Christopher M. Farella

When employment issues, business practices, and criminal allegations intersect, attorney Chris Farella is most in his element.

An accomplished litigator and strategist, he represents companies and executives in employment law, business litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and attorney ethics matters in state and federal courts nationwide, as well as in arbitrations and mediations.

Strategic Defense for Corporate and Government Clients 

Clients rely on Chris to defend them at every stage of criminal and civil investigations and litigation. His diverse client base includes:

• pharmaceutical manufacturers,
• technology companies,
• financial institutions,
• health care companies and executives,
• governmental departments,
• federal and state agencies, and
• government officials.

His strategic approach and deep understanding of regulated industries and government entities enable him to effectively guide clients through the complexities and nuances of investigations and litigation.

Civil Litigation, Government Probes, and Internal Investigations

Throughout his career, Chris has regularly represented businesses in civil litigation, including state and federal cases involving contract disputes, restrictive covenants, and commercial fraud. Chris also has experience in grand jury probes and other criminal investigations, as well as agency investigations.

In addition, Chris is adept at conducting internal investigations for both public and private clients into claims of sexual harassment, whistleblower violations, and retaliation. Entities facing potential civil or criminal action by the government also call on Chris for assistance with their internal investigations.

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Employment Litigation and Preventive Counseling

Chris is a trusted advocate for employers. He handles complex employment litigation involving a variety of claims, including:

• employment discrimination,
• harassment,
• restrictive covenants,
• commercial fraud, and
• conspiracy.

Focused on finding practical solutions that minimize disruption, Chris helps employers anticipate problems and avoid litigation when possible.

eDiscovery and ESI: Guidance on Protocols

Clients rely on Chris’s guidance and best practices for collecting and preserving electronically stored information (ESI). His matters frequently involve a focus on forensic investigations of computer data. He offers creative solutions to resolve ESI protocol disputes with opposing counsel.

General Counsel Perspective on Risk and Litigation Strategy

Chris holds several leadership roles within Epstein Becker Green, including as a General Counsel. Combining his litigation experience and his General Counsel insight helps amplify his ability to identify and advise clients on risk, whether that involves proceeding to trial or settling a case, cooperating or challenging an investigation, or taking action in an unsettled regulatory space.

Thought Leadership on Investigations, Litigation, and Ethics

Chris is an author and lecturer on the following subjects:

• harassment investigations,
• wrongful termination claims,
• commercial litigation issues,
• attorney ethics, and
• ethics relating to ESI and artificial intelligence.

He is also a former Chair of the Supreme Court of New Jersey District Ethics Committee.

Professional Background: In-House and Judicial Roles

Before joining Epstein Becker Green, Chris served as an Assistant General Counsel at the North American headquarters of a global pharmaceutical company. After graduating from law school, Chris began his legal career serving as a clerk for the Honorable Louis F. Locascio of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Freehold.

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• Listed in New Jersey Super Lawyers: Employment Litigation: Defense, Business Litigation, and Criminal Defense: White Collar (2007 to 2011, 2017 to 2020). 

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Learn more about the award selection criteria and ranking methodology.

Education

• Seton Hall University School of Law (J.D., 1994)
• Rutgers University – New Brunswick (B.A., 1991)

Professional & Community Involvement

• New Jersey Bar Association, Federal Practice & Labor & Employment Committees
• Essex County Bar Association