Christopher Queenin

/My focus

I help clients in highly regulated industries solve their business problems. Achieving successful outcomes for these clients requires an intimate understanding of their business, including the regulatory and legal framework governing their industry.

My experience runs the gamut, from litigating commercial disputes for emerging and innovative tech companies and start-ups, to defending industry leaders in false claims act investigations and litigation. Much of my work involves both civil and criminal components, and I often work closely with our Government Investigations & White Collar Defense team to cover all angles.

I believe effective representation requires a one-on-one approach with a client in order to build trust and show commitment to the client and business. My goal is to be a trusted advisor and partner—not simply an advocate.

/Representative experience

• Defended telecommunications and cloud-based communications company in nationwide litigation, including qui tam actions, asserting violations of tax laws and state false claims acts. Several cases were disposed of following successful motions to dismiss
• Led representation of Massachusetts government contractor in dispute with state and municipal entities over statewide electrical energy efficiency program and related regulations. The matter was dismissed and favorable regulatory changes followed
• Successfully defended growing data security company in software implementation dispute. The case resulted in a favorable settlement
• Investigated and defended alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act by a publicly traded company that provides products and services for the energy, transportation, and construction sectors. The matter was favorably resolved without any claims or charges
• Represented senior executives and managers of medical device company in defense of a United States Attorney’s Office investigation of possible violations of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act
• Defended global manufacturer of highway guardrail products in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injuries from guardrail end terminal system. The cases settled
• Represented numerous investors concerning fraud allegations against asset manager
• Advised fantasy sports and sports betting company on response to various regulatory inquiries and assisting in various litigation matters across the country
• Represented specialized insurance company offering alternative energy warranties in response to state and federal government inquiries concerning business practices. The matter was favorably resolved
• Represented international financial services company and its executives in a number of multibillion-dollar complex commercial litigation matters involving residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS). The cases were settled before and during trial

/Looking ahead

I see more companies in highly regulated, competitive industries working to proactively manage any potential legal risks with their innovative business strategies in order to avoid (or efficiently resolve) claims by customers, investors, consumers, vendors, or contractors, as well as government enforcement matters.

/Insights

Publications

• “36 Hours: What banks should know about the new reporting requirements for computer security incidents,” Banking Law Journal, May 2022 (Co-author)
• “Caveat Emptor: Lessons Learned from the Great Credit Crisis,” Corporate Disputes Magazine - Financier Worldwide, April–June 2019 issue (Co-author)

Presentations

• “Legal Empowerment Strategies to Expand Military Opportunities for People Living with HIV,” Lawyers for Civil Rights at the 2022 Lavender Law Conference, July 27, 2022
• “101 Program: Emerging Key Issues in Global Finance,” OffshoreAlert Conference (Miami, FL), April 17, 2018.
• “Avoiding Legal Pitfalls When Marketing Your Business,” Cambridge Innovation Center (Cambridge, MA), May 30, 2017.
• “The Yin and Yang of the U.S. Legal System: Civil Benefits and Criminal Challenges for Offshore Funds,” OffshoreAlert Conference (Miami, FL), May 1–2, 2017.