Christopher R.J.Pace (Chris)

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 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.