Chris Pace has tried and prevailed in more than 20 cases, and he has orally argued and prevailed in over 25 appeals. Chris represents clients in commercial disputes, trade secrets and unfair competition cases, money laundering and other criminal investigations and prosecutions, and federal antitrust and RICO actions (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act).
Chris has appeared on behalf of Fortune 500 companies in cases across the country, including in multidistrict litigation proceedings. He has represented health care-related entities on numerous occasions in class actions, commercial disputes, and investigations by the Department of Justice, state attorneys general, and regulatory agencies. Chris also has frequently been engaged by both corporations and individuals to investigate, or defend against, allegations of money laundering, trade secrets misappropriation, and bribery/corruption.
Prior to joining Jones Day, Chris had a diverse career that included service as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. He is a member of the Florida, California, District of Columbia, New York, and Texas bars.
Experience
The following represents experience acquired prior to joining Jones Day.
Secured summary judgment for a health insurer/managed care company against a nationwide certified class of health care providers who alleged that the company conspired with other insurers to under-reimburse the providers. Also represented the company on a successful appeal upholding the summary judgment award. At an earlier stage in the litigation, the case involved a successful petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, which reversed a court of appeals decision and held that certain of the provider plaintiffs' claims against the company needed to be resolved in arbitration.
Defeated antitrust and RICO claims brought against a health insurer/managed care company and a health care technology company in a California multidistrict litigation proceeding and a separate New Jersey case. The plaintiffs alleged in their claims that the companies engaged in nationwide conspiracies to suppress the amounts that out-of-network health care providers were reimbursed for their services.
Represented investment bank in action brought by commercial bank alleging that investment bank stole commercial bank's trade secrets and largest clients in a South American country. Obtained ruling from federal district court reversing ex parte temporary restraining order and holding that law of the South American country had to apply to commercial bank's claims, including its theft of trade secrets claim. Case thereafter resolved by confidential settlement.
Conducted internal investigation for financial services company into reports of bribes and improper payments to foreign officials (and associated money laundering) by intermediaries and advising on appropriate action to take in connection with intermediaries as a result of investigation.
Conducted internal investigation for conglomerate company into allegations of bid-rigging involving one of the company's subsidiaries. Following investigation and disclosure to the government, subsidiary resolved bid-rigging issues civilly, without criminal charges being brought.
Defeated motion for preliminary injunction brought against real estate development company following several days of evidentiary hearings. Motion sought to enjoin company's sale of real estate project to highest bidder at auction after original sale of project failed to close. Judgment later entered affirming company's right to sell project to highest bidder.
Represented general counsel of health care company in connection with Department of Justice and Securities & Exchange Commission investigations into potential criminal and civil violations over the operation of the company and its eventual failure. Investigation resolved with no criminal or SEC charges filed against general counsel.Represented former investment banker in connection with grand jury investigation into alleged fraud and improper payments to government officials in connection with swap agreements entered by governmental entity. Investigation resolved without criminal or civil charges being brought against investment banker.
Represented consumer products company in a false advertising class action in Florida federal court. Prevailed on motion to dismiss against the plaintiff's false advertising claims. Thereafter defeated the plaintiff's motion to certify a class as to the remaining claims because the decision to purchase the product at issue involved many individualized variables. Plaintiff dismissed lawsuit after losing class certification.
Represented a pharmacy benefits manager in a federal grand jury investigations into whether various pharmaceutical manufacturers violated "best price" or kickback provisions of federal law as a result of their arrangements with company, which resulted in no charges brought against either the pharmacy benefits manager or its employees.
Speaking Engagements
- April 4, 2017
Emerging Trends in Consumer Fraud Class Action Litigation - February 26, 2015
Answering the Door When the Government Knocks: Effectively Responding to Government Investigations - October 22, 2013
Overcoming Challenges to Implementing and Preparing for New Litigation Risks in Light of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), American Conference Institute’s 4th Annual Advanced Forum on Managed Care Disputes and Litigation – Southern Edition - May 22, 2012
Defending Against Class Action Lawsuits in an Era of Increased Litigiousness: Medical Necessity, Beneficiaries and Privacy, American Conference Institute’s 2nd Advanced Forum on Managed Care Disputes & Litigation - March 16, 2012
Failing Lenders: Dueling Bankruptcy Cases, Bank Holding Company Debtors, and Other Key Issues, American Bankruptcy Institute's Bankruptcy Battleground West Conference - November 9, 2011
Analyzing and Defending Against the New Theories Espoused By Plaintiffs to Certify a Class, American Conference Institute's Managed Care Disputes and Litigation Forum
- University of Pennsylvania (J.D. 1990; Graduated first in class; Executive Editor, Law Review; Winner, Keedy Cup Moot Court Competition); Southern Methodist University (B.B.A. 1987; Graduated first in major)
- Florida, California, District of Columbia, New York, and Texas
- Successfully prosecuted numerous complex criminal cases as Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida (1995-1998)
Chambers USA (2013-2019)
Florida Super Lawyers (2014-2019)
Florida Trend magazine's "Legal Elite" (2011-2012)
Best Lawyers in America (2012-2020)
Legal 500 (2009 and 2013)
"Litigation Star," Benchmark Litigation (2010-2019)
Outstanding AUSA Award, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida (1996)
- Law Clerk to: Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, U.S. Supreme Court (1992-1993) and Judge Alex Kozinski, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1991-1992) and extern to Judge Edward Becker, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (1990)