Overview

Christopher Conti dedicates his practice to providing clients with sophisticated legal solutions in the ever-changing field of labor and employment law. Throughout his career, Chris has vigorously defended unionized and non-unionized employers in wide spectrum of matters, including single-plaintiff wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and retaliation lawsuits, complex wage and hour class and representative PAGA matters, and trade secret/unfair competition claims. In addition to his litigation practice, Chris is well-versed in handling traditional labor disputes, labor arbitrations, union organizing drives, and unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board.

During his career, Chris has served as second-chair in two civil trials where he successfully obtained defense verdicts for his clients. He has also first-chaired multiple labor arbitrations and administrative hearings in matters concerning employee discipline, contract disputes, and bargaining unit composition.

Before joining Fisher Phillips, Chris was an associate at a national full-service firm and a mid-sized labor and employment firm. During this time, he gained experience in civil trials, employment and labor arbitration, collective bargaining, union-management relations and public sector law. While attending law school at the University of San Diego, Chris served as an extern for the Honorable John A. Houston, District Court Judge for the Southern District of California.

Experience

Obtained a complete defense verdict in a jury trial regarding claims of racial discrimination, harassment, and constructive
Defended multiple fast-food franchises in complex wage and hour and representative PAGA claims through resolution.
Possess substantial experience with union representation cases and organizing campaigns. Negotiated election agreement and assisted in successful anti-union campaign at a national grocery chain against the United Food and Commercial Workers.
Successfully defended causes of action for breach of contract, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and conversion as second chair in a five-day trial. During trial Mr. Conti successfully argued pretrial motions and made closing arguments.
Secured multiple victories as first chair in labor arbitrations concerning discipline and discharge of public and private.
Prevailed at arbitration in defense of a petition to modify a large county-wide collective bargaining unit filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers.
Secured a victory as first chair in arbitration involving a challenge to the unilateral modification of healthcare benefits offered by a national industrial corporation.
Effectively served as lead counsel for a large private client in the City of San Bernardino Chapter 9 Bankruptcy proceeding. During the proceeding, Mr. Conti filed a challenge to the City of San Bernardino’s eligibility for the protections of Chapter 9 along with CalPERS, and ultimately negotiated an amicable resolution for his client.
Frequently counsel cannabis employers on licensing and regulatory issues, including Labor Peace Agreement compliance and negotiation.

Representative Work

Jury Rejects Race Discrimination, Wrongful Constructive Termination Claims

Honors & Leadership

Professional Activities

Student Mentor, University of San Diego School of Law, Employment & Labor Law Society EmployMentor Program
San Diego County Bar Association
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce