Christopher D. Pham

Senior Associate

Email: cpham@fredlaw.com
Office: 612.492.7388
Assistant: Brenda Haberman, 612.492.7678

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PRIMARY SERVICES

Sports & Entertainment
Litigation
Securities Litigation
Commercial Law
Shareholder & Partnership Disputes
Investment Management

“I believe in a service-focused, pragmatic approach in vigorously advocating for my clients’ legal rights, while working toward a timely and cost-effective resolution.”

Overview

Christopher helps clients navigate the inevitable business and personal matters they face every day.

Business Litigation

Christopher represents clients in complex cases involving securities and financial fraud, shareholder derivative and class actions, special litigation committee investigations, merger and acquisition litigation, investor-broker firm disputes, contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes, and SEC, FINRA and state regulatory proceedings.

Sports & Entertainment

As a Co-Chair of the Sports & Entertainment Practice Group, Christopher works with clients to manage the opportunities and challenges that have vast legal implications relating to both personal and business matters. Christopher is a trusted business advisor and vigorous advocate in protecting clients’ assets and maximizing the positive impact they can have on themselves, their families, and their communities.

Experience

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

Business Litigation

Defend global company in copyright infringement lawsuit involving alleged damages of over $120 million.
Serve as counsel for Special Litigation Committees retained by public companies, and private, family-owned company.
Obtain dismissal of $100+ million shareholder derivative claim in FINRA Arbitration.
Negotiate favorable settlement on behalf of client involved in a complex, multi-party, dispute with parallel proceedings – arbitration and state court – regarding alleged claims of fraud, defamation, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, conversion, and tortious interference.
Procure favorable resolution on behalf of client in connection with a Minnesota Department of Commerce investigation relating to a customer complaint for alleged unauthorized transactions.
Successfully obtain expungement of certain references to client’s registration records maintained by the Central Registration Depository (“CRD”).
Defend client in shareholder derivative lawsuit involving claims of alleged sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and breach of fiduciary duty, and ultimately obtained dismissal following the issuance of the Special Litigation Committee Report.

Sports & Entertainment

Represent NBA player in connection with estate planning.
Organize limited liability company and review marketing agreement on behalf of NBA player.
Serve as corporate counsel and draft business management services agreement on behalf of professional athlete management company.
Obtain complete recovery of contract damages against concert venue on behalf of entertainment company.
Procure favorable settlements in connection with two state court lawsuits, and negotiate dismissal of third state court lawsuit against the estate of a world-renowned, music icon.
Defend nightclub/concert venue against claims of alleged fraud and breach of contract.
Represent restaurant in negotiating lease agreement and advise regarding intellectual property.
Advise national DJ pursuing intellectual property protections.
Serve as corporate counsel for national entertainment and management company.
Negotiate favorable resolution on behalf of nightclub venue regarding lease dispute.

Articles & Presentations

The Effects of New York’s New Cyber Security Law

September 1, 2017

By Christopher D. Pham & N. Chethana Perera

Last year, banks worldwide experienced cyber attacks through the SWIFT messaging system.

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New York’s New Cybersecurity Regulation: What’s the Impact?

May 10, 2017

By Christopher D. Pham

With cyber intrusions becoming more common and sophisticated, the New York State Department of Financial Services has implemented a new regulation to combat these ever-increasing dangers.

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PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Featured in “Pro Bono Case Leads to Changes in St. Paul Schools,” Minnesota Lawyer, December 18, 2018
Featured in “Profiles in Practice,” Hennepin Lawyer, November/December 2018
Featured in “Minnesota Attorney Christopher Pham Helps Elevate Your Network,” Rollingout, February 5, 2018
Featured in “How This Young Attorney is Bringing Professionals Together in the Twin Cities,” Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, August 15, 2017
Featured in “The Future is Diverse. Is Your Company?” Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, July 21, 2017
Panelist, “Diversity in Business,” Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal Forum, July 13, 2017
Panelist, “Annual Meeting Panel Discussion,” Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, April 12, 2017
Panelist, “Diversity and Working Through Difference,” Hennepin County Bar Association Law Firm Leadership Program, April 2017
Co-Author, “Lien-In: The Use and Abuse of Marital Liens,” Bench & Bar of Minnesota, July 2013
“Championing Diversity in the Twin Cities,” Minneapolis University Rotary Club, July 1, 2013

Honors & Education

EDUCATION

Mitchell Hamline School of Law, J.D., 2009, cum laude
Chapman University, M.A., 2006
University of Minnesota, B.A., 2004

BAR ADMISSIONS

Minnesota, 2009
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 2009

HONORS

Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leader, Diversity MBA Magazine, 2019
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow, 2018
Minnesota Super Lawyers, Rising Star — Securities Litigation, 2015-present
Minnesota State Bar Association, North Star Lawyer, 2013-2018
Hennepin County Bar Association Diversity Award, 2013
Leonard E. Lindquist Pro Bono Award, 2013
Pro Bono Spirit Award, 2012

North Star Lawyer logo

Professional Activities

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers
Sports Lawyers Association
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
National Association of Asian American Professionals – Minnesota

COMMUNITY

Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Board of Trustees, 2018-Present
Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, Board of Directors, 2011-2017; Young Lawyers Group, Co-Chair, 2011-2017; and Member, 2011-Present
YouthLink, Legal Clinic Volunteer, 2010-Present
Hennepin County Housing Court Project, Legal Clinic Volunteer, 2010-Present
Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, Volunteer Attorney, 2012-Present
Cookie Cart, Board of Directors, 2012-2015
Volunteer Lawyers Network, Letters to Creditors Volunteer Attorney, 2012-2014
Tubman Safety Project, Volunteer Attorney, 2012-2014
YMCA, Downtown Community Board of Directors, 2011-2014