Chris Gray

I love helping to solve my clients’ legal problems. I understand that every person and every case is unique. Since the facts of every case are different, and the facts matter, I will spend the time necessary to learn the details of each case I accept.

Education

• B.A. / University of Florida 1984
• J.D. / University of Florida 1991

Memberships & Admissions

• Florida
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

I love helping to solve my clients’ legal problems. I understand that every person and every case is unique. Since the facts of every case are different, and the facts matter, I will spend the time necessary to learn the details of each case I accept. For most of my clients they are entering the legal system for the first time. I believe it is my responsibility to help them feel comfortable with the process and help reduce the stress they experience. I believe lawyers, like doctors, should have good “bedside manner.”

I focus the majority of my litigation practice on employment claims, including False Claims Act cases, but I also handle select personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases. I suspect there are few lawyers that have tried numerous employment cases to verdict, including whistleblower, sexual harassment, disability, age and gender discrimination cases, that also litigate wrongful death and complex defective product matters.

Recognition

Over nearly three decades I have won substantial verdicts for my clients in State and Federal courtrooms and have represented clients before Federal and State appellate judges. If it is necessary to try your case before a jury, I will work diligently to make sure both you and I are prepared. Unlike lawyers who use the same playbook for every type of case, I use creativity and strategic thinking to give my clients the extra margin necessary for victory.

I consider myself fortunate to have been recognized for the following achievements by my fellow lawyers and well-known organizations:

• Voted by my peers – “Best Lawyers in America” since 2006.
• Named among Florida’s “Super Lawyers”
• Selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the state of Florida
• Recognized as “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend magazine

A more personalized recognition came from a respected partner and litigation manager for a multi-state employment defense firm. When asked to name a litigator she feared most during an interview for a national publication, she explained:

I have been up against hundreds of talented, aggressive, intelligent and prepared litigators — all of whom I learned something new. For example, I routinely litigate against Chris Gray. He and his team are excellent litigators who are hardworking and understand how to persuade juries. They often bring new perspectives to our cases that demonstrate creativity and passion for their clients.

Moving repeatedly when I was young and working abroad before attending law school provided me with valuable experiences that have strengthened my legal practices and relationships in and out of the office. Along with allowing me to identify with a diverse group of clients, my background has given me a unique perspective that enables me to address disputes with sensible, practical, and innovative solutions.

I’m a native Floridian but have also lived in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., and Bad Homburg Germany. I earned a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1984 and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in finance. Over the next four years, I worked as a Program Analyst in Frankfurt, pursued a Master’s degree in accounting, and traveled extensively throughout Europe. In 1989 I returned to the University of Florida and met Wolfgang Florin on the first day of law school; he quickly became my close friend, and later, one of my future law partners.

I believe life is short and seek to fill my time with enjoyable and meaningful experiences, most of which involve the outdoors. Based on time, not necessarily success, I could be described as an avid salt-water fisherman. For many years, my wife, two sons and I have spent countless hours on the tranquil waters surrounding the Florida Keys. I also enjoy hiking and participate in weekly community soccer matches. I appreciate all types of humor and think I’m funny, which apparently is debatable according to my immediate family.