Chris is a partner in SmithAmundsen's Chicago office and Vice-chair of the firm's Product Liability Group. His current practice focuses primarily on construction, product liability, and retail claims. Chris is also a member of the firm's Entertainment and Media & Privacy Groups. He is an accomplished trial attorney licensed to practice in Illinois' state and federal courts, as well as Indiana on a pro hac vice basis.
A graduate of Loyola University and DePaul College of Law, Chris came to SmithAmundsen in 2007 after serving on the plaintiff's bar where he obtained verdicts and settlements for his clients in excess of millions of dollars. In his role at SmithAmundsen he is responsible for handling a variety of complex and catastrophic personal injury matters, including lawsuits arising from construction accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall accidents, and motor vehicle related negligence.
In his time at SmithAmundsen, Chris has achieved success in the court room as well as successful resolution via mediation and arbitration. His successes do not end in serving the needs of his clients. He has been published as an author and contributor in numerous periodicals and bar association publications including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, UR Chicago, Chicago Tribune Red Eye, and the Associated Press. Additionally, Chris has presented at the Chicago Bar Association's Lunch and Learn program, Music Over Business, and Columbia College Chicago.
Outside of the office, Chris hosts "Local 101," a radio show that airs on Sunday nights at 9 pm on Q101, and features music and interviews with Chicago area musicians and bands. His on-air moniker is "Chris Payne." Chris is also a Grammy Committee Member for the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy.
In 2010, 2011, and 2012, Chris was named one of Illinois' Rising Stars*, a peer review designation published by Law & Politics magazine.
*The selection of attorneys to the Rising Stars list does not guarantee a positive client outcome in any specific legal matter or engagement nor constitute a representation by the firm of SmithAmundsen about the caliber of legal work performed by any other attorney not selected as part of this list.