Christopher Paul Galanek
Christopher Paul Galanek
Christopher Paul Galanek
Biography
Chris Galanek is a trial lawyer. He handles complex commercial litigation matters and arbitrations involving business disputes, unfair competition, and breaches of fiduciary duty and employment disputes.
A significant portion of Chris’ practice is litigating claims arising out of employment relationships, including discrimination and retaliation claims, whistle blower claims and wage disputes. For more than 25 years he has also litigated the enforceability of noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants and litigating trade secret disputes in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Chris also frequently advises clients on the protection of their trade secrets, the scope of proper post-employment restrictions and the competitive recruitment of employees.
The various complex litigation matters handled by Chris in the last several years include consumer class actions and class arbitrations for electronic payment processers and financial institutions; disputes between payment processers, ISO’s, MSP’s and merchants; unfair competition and false advertising claims, and real estate and eminent domain disputes.
Chris is familiar with, and has participated in, various forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration both as an advocate and as a neutral.
Civic Involvement & Honors
- Chambers USA, Georgia, Litigation - General Commercial (2015-2025)
- Georgia Super Lawyer (2007-2023)
- Leadership North Fulton – Class of 2007
- The Marist School – Booster Club Board, 2009-2014; Vice President of Communications (2013-2014).
- Northside Youth Organization – Baseball Coach (2001-2014)
- Board Member Whitehead Boys and Girls Club (2010-2013)
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Bleckley Inn of Court, Master
Admissions
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Georgia, 1991
Education
University of Georgia, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 1991
University of Georgia, B.B.A., 1986
Related Capabilities
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Business & Commercial Disputes
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Employment & Labor
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Real Estate
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Sports, Media & Entertainment
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Eminent Domain
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Real Estate Disputes
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Non-Compete, Trade Secret & Employee Unfair Competition
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Investigations
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Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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Regulation, Compliance & Advisory
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Employment Class & Collective Actions
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Cross-border Employment Issues
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Sports & Event Financing
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Environmental and Toxic Tort
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Contract, Endorsement & Celebrity Representation
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Anti-Doping
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Sports & Event Venue Real Estate Infrastructure & Operation
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Naming Rights & Sponsorship
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Sports & Entertainment M&A
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Sports, Media & Entertainment Litigation
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Collegiate Sports
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Entertainment Industry
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Olympic & National Governing Bodies
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Professional Sports Team Representation
Resources
Publications
- "A Re-Evaluation of Arbitration in Light of Class Actions and Appeal Rights: Is it Still Worth It?" Georgia Bar Journal, vol. II, no. I, co-authored with Jennifer Dempsey, 2005
- "Recent Developments Regarding the American Arbitration Association's Interpretation of its Class Action Rules," PoGo Alert, 2004
- "The Impact of the Zolin Decision on the Crime-Fraud Exception to the Attorney Client Privilege," 24 L. Rev. 1115, 1990
Speaking Engagements
- “Trade Secret and Competitive Restriction Update,” 23rd Annual National Intellectual Property Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium, 2011
- "Reactive Covenants in Georgia; Be Afraid, Very Afraid," The Kettering Group Quarterly Meeting, 2007
- "The Nuts and Bolts of Post-Employment Competition Restrictions in Georgia," Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, 2007
- "Building and Protecting Your Workforce," RCB Eagles Discussion Panel, 2007
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