A. Christopher Derden

Chris Derden’s national litigation practice focuses on the defense of toxic tort, mass tort, environmental and product liability matters. As national coordinating counsel to various oil, gas and petrochemical companies, he directs nationwide dockets of mass-tort litigation across multiple jurisdictions. That work has included coordinating administrative resolutions and settlements involving large inventories of claimants. Chris leads the firm’s Toxic Tort Team.

Chris also defends environmental tort actions involving occupational exposures. His work on those matters has extended from initial investigation through administrative hearings and representation before OSHA, as well as civil trial and appeal. His national counsel role has given him experience with jurisdictional and venue considerations and with courtroom and trial dynamics.

Beyond his toxic tort practice, Chris defends clients in commercial and class actions involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, including related insurance issues. He is also the firm’s Construction Practice Group Leader.

• South Texas College of Law, J.D. | 1994
• Baylor University, B.A. | 1990

Bar Admissions

• Texas

Court Admissions

• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas

• Best Lawyers® - Construction Law; Litigation - Construction; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2018-2027

Chris has devoted significant time and effort to charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity and the firm’s HUGS program.