appellate courts, and appears in both state and federal courts throughout Illinois in related civil litigation. Recent examples:
- Obtained a defense verdict that petitioner’s recommended cervical disc replacement was not causally related to the accident. This saved the client thousands of dollars in both permanency and medical benefits.
- Obtained a defense verdict in defending a decision through the appellate court for a petitioner who fell down stairs claiming that his shoes were wet and he was not provided proper slip protection.
- Obtained a defense verdict when petitioner claimed a wage differential. The client was ready to pay a settlement equal to a wage differential. However, a recommended records check, following referral of assignment, showed the petitioner had pre-existing back problems immediately prior to the claimed accident.
- Obtained a defense verdict for a petitioner who had knelt on the ground to change a tire and ruptured his meniscus while rising from the ground.
Chris is also active in the community. He strives to be a positive reflection for both his profession and his firm. Chris served for five years on the school board for Peoria Public Schools holding both the positions of Vice President and President. Chris is also active in the Downtown Rotary Club of Peoria and his homeowner’s association. He is committed to providing pro bono legal services and reads monthly to children at one of Peoria local elementary schools. Chris mostly enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
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Practice Areas
Education
- J.D., Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, 1998
- Honors: Mock Trial Team National Finalist
- B.S., Agriculture, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, 1995
Admissions/Associations
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
- Illinois Supreme Court
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Peoria County Bar Association
Ratings/Recognitions
- Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV® Preeminent
- Illinois Leading Lawyers List, 2016-2025
- Illinois Rising Stars List, 2010
- InterBusiness Issues, “40 Leaders Under Forty,” 2010
Presentations
“AMA Guidelines, A Respondent’s Perspective,” Illinois Continuing Legal Education, May 2014
Community Activities
- Pediatric Resource Center, Board Member (2008 – present)
- Peoria Public Schools District 150 School Board, President (2013 – present); Vice President (2012); Elected Representative (2010-2011)
- First Federated Church Executive Board Member (2014 – present)
- Upsilon Alumni Corporation Board Member, Delta Chi, Illinois Chapter (2001 – present)
- Rotary Club of Peoria (2008 – present)