Stearns, Christopher J, Partner
Education and Background:
University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2001,
Michigan State University, B.A., 1998
Memberships:
The Florida Bar
Broward County Bar Association
The Florida Municipal Attorneys Association
United States District Courts for the Southern District of Florida,
the Middle District of Florida, and the Northern District of Florida
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United
States Supreme Court
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
Experience
Mr. Stearns is a 25-year resident of South Florida who graduated with distinction from the University of Miami School of Law. He received his undergraduate degree with Dean’s honors from Michigan State University. Mr. Stearns is an AV rated trial lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell who has tried more than 40 jury cases over the last 10 years – in both federal and state courts. Mr. Stearns is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) which is an invitation-only association of elite trial lawyers and judges.
Mr. Stearns’ practice has emphasized the defense of local governments, law enforcement agencies, and their officers and employees in tort, employment discrimination, and civil rights claims – in both federal and state courts – since 2002. Mr. Stearns also has extensive appellate court experience at all levels and has had numerous reported decisions. He also has broad experience in advising insurance companies, private corporate entities, governmental entities and boards, about numerous and varied matters, including police liability, employment discrimination, civil rights actions, EEOC claims, professional liability, employer liability, personal injury and premises liability. Mr. Stearns has also been a frequent speaker for the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association on issues facing municipal attorneys.
Practice Areas
Civil Trial Law
Local Government
Civil Rights Litigation
Personal Injury Law