ChristopherJ.
Collins

Partner
LINKEDIN
Christopher Collins

Overview

Chris Collins has more than 30 years of employment law experience representing clients in the financial services, technology, pharma, entertainment, retail and other sectors. He defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and breach of contract as well as in matters involving non-compete agreements and compensation disputes.

Chris advocates for clients in court proceedings, including jury trials, as well as FINRA arbitrations, administrative agency hearings and mediations. He also negotiates employment contracts for companies and executives, with a focus on clear, secure agreements.

Employers rely on Chris for guidance on compliance and risk management. He designs policies, develops litigation avoidance strategies and advises on progressive discipline, disability accommodations and minimizing exposure to retaliation allegations.

Chris often educates client teams on employment law topics and best practices. He also conducts and advises on internal investigations, helping clients resolve workplace concerns efficiently.

Experience
  • Obtained order lifting TRO and denying preliminary injunction in non-compete action involving medical device manufacturers in New Jersey federal court (October 2019).
  • Represented financial services firm in 2 ½ week jury trial in case alleging breach of contract and related claims by former employee. Complete jury verdict for defendant (2014).
  • Giller v. Oracle USA, Inc., 2012 WL 467323 (S.D.N.Y. 2012), aff’d, 512 Fed. Appx. 71 (2d Cir. 2013), cert. denied, 134 S.Ct. 531, 187 L.Ed.2d 394 (2013). Obtained dismissal of plaintiff’s petition to vacate arbitration award in commission compensation dispute, affirmed by Second Circuit on appeal. 
  • DiGirolamo v. MetLife Group, Inc., 2011 WL 2421292 (S.D.N.Y. 2011), aff’d, 494 Fed. Appx. 120 (2d Cir. 2012). Obtained summary judgment for client dismissing race, gender, and national origin discrimination claims.
  • Lee and Sliger v. MetLife, Inc., N.Y. Supreme Court, Kings Co. (2009). Obtained summary judgment for defendant dismissing contract and fraudulent inducement claims.
  • Prudent v. Caspi & Travel Bound, 2004 WL 1907749 (S.D.N.Y. 2004). Obtained dismissal of individual defendant in Title VII case.
  • Blum v. New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 298 A.D.2d 343, 751 N.Y.S.2d 202 (2d Dept. 2002). Obtained summary judgment for NYSE dismissing ADA Title III claim for accommodation on stock exchange floor, affirmed by N.Y. Appellate Division on appeal.
  • Preston v. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Health Fund, 2002 WL 1009458 (S.D.N.Y. 2002), aff’d, 63 Fed.Appx. 536 (2d Cir. 2003). Obtained dismissal of ERISA claims for wrongful denial of benefits and breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of benefits fund and its trustees.
  • Donofrio v. New York Times, 2001 WL 1663314 (S.D.N.Y. 2001). Obtained summary judgment for defendant dismissing ADA reasonable accommodation claims based on plaintiff’s failure to engage in interactive process. 
  • Williams v. Alliance Nat. Inc., aff’d, 24 Fed. Appx. 50 (2d Cir. 2001). Obtained summary judgment for defendant client in Title VII race discrimination case; affirmed by Second Circuit on appeal.
  • Campbell v. Alliance National Inc., 107 F.Supp. 2d 234 (2000). Obtained summary judgment for defendant client in Title VII race discrimination case.
  • EEOC v. Museum of Modern Art, 97 Civ. 9571 (S.D.N.Y. 1999). Represented MoMA in jury trial brought by EEOC alleging disability discrimination. Complete jury verdict for defendant.
  • Pascuiti v. New York Yankees, 87 F.Supp.2d 221 (S.D.N.Y. 1999). Obtained order establishing burdens of proof in ADA Title III stadium accessibility case.
  • Unotti v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., 180 Misc.2d 543, 689 N.Y.S.2d 870 (N.Y. Sup., 1999). Obtained summary judgment for defendant dismissing retaliation claim under NY Human Rights Law.
  • Toro v. Depository Trust Co., 166 F.3d 1201 (2d Cir. 1998). Obtained dismissal of disability discrimination claims, affirmed by Second Circuit on appeal. 
Credentials
Education

J.D., George Washington University Law School, Notes Editor, George Washington Law Review, 1990, with honors

Ph.D., Fordham University, 2016

B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1987, with honors

Admissions

Connecticut

New Jersey

New York

U.S. Court of Appeals - Second Circuit, Third Circuit

U.S. District Courts - Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, District of New Jersey, District of Connecticut

Honors

Labor and Employment, Legal 500, 2016

Memberships

American Bar Association, Section of Labor and Employment

New York State Bar Association

New York City Bar Association, LGBT Rights Committee

LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York

Thought Leadership

"Developments in Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank and the SEC Whistleblower Program," 13th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, November 9, 2019