Chris’ practice includes complex commercial litigation in federal and state courts on matters relating to litigation, arbitration, and mediation, with a particular emphasis on international and white-collar defense and investigations.
Chris is a creative and pragmatic litigator who effectively and efficiently resolves complex and sensitive business disputes on behalf of clients in financial, insurance, business contracts and tort, and intellectual property.
Chris handles all phases of litigation — from the commencement of an action through trial, crafting claims, responding to lawsuits, motion practice, and working on discovery-related matters such as taking depositions and streamlining eDiscovery practices. His knowledge of litigation processes and outcomes helps clients avoid litigation.
In addition to active litigation, Chris has counseled on issues involving the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and anti-money laundering. He has performed litigation risk assessments on behalf of clients, conducted investigations into business practices and corporate structures, and maintained a solid working knowledge of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
Chris’ areas of research include United States foreign affairs laws and their application, comparative law, international disputes, and international corruption, sanctions, and enforcement.
Chris chairs the New York City Bar Association Independence of Lawyers and Judges Task Force. In that capacity, he has discussed the importance of an independent legal system to audiences in the United States and other countries. He is also an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law, where he teaches oral advocacy, case strategy, evidence, and witness preparation.
Prior to founding Christopher Pioch & Associates, Chris clerked for the Hon. Eileen Bransten (ret.) of the New York State Supreme Court’s Commercial Division and was an associate at Am Law 100 and boutique firms.
Chris received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, where he was a Notes and Articles Editor for the Fordham International Law Journal.
Chris is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey as well as before the district courts for the Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, District of New Jersey, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
