Christopher J. Lopata (Chris)

Of Counsel

New York + 1.212.326.3602

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Chris Lopata handles civil litigation and class actions, focusing on credit reporting, product liability, toxic torts, contract disputes, and a wide range of commercial litigation.

Chris appears in federal and state courts throughout the country in actions related to consumer credit reporting, lead paint, and tobacco as part of Jones Day's national representations of Experian Information Solutions, The Sherwin-Williams Company, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

Chris has served as lead trial counsel for an array of commercial disputes in New York State courts. Chris achieved favorable outcomes through trial or dismissal in product liability, mass tort, and public nuisance cases filed by governmental entities and individuals against clients with no-settlement policies.

Chris has developed, deposed, and defended expert witnesses across various fields, including chemistry, history, accounting, and damages.

Chris negotiates and mediates complex settlement agreements in individual cases and class actions, and he coauthored a how-to book on preparing commercial agreements.

Chris has extensive experience managing all aspects of electronic discovery, and he serves as the New York Office coordinator on e-discovery issues.

Chris works with clients to prepare litigation risk assessments, and he has formulated multiyear initiatives to help clients reduce their litigation expenditures.

Chris maintains an active pro bono docket focused on providing representation to minors and young adults in need of legal services.

Chris teaches continuing legal education programs about e-discovery. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association.

Experience

  • Experian prevails in pair of lawsuits alleging that non-reporting of state statute of limitations of debts violates FCRAJones Day successfully represented Experian Information Solutions, Inc. in two lawsuits within the Second Circuit rejecting a novel theory of liability seeking to require Experian to report the state statute of limitations for bringing collection actions for charged off credit card debt.
  • Sherwin-Williams defends lead paint actions brought by California cities and countiesJones Day is defending The Sherwin-Williams Company against claims brought by ten of California's largest cities and counties.
  • Client obtains dismissal from claims related to international humanitarian aid programJones Day acted as principal counsel to a client who sought dismissal of a complaint alleging improprieties related to the administration of an international humanitarian aid program.
  • Yamaha prevails in jury trial involving Rhino SxS vehicleAfter a three month trial in the Orange County Superior Court, Complex Division, a jury returned a defense verdict on behalf of Jones Day client Yamaha Motor Co. in a "bellwether" case involving the Yamaha Rhino SxS vehicle.
  • Sherwin-Williams defends against suit alleging injuries to children from ingestion of lead paintJones Day represented The Sherwin-Williams Company and other former manufacturers of white lead carbonate pigments in action involving over 160 plaintiffs in two different cases.
  • Bell Microproducts Directors defend litigation seeking to enjoin acquisition of company by AvnetJones Day represents the Board of Directors of Bell Microproducts, Inc., W. Donald Bell, Gordon A. Campbell, Glenn E. Penisten, Edward L. Gelbach, James E. Ousley, Eugene B. Chaiken, David M. Ernsberger, Peter G. Hanelt, William E. Meyer, and Mark L. Sanders in nine shareholder class actions which seek to enjoin the acquisition of Bell Micro by Avnet, Inc.
  • Yamaha successfully defends nationwide litigation of product liability cases and claims involving the Rhino side-by-side ("SxS") vehicleJones Day leads Yamaha's defense of Rhino cases and claims pending in the United States.
  • Sherwin-Williams prevails in landmark public nuisance suit over lead pigment before Rhode Island Supreme CourtThe Rhode Island Supreme Court overturned a jury verdict against Jones Day client, The Sherwin-Williams Company, and other former lead pigment manufacturers, stating that the trial court should have dismissed the public nuisance claim at the outset.
  • Sherwin-Williams prevails in public nuisance claim by NJ cities and counties seeking lead paint abatement and health care costsJones Day represented The Sherwin-Williams Company, a former manufacturer of lead pigment and lead paint, against public nuisance claims brought by 26 cities and counties seeking lead paint abatement and health care costs.
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    Additional Publications

    • June 1, 2012
      Commercial Settlement Agreements Line by Line: A Detailed Look at Commercial Settlement Agreements and How to Change Them to Meet Your Clients' Needs

    Additional Speaking Engagements

    • Spring 2014
      Electronic Discovery: Hofstra University School of Law
    • April 11, 2013
      Electronic Discovery, New York Law School

    • Various in-house CLE presentations covering deposition and motion practice, effective management of paralegals and secretarial assistants, technology in the courtroom, and other litigation practice topics.

    • In-house CLE presentation on use of technology to facilitate practice management.

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