Contract & Commercial, Intellectual Property, Professional Liability, Securities, White Collar Criminal
Chris Kearney uses proactive litigation strategies to protect large, publicly traded companies, and privately held organizations in complex trade secrets disputes, as well as accountants and lawyers in high-stakes professional liability matters. Mr. Kearney has represented one of the largest U.S. based accounting firms in more than two dozen actions involving breach of contract, professional negligence and fraud claims throughout the Western United States. His experience at a Big Four accounting firm has given him a sharp understanding of financial and damage issues as they affect legal clients. He has also represented individuals and firms in matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We successfully defended at trial an Am Law 50 law firm and one of its former partners against a $100 million claim. The plaintiff alleged malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty related to estate planning. After an eight-week trial in California state court, we won a complete victory.
We represented Toppan Photomasks Inc., a manufacturer within the semiconductor industry, against a $500 million trade secret misappropriation claim. After our aggressive attack on the plaintiff’s case, we achieved a “walk away” dismissal of the trade secret claim prior to trial.
We represented a venture capitalist who sought damages against a large bank for failing to pay out as promised after the sale of a business. Following mediation, we obtained a cash and stock settlement of more than $10 million, including difficult-to-value stock interests in two businesses.
Our lawyers represented a global provider of microimaging solutions in a breach of agreement suit brought by six former employees. After we defeated the plaintiffs’ motions seeking injunctive relief, the case proceeded to arbitration in Texas, where the matter was settled on favorable terms to our clients.
BASF’s Equality Committee is bringing together thought leaders to discuss the advancement of diversity in the legal profession. Read more
The firm receives top rankings for bet-the-company, intellectual property, criminal defense, securities, commercial, legal malpractice, and appellate litigation. Read more
Ben Hur and Chris Kearney knock down class certification, protecting their client from millions in damages. Read more
Mr. Kearney served as BASF's Treasuer during 2011. Read more
Keker & Van Nest partners were recognized in more than ten categories, including bet-the-company litigation, criminal defense, and intellectual property litigation. Read more