University of Michigan Law School,
J.D., 2003
University of Michigan,
B.A., graduated with High Distinction, 2000
Illinois
Illinois USDC, Northern District
Michigan USDC, Eastern District
US Ct Appeals, 7th Circuit (Covers IL, IN, WI)
Chicago Bar Association, Member, Judicial Evaluation Committee, Investigative Division
Equip for Equality (non-profit)
Whistleblower Policy Compliance Officer
University of Michigan Alumni Association
Included in "Illinois Super Lawyers" (by Thomson Reuters) Rising Stars list, 2009-2018
Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 2013-Present
Associate, 2003-2012
Foley & Lardner
Summer Associate, 2001
John D. Dingell, U.S. House of Representatives
Assistant Campaign Manager
Dr. Dennis MacShane, U.K. House of Commons
Issue Researcher
Christina Berish acts as a legal advisor and trial counsel in commercial matters.
She has substantial experience handling all stages of litigation – both in and out of the courtroom – and has appeared in state and federal courts conducting pre-trial proceedings, trials and appeals. Some of her notable areas of representation have involved shareholder disputes, corporate valuation and dissolution, contract enforcement, employer-employee disputes, fraud and business torts and property litigation. Among other affiliations, Christina serves on the Chicago Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Committee. Christina has been recognized by her peers in the Illinois edition of "Super Lawyers" (by Thomson Reuters) from 2009-2018 as a "Rising Star" and is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. Her representative matters include:
Shareholder Disputes And Corporate Dissolution
Regularly represents majority shareholders and LLC members in breach of fiduciary duty, corporate valuation, and breach of contract proceedings.
Represented minority shareholder in breach of fiduciary duty and squeeze-out, resulting in favorable settlement.
Defended minority shareholder in arbitration against multi-million dollar indemnity claim, resulting in no liability.
Commercial And Business Litigation
Obtained jury verdict for employer against former employee after 6-day trial where employee sought additional alleged compensation.
Defended a transit authority's award of a $1.3 Billion railcar contract, resulting in the authority's award being affirmed.
Defended charitable gifts to higher education and religious entities in a will contest proceeding.
Obtained favorable settlement for public company in dispute with software vendor.
Defended alleged infringer in federal copyright case, obtaining summary judgment and a judgment for defense attorneys' fees.
Obtained injunction order for public company, requiring defendant to abide by parties' real estate contract.
Obtained numerous judgments for clients in breach of contract matters.
Fraud And Business Torts
Defended public company against nationwide competitor on federal antitrust and tortious interference claims.
Represented investment advisor against former business partner, turned competitor, resulting in favorable settlement before trial.
Represented a bankruptcy trustee prosecuting a fraudulent transfer. After a bench trial, bankruptcy court awarded client-trustee the full amount sought.
Appeals
Defended commercial tenant against landlord seeking to invalidate contract, arguing appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals with unanimous appellate ruling for client, reversing lower court judgment.
Defended officer of a corporation in action to pierce corporate veil to hold him personally liable for corporate debts. Obtained summary judgment, affirmed by United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Obtained summary judgment on appeal for defendant insurance company against insured.
Successfully attacked standing of out-of-state members of potential class action on a motion to dismiss, with the dismissal affirmed on appeal.
Represented bank after property owners appealed orders of judicial sale, judgment affirmed on appeal.
How to End a Business Relationship Without Litigating
Court grants TRO preventing abrupt termination of essential services during COVID-19
Protecting the identity of your LLC members, LP partners in litigation, Part I: Motions to remand
“CB on the Law: January 2019 Newsletter”
January 2019
“CB on the Law: Fall 2018 Newsletter”
September 2018
"Protecting the Identity of Your LLC Members & LP Partners in Litigation, Part II: Strategies for Discovery";
March 2015
"Protecting the Identity of Your LLC Members & LP Partners in Litigations Part I: Motions to Remand";
February 2015
“The Name Game: Preventing Trademark Infringement against Newly Formed Businesses”;
Illinois State Bar Association, Corporation, Securities & Business Law Forum, Vol. 48, No. 3, March 2003
"Effectively Forming Corporations & Choice of Entity,"
The Rossdale Group, July 2018
“Navigating Difficult Situations: Ethics For In-House Counsel,”
Thompson Coburn LLP, June 2018
“Taking & Defending Powerful Depositions CLE,”
The Rossdale Group, May 2017
"Client Confidentiality, Attorney-Client Privilege & Work Product Protection: What You Need to Know,"
Practising Law Institute (PLI), September 2016
"Reducing Risk: Corporate & Personal Guaranties,"
National Association of Credit Managers, June 2016
"Tips & Techniques to Defend Your Position,"
American Business Appraisers, May 2016
"Mastering Corporations, Partnerships, LLC's & Choice of Entity,"
The Rossdale Group, November 2015
"Creating the Perfect Partnership: Strategies to Protect You and Your Business,"
National Association of Women Business Owners Annual Conference, October 2015
"Powerful Trial Prep & Jury Selection CLE,"
The Rossdale Group, April 2015; September 2015
"Introduction to Securing Risk,"
National Association of Credit Managers, Midwest Conference, October 2010
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