Christopher S. Reeder
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Los Angeles, California
Reeder McCreary LLP
Practice Areas: Business Litigation, Business & Corporate, Employment Litigation view more
Licensed in California since: 1997
Education: University of Dayton School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2015 - 2023 Reeder McCreary LLP
11766 Wilshire BoulevardSuite 1470
Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: 310-861-2470 Email: Christopher S. Reeder Visit website
Details
With Chris Reeder as its lead trial lawyer, Reeder McCreary, LLP is a full service business litigation firm. RMC professionals are focused, driven, and results oriented.
Utilizing a tight team-based litigation approach, trial preparation model, and strategy unique to each client, RMC professionals represent a wide variety of clients from entrepreneurs to large international corporations in an infinite number of industries.
Chris also acts as general counsel to several companies and high net worth individuals. Chris has navigated clients through a large assortment of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, financings, government investigations, franchising issues, and real estate transactions. RMC professionals also provide day to day general counsel services to clients such as trademark registration, corporate compliance, real estate tax assessments, franchise transactions, and contractors licensing.
Reeder McCreary has one goal: winning for the client. It is as simple as that and the results speak for themselves.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Employment Litigation: Defense, Entertainment & Sports, Franchise/Dealership, Real Estate: BusinessFirst Admitted: 1997, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.reedermccreary.com/chris-reeder
White Papers:
- This article discusses the California Supreme Court's decision in Riverisland Cold Storage Inc. v. Fresno‐Madera Production Credit Association holding that the parol evidence rule does not bar the introduction of evidence of fraud, even if the misrepresentations directly contradict the terms of a written contract., Riverisland Ruling Gives Calif. Fraud Victims Fairer Shake
- This article discusses the seminal Sandpointe Apartments LLC v. Eighth Judicial District Court (CML-NV Sandpointe LLC) decision by the Nevada Supreme Court clarifying the application of AB 273, the groundbreaking 2011 Nevada statute that was designed to prevent secondary market loan purchasers from profiteering with respect to guarantor deficiencies on distressed loans., Nev. High Court Split the Baby In Key Foreclosure Law Case
Honors/Awards:
- Member, National Order of Barristers, 1997
- Best Oralist (Honorable Mention), Walter H. Rice Moot Court Competition, 1997
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Nevada High Court Split The Baby In Key Foreclosure Law Case, Author, Nev. High Court Split The Baby In Key Foreclosure Law Case, Law360, Real Estate, 2013
- Riverisland Ruling Gives Calif. Fraud Victims Fairer Shake, Author, Riverisland Ruling Gives Calif. Fraud Victims Fairer Shake, Law360, 2013
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Co-Chair of Corporations Committee and West Coast Liberty Awards, Lambda Legal, 2019
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Co-Chair of Corporations Committee and West Coast Liberty Awards., 2022
Verdicts/Settlements:
- Obtained a judgment for judicial foreclosure on behalf of a private equity/lending client related to a mixed use development in San Francisco, California., 2023
- Successfully prosecuted and defended claims on behalf of an international water device and filtration company in design patent/trade dress litigation related to multiple registrations resulting in a comprehensive settlement assuring no future claims related to the client's intellectual property portfolio from the adverse party with no compensation paid to the adverse party. , 2023
- Obtained a judgment on behalf of celebrity author against a former co-author arising out of defamatory social media posts., 2023
- Successfully defended a celebrity modern artist in real estate failure to disclose litigation relating to a multi-million dollar ocean front home in Malibu, California., 2022
- Obtained a judgment at trial on behalf of non-profit corporation with over $100 million in assets validating its election of directors in an action sponsored by a foreign political party in an attempt to take over the organization., 2022
- Successfully prevailed at trial on a Writ of Mandate Petition including obtaining a finding that the opposing party had filed the proceeding for an "improper purpose.", 2022
- Obtained a reversal by the California Court of Appeals of a judgment entered against a client in a real estate dispute resulting an an order mandating that the trial court enter judgment against the adverse party and vacating an attorneys fees award against the client., 2022
- Obtained a significant multi-month rental abatement for a direct sales marketing company due to the COVID-19 pandemic despite no decrease in the client's revenue involving issues for frustration of purpose and force majeure., 2022
- Obtained a significant recovery for an interactive media company in a legal malpractice action against its former legal counsel who wrongfully advocated for one of the shareholder's interests in a governance dispute to the detriment of the company., 2022
- Successfully represented national water device and filtration company in an action brought by a competitor for patent infringement resulting in a nuisance value settlement., 2021
- Successfully represented landlord of a multi-million dollar property in an unlawful detainer action against a tenant holding rave events and subsequently obtaining a judgment for monetary damages., 2021
- Prosecuted claims resulting in a seven figure plus settlement for a foreign based engineering staffing company against a former board advisor and third party subsidiary of one of the world's largest retail companies based on claims arising from the diversion of the client's prospective business and employees to another staffing company., 2021
- Obtained an order completely dismissing an unfair advertising Lanham Act, unfair business practices, and breach of contract case filed by a competitor of the client, a wholesale and retail water bottle and bottleless manufacturer and distributor, alleging claims of false reviews of the competitor's products and favorable reviews of the client's products., 2021
- Successfully represented world famous plastic surgery practice in the prosecution of claims against a construction company resulting from damage to its facility., 2021
- Successfully represented the co-founder of an interactive technology corporation in shareholder and derivative litigation against the other shareholders resulting in the client obtaining 100% of the shares of the company and dismissal of all claims asserted against the client., 2020
- Successfully prosecuted claims for a non-profit academy and post production studio against its former real estate broker and construction manager relating to a failed transaction to acquire and renovate a new facility., 2020
- Successfully represented a national franchisor in litigation brought by a franchisee alleging violations of the California Franchise Relations Act in response to a notice of default issued by the franchisor resulting in a dismissal of the litigation and termination of the franchisee from the franchise network., 2020
- Obtained a judgment, injunctive relief, and contempt finding in favor of a national franchisor against a former franchisee and its principals arising out of the breach of a non-competition covenant, 2020
- Successfully represented a Marvin partner in probate litigation resulting in the client being appointed the administrator of the Estate over the decedent's brothers and prevailing on summary judgment on the client's Marvin claim., 2020
- Navigated a nationwide franchise network though COVID-19 pandemic including analyzing orders to establish essential business exemptions in numerous states and jurisdictions, facilitating participation in the Paycheck Protection Program, planning for Paycheck Protection Loan forgiveness, and analyzing business interruption insurance claims., 2020
- Successfully represented former partners of a law firm in a dissolution proceeding obtaining over $700,000 in past distributions, office space, and other assets as well as successfully defending claims brought against clients., 2020
- Closed international exclusive distribution agreement for wholesale water distribution company, 2020
- Conducted an internal investigation for the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization as a result of sexual and gender based harassment allegations brought against the Chief Executive Officer., 2019
- Successfully defended nationwide franchisor in a putative false advertising class action resulting in a dismissal of individual claims with no class certification., 2019
- Closed multiple financings for commercial real estate holding company of manufacturing and office facilities resulting in a compete refinance of the entire portfolio valued at approximately $100 million., 2019
- Obtained majority control of an interactive technology firm for minority shareholder during shareholder and derivative litigation resulting in the client being restored as President of the Company and Chairman of the Board., 2019
- Successfully defended religious organization in litigation brought by a parishioner seeking to void a charitable donation of real estate., 2019
- Successfully represented motion picture producer in litigation against his former law firm and partners resulting in a substantial confidential settlement, 2019
- Successfully defended high profile client in transgender discrimination litigation resulting in no payment from or on behalf of the client to the plaintiff., 2019
- Obtained a settlement massively reducing triple net lease charges for several groups of medical professionals based on claims of fraud in the procurement of leases and lease extensions after the acquisition of several Class A medical buildings. , 2019
- Closed several acquisitions, related financings, and lease transactions for real estate developer and holding company including an $18 million acquisition of an industrial building with unique title and zoning issues. , 2019
- Successfully closed several franchise acquisitions for a national franchisor., 2019
- Successfully defended at trial a loan acquisition company against claims brought by a borrower who claimed that he had formed a joint venture with the client to obtain a loan pool from the FDIC and alleged claims including breach of a joint venture agreement, promissory estoppel, and wrongful foreclosure resulting in a judgment for the client.
- Successfully represented a water container and distribution company in several acquisitions of retail locations as well as establishment of a franchising unit., 2019
- Prosecuted individual and derivative claims for the minority owner of an aviation maintenance and repair company against the majority shareholder resulting in a favorable buy out of the client's interest in the corporation. , 2019
- Obtained dismissal of putative class action brought against large home improvement contractor and national franchisor alleging claims of false advertising and unfair business practices., 2019
- Representation of an aviation repair station in litigation involving major maintenance services performed on a commercial passenger aircraft.
- Obtained a judgment (including damages and injunctive relief) on behalf of national franchisor against a franchisee who abandoned its franchise and attempted to sell the franchisor's intellectual property and other assets to a third party.
- Obtained a jury verdict (including an award of punitive damages) in favor of a major dental practice management company that owns several dental practices in Southern California against another partner resulting in an award of the entire practice.
- Obtained the dismissal, on a motion to dismiss, of a case brought by a franchisee association against a national franchisor, resulting in the validation of numerous business practices as well as a finding that the franchisee association lacked standing, thus preventing future litigation., 2016
- Successfully represented a hotel land developer and its principals in litigation against one of the largest private equity firms on the west coast alleging claims related to underfunding of the project and fraud as well as successfully defending the clients against breach of contract and alter ego claims asserted by the private equity firm.
- Closed a $100 million private equity acquistion of an international food distributor., 2018
- Obtained a judgment for a real estate developer of a mixed use development adjacent to a major sports facility dismissing claims by a former investor for fraud, securities fraud, and breach of contract arising out of the investor's attempt to rescind a put option previously exercised by the investor and thus benefit from the ultimate extraordinary profitability of the development.
- Represented major home improvement contractors and several subsidiaries in an administrative action brought by the California Attorney General involving numerous allegations of unlawful business practices.
- Obtained a judgment at trial on behalf of a loan investor against a lender arising out of defaulted loans on various real estate projects due to inadequate due diligence performed by the lender prior to funding the loan, inappropriate construction draw approvals, and disregard of the investor’s instructions during the foreclosure process.
- Successfully defended the directors and officers of a large privately held corporation in litigation brought by a minority private equity investor alleging various claims including breach of fiduciary duty and constructive fraud resulting in a complete dismissal.
- Conducted internal theft investigation for business management firm involving the alleged theft of over $7 million in celebrity client funds and successfully represented the client in subsequent litigation against the partner that embezzled the funds resulting in a multi-million dollar judgment and criminal prosecution., 2017
- Represented a national franchisor in multi-state litigation against former franchisees and their principals involving issues of misappropriation of trade secrets, trademark infringement, unfair business practices, breach of contract, and conversion.
- Represented numerous high level executives in litigation or negotiations against former employers, including the Chief Revenue Officer of a National Hockey Association team, editor of an internationally circulated magazine, the editor of a major internet portal, and a recording industry executive resulting in lucrative severance agreements., 2016
- Obtained a judgment against a joint venture partner in a multi-phase wind power development involving claims of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty resulting in an award of a 100% ownership interest in the development entity, injunctive relief, and damages.
- Defended a commercial office developer at trial from an attempt by a commercial lender to foreclose on a premier Class A office building, including numerous complex issues arising out of the loan documentation and loan administration as well as lender liability issues resulting in an avoidance of a foreclosure, modification of the loan, funding by the lender of the remaining loan balance, and extensions of the maturity date.
- Successfully prosecuted at trial claims for breach of a construction loan agreement on behalf of a multi-unit residential developer against a large international bank and subsequent acquirer of the loan for failure to timely and completely fund the loan resulting in a favorable settlement in the middle of trial.
- Successfully prosecuted claims on behalf of a large home-furnishings company and national franchisor for fraud, breach of contract, intentional interference, and unlawful business practices against private equity funds and their principals, ultimately resulting in the entire preferred return (in excess of $49 million) associated with stock issued to the private equity funds being eliminated and the preferred shares surrendered to the company for less than half of the amount of the original principal investment of the private equity funds.
- Successfully represented the minority partner of a premier major sports event against the majority partner/major entertainment and sports conglomerate in corporate governance/fraud/breach of fiduciary duty/profits litigation resulting in multi-million dollar settlement., 2017
- Obtained a jury verdict in favor of an investment company in a case brought by an investor involving several complex transactions.
- Represented a world-renowned music recording and performing artist in surcharge litigation brought by the California Attorney General, including allegations of breach of fiduciary duty arising out of a charitable trust and probate estate of the artist’s world-famous mother. The case resulted in a settlement involving no out-of-pocket payment from the client., 2016
- Defended multiple home improvement companies in a wage and hour class action involving allegations of unpaid wages, expenses, and charge backs resulting in a nuisance value claims made settlement with a class wide release.
- Successfully closed the $18,000,000 acquisition and associated financing of an over 100,000 square foot industrial building in Hayward, California to house the Northern California operations of one of the largest custom closet and home organization companies in the country. , 2018
- Prosecuted in state and bankruptcy court high profile litigation including claims for racketeering, usury, fraud, and breach of contract on behalf of a client developing a 400 acre mixed use development surrounding a major sports complex against a commercial lender resulting in an unprecedented release of a $110 million personal guarantee, interest rate reduction, extension of the loan term for up to 5 years, no payments due until maturity, subordination for construction, and additional funding.
Transactions:
- Closed a franchise acquisition for the Fresno, California market on behalf of a national franchisor., 2023
- Successfully closed a hillside development real estate acquisition facilitating the construction of a mansion for a high net worth client., 2023
- Successfully closed $5 million sale of industrial building in Covina, California., 2022
- Successfully closed a complete asset acquisition of United States based assets of a British Virgin Islands Company on half of a celebrity client., 2021
- Successfully closed minority interest purchase and lease for a firm editing facility., 2021
- Successfully closed a $40 million credit line for the largest custom closet company in the country and national franchisor., 2021
- Closed several acquisitions of franchises on behalf of a national franchisor., 2021
- Closed multi-million dollar loan and credit facility for commercial, office, and industrial portfolio owned by a real estate investment firm., 2021
- Successfully closed several residential home purchases for commercial/residential developer enhancing its portfolio significantly., 2021
- Successfully represented film editing company in international and East Coast expansion including formulating a corporate holding company and subsidiary structure, creating employment policies and agreements, and negotiating a membership interest agreement with a new member for the client's new East Coast facility., 2021
- Closed a redemption transaction for a film editing company resulting in a successful recapitalization of the company., 2021
- Closed numerous franchise acquisition transactions for a nationwide franchisor resulting in a record annual revenue increase for the client., 2020
- Closed a long term lease and purchase option of a commercial/industrial building valued in excess of $45 million., 2020
- Represented a real estate development partner in a transaction for the relocation of a major sports organization to a mixed-use sports and entertainment complex in which the client is a partner.
- Negotiated and closed, as General Counsel, the acquistion of a minority interest in a to be built high end Italian restaurant including obtaining for the client an approved lease transfer, entitlement payments, and entity governance protections., 2017
- Negotiated and closed, as General Counsel, the acquisition of a night club including leasing, licensing, permitting, and construction., 2016
- Successfully negotiated and closed, as General Counsel to a nightclub and restaurant holding company and its principal, the reacquisition and financing of the majority interest in a world renowned night club., 2016
- Closed, as General Counsel, a building/real estate acquisition and associated financing to serve as the headquarters for a national franchisor., 2017
Industry Groups:
- Construction
- Entertainment
- Financial
- Hospitality
- Real Estate
- Sports
Office location for Christopher S. Reeder
11766 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1470
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Selections
9 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2015 - 2023