Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Business & Commercial Disputes

Senior Trial Counsel - Litigation and Investigations

Chris Galanek is a trial lawyer. He handles complex commercial litigation matters and arbitrations involving business disputes, unfair competition, and breaches of fiduciary duty and employment disputes.

A significant portion of Chris’ practice is litigating claims arising out of employment relationships, including discrimination and retaliation claims, whistle blower claims and wage disputes. For more than 25 years he has also litigated the enforceability of noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants and litigating trade secret disputes in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Chris also frequently advises clients on the protection of their trade secrets, the scope of proper post-employment restrictions and the competitive recruitment of employees.

The various complex litigation matters handled by Chris in the last several years include consumer class actions and class arbitrations for electronic payment processers and financial institutions; disputes between payment processers, ISO’s, MSP’s and merchants; unfair competition and false advertising claims, and real estate and eminent domain disputes.

Chris is familiar with, and has participated in, various forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration both as an advocate and as a neutral.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Chambers USA, Georgia, Commercial Litigation (2015-2023) Georgia Super Lawyer (2007-2023) Leadership North Fulton – Class of 2007 The Marist School – Booster Club Board, 2009-2014; Vice President of Communications (2013-2014). Northside Youth Organization – Baseball Coach (2001-2014) Board Member Whitehead Boys and Girls Club (2010-2013) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Bar Association Federal Bar Association Bleckley Inn of Court, Master