Experience

Chris counsels clients on a wide array of commercial real estate transactions.  Chris helps them develop, acquire, sell, lease, and finance developments such as retail centers, industrial parks, multifamily communities, and office buildings.

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Prior to joining Downey Law, PLLC, Chris spent more than six and a half years working with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where he handled complex federal civil rights matters involving educational institutions across the Midwest. His work has focused on investigating discrimination and retaliation claims, advising institutions on compliance obligations, negotiating resolution agreements, and facilitating structured mediations between parties. Prior to his federal service, Chris practiced plaintiff-side insurance litigation at Childress Loucks & Plunkett, representing clients in complex contract disputes and litigating contested matters in court. Drawing on his background in enforcement and litigation, Chris brings a disciplined approach to real estate contract review, negotiation, and risk allocation in complex commercial transactions.

 

Chris earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Outside of his professional work, Chris has a longstanding connection to golf, having played competitively in college and later working as a PGA Golf Professional. Chris also enjoys spending time with his wife, Abigail, and their German Shepherd, Madison. 

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