Solving Business Problems

When business owners find themselves running into bumps in the road they turn to guys like Christopher Thayer. Litigation and trial practice is a big part of Chris’s background. This experience has sharpened his view of business and helps him spot potential trouble areas. He tries to coach business owners to be conscious of the fact that a company is a separate entity from their personal identity: “You have to be aware of which hat you are wearing at the table and that you are doing business as the company, not as an individual, to avoid or at least minimize potential personal liabilities.”

Since joining Larson Hart & Shepherd, PLLC in 1998, Chris has put his broad-based experience—including a successful track record in litigation—to work finding solutions to thorny problems for his clients.

“Regardless of the type of business you’re in, it is not uncommon to run into problems you hadn’t anticipated. Let’s face it, sometimes even people who used to see things the same way, or thought they did, end up in a dispute. In those situations the legal system gets to be the referee and it is important to have an advocate on your side. I work hard to earn my clients’ trust and try to take as much of the sting out of the process as possible.”

Seattle Personal Injury, Malpractice and Insurance

Chris went into law because it challenged him intellectually and helping people solve problems keeps him passionate about his work. In the personal injury arena, he finds his clients are often recovering from a life-changing event. “This has a huge impact, often for the rest of their lives, and I can do something about it. Often I can help them get closure through an apology or even by changing policies at a hospital. This is often just as important as a financial settlement.”

Chris helps clients who have been injured in serious accidents or in cases of medical malpractice. This involves working with clients to understand how the accident or malpractice affected their lives and then working hard to seek a fair settlement or resolution of their claims from the at fault parties or insurance companies. More information about Chris’ personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death practice areas can be found here:

Strong Local Connections

Chris grew up in Edmonds, Washington, and is proud of his deep roots in the community and the ongoing ties he develops with his clients. “I like to develop a relationship with my clients so they not only appreciate the services, but also like me as a person. I think that develops a sense of trust when they know I’m a hard worker looking out for their interests, not just going through one more project on my desk.”

Chris has been an officer and legal advisor to his UW fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and recently helped oversee a $500,000 effort to remodel the chapter house. Chris is also an amateur photographer who always has his digital camera at the ready to get that perfect shot. To see his photos, visit his online gallery.

Chris has a 10/10 rating with the online rating system Avvo. He is an active blogger and often posts informative and educational articles on his blog: www.seattlelawyerblog.blogspot.com

Professional Affiliations

Admitted to practice:

  • State of Washington
  • US District Court, Eastern and Western Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Memberships:

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington State Association for Justice
  • King County Bar Association, Judicial Screening Committee
  • Snohomish County Bar Association
  • Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association

Education:

  • University of Washington, BA, 1990
  • Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law, Portland, JD, 1993
Christopher L. Thayer

Christopher L. Thayer

Practice Areas

  • Business Law
  • Litigation
  • Commercial, Banking & Financial Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Wrongful Death

“It was wonderful working with Chris. We had no worries about how he handled our case in the wrongful death of our mother. Not only did we receive a nice settlement, he was easy to deal with and never lost sight of how hard it was for us. We are eternally grateful for this.”
Cindy Poirier
Greensburg, PA

For detailed information on Chris’s practice areas, and for updates on current legal issues, please visit:

What To Do if You’re Involved In an Auto Accident