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    Chris Ralston Photograph

    Christopher K. Ralston

    Partner

    New Orleans
    504-584-9358
    chris.ralston@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Antitrust and Trade RegulationIntellectual PropertyCybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection

    As a former business owner, Chris can relate to how litigation disrupts his client’s operations, and he takes that into account in the counsel he provides on commercial litigation matters. He develops a perspective that is broader than just the case. Instead of focusing on how an issue might affect only the case at hand, he asks how the case might affect the company’s future prospects and operations. That connection to clients makes delivering the news of a successful result meaningful to Chris.

    Chris regularly advises multinational corporations as well as emerging businesses, serving as the main litigation contact for several of the firm’s institutional clients. For over 20 years, Chris has focused his practice in the areas of:

      • Antitrust law
      • Business torts
      • Trade secret litigation and contract disputes
      • Tax litigation
      • Securities litigation and arbitration
      • Direct selling disputes
      • Intellectual property litigation

    In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Chris is a member of the firm’s appellate practice.

    Chris regularly litigates in both state and federal courts. Through his appellate practice, he has successfully handled appeals at each of the five Louisiana Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Louisiana, the Fifth Circuit and Tenth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

    In addition to his legal practice, Chris frequently serves as a guest lecturer for several bar associations and has presented on topics including E-Discovery, social media issues, cybersecurity, data breaches and trade secret litigation to judicial colleges, in-house counsel and private practitioners. Chris has also contributed to the development of Phelps’ eDiscovery Team, which serves to ensure that the firm's lawyers are on the cutting edge of evolving legislative and jurisprudential rules that govern electronic discovery, using the best tools available to efficiently collect, review and produce electronic data for the firm’s clients. He also chairs the firm's Pro Bono Committee, leading the firm's efforts to expand access to legal services.

    In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Chris is a member of the firm’s appellate practice.

    Chris regularly litigates in both state and federal courts. Through his appellate practice, he has successfully handled appeals at each of the five Louisiana Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Louisiana, the Fifth Circuit and Tenth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

    In addition to his legal practice, Chris frequently serves as a guest lecturer for several bar associations and has presented on topics including E-Discovery, social media issues, cybersecurity, data breaches and trade secret litigation to judicial colleges, in-house counsel and private practitioners. Chris has also contributed to the development of Phelps’ eDiscovery Team, which serves to ensure that the firm's lawyers are on the cutting edge of evolving legislative and jurisprudential rules that govern electronic discovery, using the best tools available to efficiently collect, review and produce electronic data for the firm’s clients. He also chairs the firm's Pro Bono Committee, leading the firm's efforts to expand access to legal services.

    Experience

    • Lead counsel in multi-day jury trial, defeating claims of $135 million against London Underwriters by company owning riverboat and riverboat touring operations. The verdict and lower court judgement in favor of Underwriters was affirmed on appeal. 
    • Obtained preliminary federal court injunctions within days in favor of global travel company and against multiple defendants violating noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements and obtained multimillion-dollar settlements in favor of company.
    • Defeated on first motion ad valorem tax assessments in excess of $5 million issued against a publicly traded parking services company.
    • Secured a dismissal of a $35 million claim by a former food supplier who was providing inconsistent products to four national restaurant chains. The federal court ruling was affirmed on appeal and court costs were awarded to his client.
    • Lead counsel in a highly publicized multi-day jury trial, authorizing settlement agreement for a nonprofit education association in a lawsuit involving trademark infringement claims.

     

    • Obtained federal court ruling in favor of publicly traded corporation, including injunction against corporation claiming patent infringement by client and final judgment invalidating opposing corporation's patents, which was upheld on appeal.
    • After full commercial arbitration, won dismissal of all claims asserted against global travel corporation by independent contractor seeking multimillion-dollar damage award and declaratory relief in federal court and AAA arbitration proceedings. This outcome set the standard in this case and deterred other similar lawsuits from being filed.
    • Defended multinational corporation through trial of False Claims Act/Qui Tam suit in federal court, obtaining a defense verdict that was affirmed on appeal, which achieved closure for and vindicated global shipping services vendor.
    • Successfully defended convention services and staffing provider in trade secrets case, including obtaining dismissal of claims against client before trial and payment of client's attorneys' fees by company that filed suit, ending litigation and allowing the company to resume operations.
    • For automobile services conglomerate, obtained court ruling to enforce all provisions of commercial license agreement used in Louisiana and in multiple other states, including early injunctive relief to stop future license violations and award of substantial monetary relief after trial.
    • Achieved involuntary dismissal of claims made by state taxing authority against international equipment rental company for allegedly underpaid sales and use taxes.
    • Won dismissal of federal court lawsuit claiming equity interest in one-half of proceeds from oilfield services company's $157 million sale of company and proved that there was no basis for the claims.

     

    • Obtained federal court ruling in favor of publicly traded corporation, including injunction against corporation claiming patent infringement by client and final judgment invalidating opposing corporation's patents, which was upheld on appeal.
    • After full commercial arbitration, won dismissal of all claims asserted against global travel corporation by independent contractor seeking multimillion-dollar damage award and declaratory relief in federal court and AAA arbitration proceedings. This outcome set the standard in this case and deterred other similar lawsuits from being filed.
    • Defended multinational corporation through trial of False Claims Act/Qui Tam suit in federal court, obtaining a defense verdict that was affirmed on appeal, which achieved closure for and vindicated global shipping services vendor.
    • Successfully defended convention services and staffing provider in trade secrets case, including obtaining dismissal of claims against client before trial and payment of client's attorneys' fees by company that filed suit, ending litigation and allowing the company to resume operations.
    • For automobile services conglomerate, obtained court ruling to enforce all provisions of commercial license agreement used in Louisiana and in multiple other states, including early injunctive relief to stop future license violations and award of substantial monetary relief after trial.
    • Achieved involuntary dismissal of claims made by state taxing authority against international equipment rental company for allegedly underpaid sales and use taxes.
    • Won dismissal of federal court lawsuit claiming equity interest in one-half of proceeds from oilfield services company's $157 million sale of company and proved that there was no basis for the claims.

    Insights

    • June 5, 2025

      Phelps’ Chambers USA Rankings Expand to 78 Lawyers, 28 Practices in 2025 Guide…

    • March 28, 2025

      Phelps Louisiana Team Honored in Super Lawyers’ 2025 Lists …

    More +
    • March 21, 2025

      Two Phelps Lawyers Tapped for Leadership Roles at the American Diabetes Association …

    • September 27, 2024

      Tulane Business Forum Presents The FTC and Other Threats to Noncompetes: The Current Landscape and How Companies and Industries are Responding…

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • June 6, 2024

      Chambers USA Guide 2024 Ranks 24 Phelps Practice Areas and 69 Lawyers…

    • June 2, 2024

      2024 LSBA Annual Meeting & Joint LSBA/LJC Summer School…

    • March 12, 2024

      Chris Ralston Joins Tulane Law Dean’s Advisory Board …

    • December 19, 2023

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 44 Louisiana Phelps Lawyers in 2024 Honors …

    • November 02, 2023

      Chaloupka Law Presents Intellectual Property 101: Protecting Your Clients' Business and Your Own…

    • August 17, 2023

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 208 Phelps Lawyers, Names 12 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 47 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • June 4, 2023

      2023 LSBA Annual Meeting & Joint LSBA/LJC Summer School…

    • June 1, 2023

      Chambers USA 2023 Ranks 20 Phelps Practice Areas and 60 Lawyers…

    • December 19, 2022

      42 Phelps Lawyers Honored by 2023 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars …

    • November 8, 2022

      Phelps Team Successfully Prosecutes Trademark Infringement Claims for Nonprofit Educational Institution…

    • August 28, 2022

      Chris Ralston Receives New Orleans Bar Association Presidents’ Award …

    • August 18, 2022

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 158 Phelps Lawyers, Names 10 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 40 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • July 12, 2022

      NOBA Presents Meet the Orleans Parish Tax Assessor CLE…

    • June 1, 2022

      Chambers USA 2022 Ranks 19 Phelps Practice Areas and 56 Lawyers…

    • April 19, 2022

      Phelps Successfully Defends Insurers From Multimillion-Dollar Bad Faith Claim Over Riverboat Repairs…

    • January 7, 2022

      Phelps Honored as New Orleans Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year…

    • December 29, 2021

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 46 Louisiana Phelps Lawyers in 2022 Honors…

    • December 23, 2021

      Attorneys Fees - Cash or Credit?…

    • June 8, 2021

      2021 LSBA Annual Meeting & Joint LSBA/LJC Summer School…

    • May 20, 2021

      Chambers USA 2021 Ranks 18 Phelps Practice Areas and 52 Lawyers…

    • May 12, 2021

      Chris Ralston Installed as President of Louisiana Bar Foundation…

    • March 8, 2021

      Chris Ralston Installed as President of Tulane Alumni Association…

    • December 28, 2020

      45 Phelps Lawyers Named to Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2021…

    • May 12, 2020

      Phelps Litigation Team Defeats Negligent Procurement Claims Against Insurance Broker…

    • February 19, 2020

      Phelps Defeats $3 Million Tax Assessment for Client SP Plus…

    • December 19, 2019

      44 Phelps Attorneys Named to Louisiana Super Lawyers 2020…

    • August 5, 2019

      In Our Communities: Chris Ralston Elected President-Elect of Tulane Alumni Association…

    • May 23, 2019

      Phelps Dunbar Defeats $35 Million Breach of Contract Suit for Bloomin' Brands…

    • February 21, 2019

      In Our Communities: Chris Ralston Selected as Chair of Pro Bono Project Board Of Directors…

    Recognition

    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Litigation: General Commericial (2017-2024), Intellectual Property (2024)
    • Appellate Practice (2019-2025), Bet-the-Company Litigation (2024-2025), Commercial Litigation (2013-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Louisiana Super Lawyers list (2014-2025), Top 50 – Louisiana and New Orleans (2016-2019), Super Lawyers
    • Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who for Excellence in Law (2020)
    • President's Award, New Orleans Bar Association (2022)
    • President's Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2016)
    • President's Award, Louisiana Bar Foundation (2013, 2016)
    • President's Award, Federal Bar Association's New Orleans Chapter (2016)
    • David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2021)
    • Leadership in Law Award, New Orleans CityBusiness (2009, 2010, 2012), Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)
    • The Pro Bono Project's Distinguished Service Award (2002, 2007, 2008, 2011)
    • National Chairman’s Citation Award, American Diabetes Association (2011)
    • Century Club Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2014)
    • Top Lawyers, New Orleans Magazine (2015-2021)
    • Friend of Pro Bono Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2009)
    • Pro Bono Publico Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2008)
    • Outstanding Young Lawyer of Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association (2006)
    • Outstanding Young Lawyer, New Orleans Bar Association (2004)
    • Client Choice Award, Lexology (2016)
    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Litigation: General Commericial (2017-2024), Intellectual Property (2024)
    • Appellate Practice (2019-2025), Bet-the-Company Litigation (2024-2025), Commercial Litigation (2013-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Louisiana Super Lawyers list (2014-2025), Top 50 – Louisiana and New Orleans (2016-2019), Super Lawyers
    • Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who for Excellence in Law (2020)
    • President's Award, New Orleans Bar Association (2022)
    • President's Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2016)
    • President's Award, Louisiana Bar Foundation (2013, 2016)
    • President's Award, Federal Bar Association's New Orleans Chapter (2016)
    • David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2021)
    • Leadership in Law Award, New Orleans CityBusiness (2009, 2010, 2012), Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)
    • The Pro Bono Project's Distinguished Service Award (2002, 2007, 2008, 2011)
    • National Chairman’s Citation Award, American Diabetes Association (2011)
    • Century Club Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2014)
    • Top Lawyers, New Orleans Magazine (2015-2021)
    • Friend of Pro Bono Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2009)
    • Pro Bono Publico Award, Louisiana State Bar Association (2008)
    • Outstanding Young Lawyer of Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association (2006)
    • Outstanding Young Lawyer, New Orleans Bar Association (2004)
    • Client Choice Award, Lexology (2016)

    Education

    • Tulane University Law School, J.D., 1999
    • College of William and Mary, B.A., International Relations, 1992
    • Tulane University Law School, J.D., 1999
    • College of William and Mary, B.A., International Relations, 1992

    Credentials

    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. Eldon E. Fallon, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. Eldon E. Fallon, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional

      • Louisiana State Bar Association, Bench and Bar Section - Vice Chair (2015-Present) and Secretary-Treasurer (2014-2015), House of Delegates - Elected Member (2013-Present), Client Assistance Fund Committee (2014-Present), Crystal Gavel Award Committee - Chair, Access to Justice Policy Committee (2012-Present)
      • Louisiana Bar Foundation - Past President (2022-2025), President (2021-2022), Vice President (2019-2021), Treasurer (2018-2019), Board of Directors (2014-2023), Fellow (2010-Present), Governance Committee (2022-Present)
      • New Orleans Bar Association - President (2016-2017), President-Elect (2015-2016), Vice President (2013-2015), Board of Directors (2008-2018, 2022-Present), Tax Law Committee - Chair (2018-Present), Inn of Court - President (2019-Present) & Officer/Member (2006-Present), Public Service Committee - Past Chair, Young Lawyers Section - Past Chair (2007-2008)
      • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services - Vice President (2015-Present), First Vice President (2011-2012), Board of Directors & Member (2009-Present)
      • Louisiana Access to Justice Commission - Appointed Member (2015-Present)
      • Fifth Federal Circuit Bar Association
      • Federal Bar Association
      • American Bar Association
      • Former Federal Law Clerks Association

    Civic

      • The Pro Bono Project - Board Chair (2019-2020), Board of Directors (2009-2021)
      • American Diabetes Association - National Board Chairman (2021-2023, 2025-2026), Secretary/Treasurer (2020-2021), National Board of Directors (2018 - Present), Louisiana/Mississippi Community Leadership Board - Board Chair (2014-Present), Board Member (2009-Present)
      • Tulane University Alumni Association - Immediate Past President (2022-Present), President (2020-2022), President-Elect (2019-2020), Board of Directors (2016-Present)
      • Tulane University Law School - Hall of Fame Committee - Chair (2017-Present), Dean's Advisory Board - Member (2024-Present), Class Reunion Co-Chair (2014, 2019, 2024)
      • Louisiana Access to Justice Commission - Appointed Member (2015-Present), Funding Committee - Chair (2015-Present)
      • Tulane University - Advisory Board, Tulane History Project, appointed by Tulane University President and Provost (2023-2025), Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee, appointed by University General Counsel (2023-present), Building Name Review Committee - Member, appointed by University President (2021-2022)
      • Civil Litigation Bootcamp Course, Tulane University Law School - Faculty Member (2012-Present)
      • Executive Leadership Program Graduate, Harvard Law School (2015)

    Professional

      • Louisiana State Bar Association, Bench and Bar Section - Vice Chair (2015-Present) and Secretary-Treasurer (2014-2015), House of Delegates - Elected Member (2013-Present), Client Assistance Fund Committee (2014-Present), Crystal Gavel Award Committee - Chair, Access to Justice Policy Committee (2012-Present)
      • Louisiana Bar Foundation - Past President (2022-2025), President (2021-2022), Vice President (2019-2021), Treasurer (2018-2019), Board of Directors (2014-2023), Fellow (2010-Present), Governance Committee (2022-Present)
      • New Orleans Bar Association - President (2016-2017), President-Elect (2015-2016), Vice President (2013-2015), Board of Directors (2008-2018, 2022-Present), Tax Law Committee - Chair (2018-Present), Inn of Court - President (2019-Present) & Officer/Member (2006-Present), Public Service Committee - Past Chair, Young Lawyers Section - Past Chair (2007-2008)
      • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services - Vice President (2015-Present), First Vice President (2011-2012), Board of Directors & Member (2009-Present)
      • Louisiana Access to Justice Commission - Appointed Member (2015-Present)
      • Fifth Federal Circuit Bar Association
      • Federal Bar Association
      • American Bar Association
      • Former Federal Law Clerks Association

    Civic

      • The Pro Bono Project - Board Chair (2019-2020), Board of Directors (2009-2021)
      • American Diabetes Association - National Board Chairman (2021-2023, 2025-2026), Secretary/Treasurer (2020-2021), National Board of Directors (2018 - Present), Louisiana/Mississippi Community Leadership Board - Board Chair (2014-Present), Board Member (2009-Present)
      • Tulane University Alumni Association - Immediate Past President (2022-Present), President (2020-2022), President-Elect (2019-2020), Board of Directors (2016-Present)
      • Tulane University Law School - Hall of Fame Committee - Chair (2017-Present), Dean's Advisory Board - Member (2024-Present), Class Reunion Co-Chair (2014, 2019, 2024)
      • Louisiana Access to Justice Commission - Appointed Member (2015-Present), Funding Committee - Chair (2015-Present)
      • Tulane University - Advisory Board, Tulane History Project, appointed by Tulane University President and Provost (2023-2025), Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee, appointed by University General Counsel (2023-present), Building Name Review Committee - Member, appointed by University President (2021-2022)
      • Civil Litigation Bootcamp Course, Tulane University Law School - Faculty Member (2012-Present)
      • Executive Leadership Program Graduate, Harvard Law School (2015)
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Antitrust and Trade Regulation
    • Intellectual Property
    • Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection
    • Appellate
    • Professional Liability
    • Tax
    • Tax Controversies
    • Litigation
    • Franchise and Distribution
    • Emerging Businesses
    • False Claims Act
    • Real Estate and Construction
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