Overview
Chris Mandernach focuses his practice on complex civil litigation in federal and state courts and arbitration tribunals nationwide. He has successfully handled a broad range of high-stakes litigations, arbitrations and investigations in complex commercial matters.
Drawing on his experience as an officer in the United States Navy, Chris leads teams representing defense industry clients in complex matters that include a national security, defense, or government contracting component, including False Claims Act investigations and litigation, and government contract-related disputes. Chris has successfully litigated or arbitrated numerous disputes and led government investigations on behalf of multiple global defense contractors where the damages alleged exceeded $1 billion.
Chris also represents clients in patent litigations. He has litigated on behalf of brand-name pharmaceutical manufacturers in numerous Hatch-Waxman litigations and inter partes review proceedings, and on behalf of software companies, banks, and medical device manufacturers in non-pharmaceutical patent litigations. He has also defended against legal malpractice allegations relating to patent prosecution.
A Minnesota native, Chris served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy for eight years before beginning his legal career. He earned a combat action ribbon, among other decorations, for his service. He received his Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, and received his Master of Arts degree in Security Policy Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University, where he served as a University Graduate Policy Fellow. Chris received his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School. He currently serves as the chair of the firm’s Associates Committee, and has previously served on the firm’s Hiring Committee.