Christopher Allen represents clients in connection with complex investigations, litigation and public policy advocacy on the state and federal level. As a member of the firm’s State Attorneys General Practice, Chris primarily handles state government negotiations, investigations and litigation in the areas of consumer protection, antitrust, data breach and information security, and environmental protection.
In the consumer protection realm, Chris represents clients before state government officials from a diverse array of industries, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, financial services, nutrition supplements, retail, and student and consumer lending. For instance, he has assisted major drug companies in connection with multistate drug pricing investigations and litigation and represented lenders in False Claims Act and consumer debt collection matters. He frequently advises clients on information security legal notice and compliance responsibilities and represents clients before state attorneys general in connection with major data breaches.
With respect to antitrust, Chris has guided telecommunications and pharmaceutical clients through antitrust reviews of major mergers by state attorneys general. He has worked to obtain the amici curiae support of state attorneys general in litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court on issues related to antitrust liability, arbitration and the availability of punitive damages.
Chris has extensive products liability experience, having served as outside counsel to several manufacturers in the context of Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) investigations and litigation. He represents consumer products manufacturers and distributors in product recalls, compliance matters and industry-wide investigations led by the CPSC.
Chris was a recipient of the Phi Delta Phi Award for Excellence in Jurisprudence and Professional Responsibility and a vice president of the Mock Trial Board at The George Washington University Law School. He also maintains an active pro bono practice, including representing the Society of Former Agents of the FBI as amicus curiae before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit on the issue of federal tort liability, and regularly serves as a guest judge for collegiate and law school mock trial competitions.