Overview

Christopher (Chris) J. Lawhorn concentrates his practice in complex litigation.

In addition to trial and litigation experience before federal and state courts, he has represented clients in bankruptcy courts and administrative tribunals across the United States.

Chris counsels a wide range of businesses from multinational corporations to family-owned businesses, as well as financial institutions, manufacturing, professional medical organizations, retail, hospitality, automotive, and other industries.

He represents clients on corporate and contractual matters, bank related litigation, business workouts, franchise law and franchise litigation. He also advises businesses on all facets of creditor’s rights proceedings and bankruptcy matters, including claim disputes, asset sales and contract assumption or rejection, plan objections, fraudulent transfers and preference actions.

Prior to joining Carmody MacDonald, he was a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, and earlier in his career he was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago.  A native of St. Louis, his commitment to the local community incudes serving since 2014 on the Board of Directors of Join Hands ESL.  He previously served on the Board of Directors for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and as President and member of the Board of Governors for the Missouri Athletic Club.

Chris earned his J.D., Summa Cum Laude, from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he was valedictorian for his class, and his B.A. Magna Cum Laude, from Saint Louis University.

Education

Saint Louis University, J.D., summa cum laude (Valedictorian), 1996

Saint Louis University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1993

Community Involvement
  • American Bar Association, Section of Litigation
  • Ursuline Academy, Board of Trustees, 2021-present
  • Join Hands ESL, Board Member, 2014-present
  • Missouri Athletic Club, President, 2010-2011; Board of Governors, 2008-2011
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Board of Directors, 2006-2011
Awards
  • Best Lawyers – “The Best Lawyers in America”
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy (2012-present)
    • Commercial Litigation (2013-present)
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2016-present)