K. Chris Collins

Tennessee

Husch Blackwell LLP
736 Georgia Avenue
Suite 300
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Tel: 423.755.2649

Email: chris.collins@huschblackwell.com
Web: www.huschblackwell.com

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.

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
  • 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.

We understand that construction projects require detailed plans upfront and careful oversight throughout the process to ensure positive outcomes. The construction law attorneys at Husch Blackwell provide comprehensive legal services that are essential to protect the interests of owners, developers, designers, contractors, lenders, insurers and other stakeholders.

Clients turn to us for strategic guidance in their transactional and litigation matters. We advise on contract drafting and negotiation, claims management, insurance issues and labor relations. When issues cannot be resolved, our attorneys are skilled in alternative dispute resolution and litigation.

When problems arise with a construction project, Husch Blackwell maps a construction litigation strategy that aligns with our client’s business objectives. Construction disputes are often complex, involving multiple parties, and our team works to ensure that matters are resolved as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We represent national real estate development companies, contractors and subcontractors, municipalities, architects and engineering firms in delay, negligence and breach of contract claims; bid protests; compliance investigations; and other disputes. Our construction litigation law attorneys have extensive experience and success with arbitrations and mediations and have handled lawsuits in state and federal trial and appellate courts nationwide.

Husch Blackwell was recently recognized with National Tier 1 rankings in the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in the following construction related practice areas: Construction Law; Construction Litigation; Land Use & Zoning Law; and Real Estate Law.

The Construction Practice Group has also established the Husch Blackwell Construction Academy which works to provide the industry with an understanding of the legal fundamentals in today’s complicated environment. The Construction Academy was developed with the belief that value is unique to the client, knowledge is created in application, and both need a forum of partners to share what has been learned in order to propel organizations forward.

The lawyers of Husch Blackwell understand that deep legal subject-matter expertise is merely the first step in building strong client relationships. Our firm is dedicated to an absolute focus on client service, building knowledge of each client’s business and delivering measurable value. From offices in 18 U.S. cities we provide legal insight and business leadership that helps our clients identify smart solutions, advance their goals and move forward.

With predecessor firms stretching back over a century, Husch Blackwell has a deep commitment to and a shared history with the communities we serve. The firm’s current configuration is the product of a 2008 merger between St. Louis-based Husch & Eppenberger and Kansas City-based Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin to form a powerhouse Midwestern law firm. The firm has continued to expand its footprint throughout the Midwest since the merger, most notably combining with Texas-based Brown McCarroll in 2013 and Milwaukee-based Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek in 2016.

Rather than traditional legal practice areas, Husch Blackwell is organized around six strategic industries—Energy & Natural Resources; Financial Services & Capital Markets; Food & Agribusiness; Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education; Real Estate, Development & Construction; and Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation. This structure, implemented in 2012, provides the firm with the ability to field deep, interdisciplinary teams capable of quickly identifying the right skill sets required by each client’s unique legal and business challenges.