Chris Raney has litigated business, commercial, and personal injury matters throughout Texas over the last 20 years. He is a seasoned litigator that has tried cases to judges, juries, and arbitrators in Texas state and federal courts. Chris has drafted and argued dispositive motions, appellate briefs, and virtually every other type of brief, motion, or pleading. Chris takes a creative, aggressive approach to litigation to achieve the client’s strategic objectives in the courthouse or to avoid one altogether.
Trial/Arbitration
- Tried case on behalf of directors of nonprofit corporation against claims of breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing to favorable jury verdict (Laredo, 2022)
- Served as member of trial team in defense of Fortune 100 medical device manufacturer against claims of negligence and wrongful death that resulted in a favorable jury verdict after a 7-day trial (Houston, 2019)
- Tried wrongful termination case on behalf of an anesthesia practice that resulted in complete defense arbitration award (San Antonio, 2018)
- Tried commercial lease dispute over a nationwide restaurant franchise to a favorable judgment in a bench trial (Austin, 2016)
- Obtained complete defense verdict on behalf of a computer forensics company in arbitration proceeding involving membership dispute (Houston, 2016)
- Obtained complete defense verdict for medical device manufacturer in 3-day jury trial in federal court (Houston, 2014)
- Tried commercial dispute over zoning and construction issues to jury verdict (Dallas, 2014)
- Tried high exposure EBITDA earn-out dispute to favorable arbitration award (Chicago, 2012)
- Tried numerous contract disputes to judgment in Texas state courts (Houston 2012, 2013)
- Obtained complete defense judgments defending real estate developer in arbitration proceedings over the purchase and sale of luxury, high-rise condominium units in Galveston, Texas (Houston, 2009)
- Tried breach of contract case over the sale of a private jet to jury verdict (Oklahoma City, 2008)
Recent Favorable Outcomes
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of commercial real estate developer over the sale of a tract of land in a mixed-use development (2024)
- Obtained summary judgment for youth treatment facility in commercial real estate dispute (2024)
- Obtained dismissal of professional negligence claim against Texas-based law firm in bet-the-company litigation in Houston bankruptcy court (2024)
- Prevailed on motion to dismiss for client dental practice over allegations of wrongful death (2024)
- Obtained summary judgment for board of directors of Texas nonprofit corporation in lawsuit alleging ultra vires conduct and breach of fiduciary duty (2024)
- Prevailed on motion to dismiss for insurance agents in dispute over life insurance policies (2024)
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of notary sued for professional negligence in a real estate transaction (2024)
- Obtained complete dismissal on behalf of technology provider in dispute over the design and development of software system (2023)
- Obtained and defeated applications for injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions, in restrictive covenant, corporate governance, defamation, and other business disputes
- Has successfully resolved hundreds of lawsuits through mediation, lawyer-to-lawyer negotiations, and other alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Admissions
- Texas
- U.S. District Courts for Texas, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Houston Gator Club
- Jesuit Bar Association
Education
- J.D., South Texas College of Law, Magna cum laude, 2005
- Order of the Lytae
- Assistant Articles Editor, South Texas Law Review
- Member, Currents International Trade Law Journal
- B.A., University of Florida, summa cum laude, 2002
Internships
- Justice Evelyn Keyes, 1st Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas
- Judge Joseph Halbach, 333rd District Court, Houston Texas
Honors
- Best Lawyers in America® distinction in Commercial Litigation (2022-2025)
- Houston’s “Top Lawyers” by H Texas Magazine, Commercial Litigation (2010, 2011, 2013)
- Rising Stars® distinction in the fields of Business Litigation, Civil Litigation: Defense and Employment Litigation: Defense (2013-2021)