S. Christopher Collier

Partner
Photo of S. Christopher Collier
4000 SunTrust Plaza
303 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308-3243

Christopher Collier is a partner in the Atlanta office of Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP. Chris represents individuals as well as businesses, ranging from family-owned businesses to Fortune 250 national and multinational corporations. Chris concentrates his practice in the areas of Premises Liability, Products Liability, Toxic Tort & Environmental Litigation, Transportation, and General Negligence.  

Chris focuses his practice in federal and state courts in Alabama and Georgia but has represented clients in numerous jurisdictions throughout the United States. In addition, Chris manages and coordinates litigation in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.

Chris believes in being personally available to his clients. Likewise, he understands the time demands and financial constraints faced by his clients, as he previously served in the role of Counsel-Litigation & Environmental for one of the nation’s Class I railroads.

Professional Experience

Premises Liability

Chris has successfully defended major retail and industrial companies in premises liability claims involving personal injury and wrongful death. He has also represented and advised a nationally-renowned resort in a variety of litigation ranging from slip and fall cases to injuries sustained during resort activities.

Recently, Chris obtained summary judgment in a difficult jurisdiction on behalf of an auto parts supplier.  This premises liability matter involved the definition of a static condition under Georgia law.  Chris is currently defending the appeal of this matter before the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Products Liability

Chris has represented a number of manufacturers in product liability actions involving a wide variety of products. He has defended against allegations of spoliation, product design defect, and failure to warn, among others. Chris recently defended and obtained several favorable resolutions for a brake remanufacturer in a number of claims involving a multi-vehicle accident due to an alleged product defect.  

Toxic Tort & Environmental Litigation

Chris has defended toxic tort and environmental litigation claims, including a substantial number of asbestos lawsuits, throughout his legal career. He has participated in all phases of the defense of these matters, from initial discovery through dispositive motions, expert discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial. 

Chris is actively involved in Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young's representation of several clients on a national counsel basis and participates in planning and coordinating national defense issues. He also serves as counsel for several additional clients on a regional and state-wide basis. Chris understands the dilemmas faced by companies in toxic tort and asbestos litigation, having advised one of the nation’s Class I railroads on issues related to asbestos liability from both a legal and business standpoint.

Transportation

Chris has defended and advised railroads, trucking companies, transloaders, and companies with fleets of delivery vehicles. He has represented these entities in all aspects of litigation, including claims involving personal injury and death.

General Negligence

Chris has handled numerous cases and advised clients in matters involving allegations of construction defects, bridge safety, insurance issues, computer security breach protocol, and non-specific general liability claims.

Professional affiliations

Community involvement

Honors

Trials

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Practice areas

Education

J.D., Emory University School of Law (1999)

B.A., Economics and Psychology, cum laude, Wake Forest University (1996)

Bar admissions

Courts