Introduction:
Chris is an experienced problem solver and attorney focused on resolving problems related to doing business through litigation when necessary and through alternative means like mediation when sensible. Chris also counsels with clients to avoid legal issues and disputes before they happen through smart planning. Above all, Chris seeks to resolve disputes in a way that makes sense to his clients, advances their business interests, makes their lives easier, and aligns with their priorities and budgets.
Chris is experienced in litigation involves the following legal issues: contract disputes; unfair competition; partnership/shareholder disputes; government regulatory investigations; employment disputes; non-competes and restrictive covenants; trade secrets litigation; trademark disputes; copyright disputes; patent disputes; fraud and misrepresentation; breach of fiduciary duty; construction disputes, including construction defects and payment disputes; real property disputes, including commercial and residential evictions, eminent domain and condemnation, water rights, land use, purchase contract disputes, title disputes, and homeowners association disputes; insurance coverage disputes; wills, estates and trust disputes; government regulatory investigations; and judgment enforcement and collections. Chris is also experienced in successful appeals in state and federal courts, including the recent reversal of a decision of the U.S District Court for the District of Utah by the Tenth Circuit in favor of his client.
Chris puts his considerable insight into the workings of the courts, which he gained while clerking and interning with various judges in the state and federal courts, to use for his clients in forming litigation strategy an advancing issues and arguments that judges will find persuasive and in assessing potential outcomes.
Chris also counsels with clients to prevent problems before they occur by discussing business strategies, regulatory matters, and protection of trade secrets and intellectual property.
Chris has served clients in a range of industries including solar, security, sales, technology, software, commercial and residential real estate brokers, real estate developers, title companies, construction, insurance, and entrepreneurs.
Chris’s rare and difficult last name is pronounced like “Foytz.” For obvious reasons, he is a big fan of former auto racing champion A.J. Foyt and Swiss alpine ski racer and Olympic medalist Beat Feuz.
Professional Experience:
Mitchell Barlow & Mansfield, P.C. – Associate Attorney – Chris practiced in the firm’s litigation section representing corporate, small business, and individual clients in a wide variety of matters, including contract disputes, business and partnership disputes, unfair competition, real property disputes, construction defects litigation, government regulatory investigations, judgment enforcement, and related areas.
Utah State Courts - Law Clerk – Chris worked closely with nearly a dozen of Utah’s trial judges in Salt Lake and Utah counties drafting rulings, researching legal issues, and assisting with bench and jury trials in a wide variety of civil and criminal cases, ranging from contract disputes, complex
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit – Judicial Extern to Hon. Randall Rader – Chris spent a summer during law school working with Judge Rader and his full-time law clerks in preparing for oral arguments and drafting memoranda and preliminary decisions in a variety of appeals heard by the court, including patent appeals and federal employment appeals.
Practice Areas:
Commercial Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Education:
Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
J.D., 2005, Cum Laude
Member / Senior Editor of BYU Law Review
Teaching Assistant, Legal Writing Program
Brigham Young University
B.S. Biochemistry and B.A. Portuguese
Professional Associations:
Chris is admitted to practice law in all state courts in the State of Utah and in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Chris is also admitted to practice law in state courts in the State of Illinois (inactive status).
Community Service and Interests
Chris has coached recreation baseball teams and all-star teams. Chris enjoys running, mountain biking, and skiing. He is an avid sports fan. Chris also enjoys traveling with his wife and three sons.