Christopher is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents many clients in the financial services and health care fields. Using his litigation skills and his prior experience as a general counsel, he is well-positioned to help clients evaluate and manage litigation risk, mitigate exposure and creatively and cost-effectively bring difficult disputes to successful outcomes.
I practice in three main areas.
I represent financial services firms in matters such as FINRA arbitrations and litigations involving employee (broker) compensation and actions alleging business related-torts and the violation of restrictive covenants. I also draft and negotiate employment contracts and evaluate litigation risk in connection with proposed terminations in the U.S. and internationally. I recently spent several years as general counsel at a broker-dealer focused primarily on the interdealer credit and equity derivatives markets, where I managed the firm’s global legal affairs.
I represent health care entities, including hospitals, health systems, academic medical institutions and clinics in a broad array of matters with emphasis on internal medical staff fair hearings and related administrative and litigation matters, False Claims Act cases involving Medicare and Medicaid billing and federally funded research grants, discrimination actions and physician restrictive covenant cases.
I play an integral role in developing and expanding the firm’s Indian Law and Gaming practice, primarily through the representation of the interests of non-tribal entities in negotiations and litigations involving Indian gaming initiatives and land claims. I have litigated matters involving land claims under the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act, issues of tribal sovereignty and immunity from suit, extinguishment of aboriginal title, the enforceability of local zoning codes on lands held in fee by tribes and the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Increased automation and use of technology in the financial services industry, combined with regulatory restrictions arising out of the Dodd-Frank Act, will continue to displace brokers, traders and other revenue producers, particularly those in higher risk markets and products. I expect to see an increase in the number of compensation-related claims these employees will bring against broker-dealers and am looking at new strategies to help my clients anticipate and respond to these claims.
Long Island Business News | March 05, 2020
This roundup of attorneys elevated to partner in the Long Island area highlights the promotion of Complex Commercial Disputes partner Chris Porzio, who is part of NP’s new partner class for 2020.
Innovate Long Island | February 07, 2020
This round-up of personnel moves in the legal industry mentions Long Island Complex Commercial Disputes partner Chris Porzio, who officially joined the NP partnership at the start of February.
The Deal | February 04, 2020
This column of notable executive moves in the legal industry included a write-up on the promotion of Nixon Peabody’s 2020 new partner class: Laura Bacon, Shariff Barakat, Katie Baynes, Robert Fisher, Kimberly Harding, Brian Mahoney, Sonia Nayak, Dara Newman Histed, Morgan Nighan, Chris Porzio, Rachel Pugliese, Dana Roper, and Peter Trimarchi.
Reuters Legal | February 03, 2020
This roundup of personnel moves in the legal industry highlights the 13 members of Nixon Peabody’s 2020 new partner class: Laura Bacon, Shariff Barakat, Katie Baynes, Robert Fisher, Kimberly Harding, Brian Mahoney, Sonia Nayak, Dara Newman Histed, Morgan Nighan, Chris Porzio, Rachel Pugliese, Dana Roper and Peter Trimarchi.
Hofstra University School of Law, J.D., with distinction
Amherst College, B.A., cum laude
New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York