Christopher E Varner

Christopher 'Chris' E. Varner is a Partner in the firm's Pensacola office and a member of the general liability and worker's compensation divisions. As an accomplished trial attorney for over 25 years, he has represented clients in more than 2,000 cases in a wide range of litigation matters including general civil liability, tort liability, construction law, first party property, presuit fraud investigation coverage, workers' compensation, longshore and harbor workers' compensation, criminal defense, labor/employment law, landlord/tenant, civil rights, and contracts

Mr. Varner has appeared before courts in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Bay, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. In addition to trying federal cases in the Northern District as well as state court cases in Florida, he has represented clients before administrative agencies throughout the state including Judge of Compensation Claims, Federal Administrative Law Judges, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Public Employee Relations Commission, and Florida Commission on Human Relations. Mr. Varner has also represented clients in arbitration, including hearings before the American Arbitration Association

Awards & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America , Insurance Law and Personal Injury, recognized since 2025

The Best Lawyers in America , Insurance Law, 2024

Newsroom

Publications

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

'Medically Speaking... Medical Benefits and Causation,' Co- Presenter, 2023

'First Party Property Claims, Start to Finish,' Co-Presenters, June 2022

“The Fall Guy: Fumbles, Falls and Football,' Co-Presenter Webinar, April 2022

'Understanding Social Media and Making It Work For You In Your Case,' 2021

'Late to the Party” Challenges in Defending Late Reported Claims, July 2021

'Claims Professional Ethics,' Co-Presenter, Webinar, April 2021

“The I’s Have it”, Idiopathic Falls/Increased Hazard/Independent Contractor”

“Attorney's Fees & Proposals for Settlement,' Co-Presenter, Webinar May 2020

“Special Requirements for Compensability,' Co-Presenter, Webinar, May 2020

'5 Hour Law and Ethics Update Course for Adjusters,' Co-Presenter, July 2019

'Rules of the Road,' Co-Presenter, Webinar, April 2019

'Overview of Subrogation and Liens,' Co-Presenter, Webinar, April 2019

“Human Resource Law from Start to Finish”

“Successful Hiring & Recruitment Steps”

“Controlling Unemployment Compensation Costs”