Profile
Christopher S. Dodrill focuses his practice on class action defense in courts around the country. Chris also represents clients in complex commercial litigation and breach of contract disputes in various industries. Chris serves as the pro bono liaison for the firm’s Dallas office.
In addition to his time in private practice, Chris has advised clients in federal, state, and local government. For four years, Chris served as a Deputy Attorney General in West Virginia, overseeing trial court and appellate litigation involving significant state programs. He was also an elected at-large city councilman in Charleston, West Virginia. Before law school, Chris was a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.
Capabilities
Experience
Class Action Litigation
- Secured dismissal of fraud claims asserted against trust company in putative nationwide class action related to investments in life-settlement contracts.
- Appeared in counsel of record in dozens of putative “data breach” class actions on behalf of entities including medical practices, a restaurant chain, a regional bank, a data co-location provider, a compounding pharmacy, a state land-grant university, a national dental services provider, a health care technology company, and a national legal association.
- Secured dismissal of claims against national legal association in putative statewide class action alleging violation of state privacy statute.
- Representation of electronics manufacturer in putative class actions alleging product defects.
- Representation of car manufacturer in putative statewide class action alleging defective design and manufacture of automotive parts.
Breach of Contract/Commercial Litigation
- Represented health care consulting company in breach of contract action against regional hospital.
- Represented national healthcare staffing company in breach of contract dispute with regional hospital system.
- Representation of various entities in pursuing recovery for post-transaction breaches of purchase agreement representations and warranties.
- Represented majority shareholder in litigation brought by former shareholders alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
Financial Services Litigation
- Represent national bank against accusations of fraud and participation in a Ponzi scheme.
- Represent national bank in litigation arising out of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).
- Defended trustee bank in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) litigation brought by institutional investors.°
Professional Liability Defense
- Defended international law firm against legal malpractice claims brought by former clients in the rendering of tax advice.°
- Defended international law firm against legal malpractice claims brought by former clients as a result of IP litigation.°
Products Liability Defense
- Represented automotive parts manufacturer in product liability actions.°
- Represented dry ice manufacturer in lawsuit involving claims of product defect.
Internal Investigations
- Conducted internal investigation for corporate client amid federal False Claims Act (FCA) allegations.°
- Participated in internal investigation for national pharmacy chain.°
Franchisor-Franchisee Litigation
- Obtained summary judgment for automotive manufacture in action brought by former franchisee alleging improper franchise termination.°
- Represent franchisors in contract disputes against current and former franchisees.
Governmental Programs Litigation
- Defended the State of West Virginia against challenges to the validity of its Medicaid managed care contracts and preferred drug list.°
- Represented the State of West Virginia against allegations of civil rights violations asserted by the U.S. Department of Justice.°
- Defended the State of West Virginia in decades-long institutional reform litigation brought against state psychiatric facilities.°
- Counseled West Virginia professional licensing boards in disciplinary matters against licensed professionals.°
Pro Bono/Appointed Cases
- Appointed to defend indigent individuals alleged to have committed federal crimes, both in federal district court and the court of appeals.°
- Represent disabled veterans before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- Represented indigent litigant in appeal to the Supreme Court of Texas.
- Represented veterans seeking expunction of certain criminal records.
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Dodrill prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Deputy Attorney General, West Virginia, 2013-2016
- City Councilman, Charleston, West Virginia, 2011-2015
- Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy, 2001-2005
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2022
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Ohio Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2019
- Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
Credentials
Education
-
J.D., magna cum laude, Duke University School of Law, 2008
- Articles Editor, Law & Contemporary Problems
- Smith-Mordecai Scholar
- Order of the Coif
- B.S., with merit, U.S. Naval Academy, 2001
Clerkships
- Hon. Joseph R. Goodwin, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
- Hon. Robert B. King, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Admissions
- Texas
- Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Supreme Court of the United States