Christopher J. Hayes

Christopher Hayes represents clients in civil litigation and appeals. He focuses on business disputes, complex commercial litigation, and securities litigation. Christopher also represents clients in litigation over governance and control of business entities such as corporations and limited liability companies. He helps clients obtain insurance coverage to defend against pending litigation and indemnify for settlements and judgments. Christopher’s insurance coverage practice includes litigating against insurance carriers for bad-faith denial of coverage.

Christopher has extensive experience in securities litigation. He won a published decision of first impression in Madden v. Cowen & Company (9th Cir. 2009) 576 F.3d 957, interpreting the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998. He has also litigated disputes over investment advisory services both in court and in FINRA arbitration.

Christopher also counsels churches and other religious organizations in litigation, corporate governance, charitable trust law, tax exemption compliance, employment law, ecclesiastical law, and clergy discipline. Christopher serves as Chancellor to The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of California, which exercises ecclesiastical jurisdiction over more than 75 Bay Area congregations. As Chancellor, Christopher serves as general counsel, advising on external civil legal matters as well as internal issues of canon law and corporate governance. Christopher regularly teaches continuing legal education to other church lawyers, focusing on First Amendment issues, attorney ethics, clergy discipline, and employment laws affecting churches.

Christopher has been a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2017. He is an avid runner.