Overview
Chris Yeatman represents clients from a diverse range of industries in environmental and other complex litigation matters. He leverages his background as an environmental consultant to counsel clients on regulatory developments at the state and federal level, in addition to any associated pre-litigation risks. Chris’ experience in hydrogeology provides a firm grasp of the technical issues underlying natural resource damages and toxic tort suits.
Chris serves a wide range of clients, helping them navigate a variety of commercial disputes, including those involving breach of contract, deceptive trade practices, products liability, and class actions. He also handles regulatory matters, having advised clients on navigating the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Chris approaches these challenges with the attendant business and reputational risks in mind.
Chris maintains an active pro bono practice and represents incarcerated individuals seeking to redress civil rights violations under Section 1983 or obtain post-conviction relief.
- Illinois
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- J.D., University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, 2022, summa cum laude; Associate Editor, UA Little Rock Law Review
- B.S., Sewanee: The University of the South, 2015, magna cum laude
Representative Matters
- Representing manufacturing site predecessor in various suits, including state actions for natural resources damages, related to alleged contribution of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to the soil and groundwater.
- Represented consumer products manufacturers in unfair competition, false advertising, and deceptive trade practices litigation brought in various jurisdictions around the country.
- Representing wood products manufacturer in Lanham Act litigation pertaining to international beverage additives market.
- Settled products liability action against wood preservative manufacturer in anticipated property damages litigation.
- Provided initial case assessment to trade association in potential citizen’s suit against Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenging its failure to follow statutory deadlines.
- Advised client introducing new product to the market on notice and review procedures under Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
- Represented trade association in filing of amicus curiae brief supporting rehearing of suit with potential to ease standard for class certification.
News & Publications
Client Alerts
Phase II of NEPA Reforms Raises Questions for Permit Applicants; Comments Due by September 29, 2023
August 22, 2023
By: Sally Mordi, Chris Yeatman
Client Alerts
Congress Streamlines NEPA as Part of Debt Ceiling Package: How Much Has Really Changed?
June 27, 2023
Client Alerts
EPA Proposes Significant New Use Rule for the Manufacturing or Processing of 330 Inactive PFAS
February 2, 2023
By: Sally Mordi, Chris Yeatman