Chris Gibson
Attorney
Born in California, but raised and educated in Louisiana and Mississippi, Chris began his legal career in Los Angeles after attending a law school there his final semester as a visiting student. Chris has been a litigator in the Seattle area, since moving here in 1997, practicing at small and larger law firms in the areas of personal injury, product liability, construction defect, asbestos defense, and general liability defense. He has successfully tried product liability, personal injury, breach of contract and insurer “bad faith” cases to verdict in state courts and federal court.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys attending “indie rock” concerts in and around Seattle, international travel with his wife, and following college sports.
Practice Areas
Chris has represented drivers and their employers in motor vehicle accident cases, subcontractors in construction defect cases, owners in construction site accident cases, businesses and individuals in defamation and personal injury/tort matters, and various entities in asbestos/mesothelioma litigation cases. He has handled and successfully resolved several Oregon construction defect and leased premises/property damage cases. Chris practiced for six and a half years in California handling everything from defending slip and fall cases to very complex litigation matters, including large construction defect cases and class action defense.
Admitted to Practice
- State of Washington
- State of California (inactive)
- United States District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
- United States District Court, Northern District of California
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Articles/Presentations
- Co-Presenter: Moderator – “Neuropsychological Evaluations and Brain Injury Components,” with Elizabeth Ziegler, Ph.D., Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Annual Tort Law Update
- Co-Presenter: “Ethics – The Tripartite Relationship and Duties of Defense Counsel/Conflict Issues for Attorneys,” with Jacquelyn Beatty, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Annual Insurance Law Update
- Co-Presenter: “Duty to Settle,” WDTL Annual Insurance Law Seminar
- Presenter: “Responsibility to a ‘Phantom AI’,” 2010 Insurance Law Coverage Update, Forsberg & Umlauf seminar
- Presenter/Moderator: “Defending the Annoying Tactics from the Other Side,” WDTL Annual Insurance Law Update
Academics
- J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, 1990
- Moot Court Board
- Dean’s List
- American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence (Constitutional Law II)
- Quarterfinalist in Appellate Advocacy II Competition
- Outstanding Appellate Advocacy I Advisor
- Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California, Visiting Student, 1990
- Top Grade in Trademark Law
- B.A., Southeastern Louisiana University, cum laude, B.A., 1987
Professional and Community Activities
- Northwest Insurance Coverage Association
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society
- Washington State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
Awards and Honors
- Named as a “Washington Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers® magazine, Insurance Coverage (2013-2022) (“Top 100 Washington Super Lawyers,” 2015)
- Named as a “Washington Rising Star,” Super Lawyers® magazine, Insurance Coverage (2011-2012)
Speaking Engagements
- “When, if Ever, Are Communications Between Insurers and Their Coverage Counsel Privileged in the Aftermath of Cedell?” Washington State Insurance Coverage Webinar
- “The U.S. Claim File: Tips and Tricks for Avoiding Common Pitfalls,” London Insurance Market
- “A Series of Unfortunate Events: Recent Developments in Washington Bad Faith Update,” London Insurance Market
- “Overview of U.S. Legal System: A Descent into Madness?,” London Insurance Market
- “Practical Considerations in eDiscovery Under the New Federal Rules,” London Insurance Market
- “U.S. Regulation of Very Bad Things: Security Fraud, RICO, ERISA, Etc.,” London Insurance Market
Publications
“Ten Months Later: Contractual Limitations Periods in the Post-Heimeshoff Era,” The Voice (DRI), Co-author
“Wash. Ruling Pushes Insurance Plaintiffs to Play Up Distress,” Law360, Quoted
“Decisions Expanding the Rights of Policyholders and Limiting the Rights of Insurers: New Challenges for Insurance Law Counsel,” Insurance Law 2014: Top Lawyers on Trends and Key Strategies for the Upcoming Year, Aspatore Books, Co-author
“Ore. Ups the Ante for Insurers Facing Enviro Claims,” Law360, Quoted
“How Long Should it Take for My Insurer to Respond to my Claim?” Puget Sound Business Journal ADR and Litigation Q&A Column Titled “Ask the Legal Professionals”
“Applying the Insurance Fair Conduct Act,” Insurance Law 2008: Top Lawyers on Trends and Key Strategies for the Upcoming Year
“The Role of an Insurance Lawyer,” Insurance Settlements and Negotiations, Aspatore Books